Hayai Shiru (fast soup).
Serves: 2
David Gholson
Uncle Lawrence spent time In Japan, and others in the family. If you want fast food in Japan, there are few choices, something on a bamboo sliver called yaki sobri, (chicken skins, veggies etc) or Hayai Shiru (fast soup). In a given city block in Yokohama or Yokosuko, there would be a dozen street vendors and twice that in small storefronts selling (stuff on a stick) or Hayai Shiru.
The recipe looks complicated, but it is actually easy, The ingredients are cheap and preparation time is very fast.
An average Shiru booth would cook this from scratch in a very hot wok in less than a minute. The Japanese style is to have the proportions exact (to fit on the spoon). This is a great appetizer and enables you to show off while preparing an unusual soup. Practice it once and you will see how simple it is and be prepared for company
1 splash olive oil
1/4 small onion, diced across in 1/8 inch slices
3 tablespoons ginger, cut as below
1/4 cup zucchini, sliced like the ginger
2 slices deli ham, thick slices
1/4 bell pepper, sliced like the ginger
2 ribs bok choy
2 cans chicken broth
Heavy dash soy sauce (or oyster sauce or fish sauce)
Diced green onions
Slice the ginger lengthwise in 1/8 inch thick slices. Turn over and again, make 1/8 inch slices. (Makes matchsticks). Cut sticks 1/2 inch long. Each piece is now 1/8 in. by 1/8 in by 1/2 in. (A shiru chef prides himself on the exact proportions of his ingredients.)
Cut zucchini into matchsticks like the ginger.Slice the deli ham like the ginger. Slice the bell pepper like the ginger.
Separate the green leafy part of the bok choy (looks like spinach)from the rib. Slice the white rib (looks like celery) in 1/8 inch slices. Tightly roll the green leafy parts together, then slice into 1/8 inch slices. This makes long thin strips.
In a hot wok or large skillet put one good splash of olive oil, the onions and ginger.
In 30 seconds after the onions simmer, add the white part of the Bok Choy and cook for 60 seconds..
Add the green pepper, zucchini and ham, cook for 90 seconds.
Add the broth and green part of the Bok Choy and bring to a full rolling boil. Add the soy sauce, then cook for 30 seconds. (If you prefer, you can use oyster sauce or fish sauce in place of the soy sauce.)
Serve with diced green onions.
Learn to say Fast Soup, Hayai Shiru (hi ya shear you)
Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.