Watercress Soup With Seafood

By
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
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Updated on 06/14/23
Blue ceramic bowl that depicts watercress and broth with a spoon in the side of the bowl . The bowl is on top os a plate and you can still see the root of the watercress in the bowl.

PoppyB / Getty Images

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 3 to 4 servings

There are many ways to make watercress soup—some recipes add a small amount of marinated beef or pork, while a Hakka version calls for adding shrimp balls. You can also leave out the meat or seafood altogether. In this simple version, fish fillets have been added to increase the soup's flavor.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fish fillets (such as halibut)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 to 1 large bunch fresh watercress (depending on your preference)
  • 1 piece fresh ginger
  • 1 green onion (Spring Onion, scallion)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Cut the fish fillets into thin slices or 3/4-inch cubes. Combine the salt, pepper and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Add the fish and let stand while preparing the other ingredients.

  3. Wash the watercress and pat dry. Cut the roots off the watercress, leaving about 1 inch. Roughly chop the watercress into 1 inch pieces.

  4. Finely chop the ginger to make 1 teaspoon. Finely chop the green onion, using both the white and green parts.

  5. In a large saucepan or wok, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil. Stir in the sugar and ginger. Let simmer for a minute, then add the fish.

  6. Bring back to a boil, then add the watercress and the green onion. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the fish is cooked and the watercress leaves are bright green and wilted.

  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and/or pepper if desired. ​

  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
106 Calories
1g Fat
7g Carbs
16g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 3 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 106
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 34mg 11%
Sodium 668mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Protein 16g
Calcium 36mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)