Best Easy West Lake Beef Soup Recipe

Silky minced beef and egg whites create a refined, velvety Hangzhou soup named after the iconic lake. This high protein, elegant family soup is surprisingly low calorie and gentle on the palate.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 120 kcal
#high protein #low calorie #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • beef sirloin, finely minced 8 oz
  • egg whites 4 pieces
  • silken tofu 1 cup
  • scallion, finely chopped 1 cup
  • cilantro, chopped 1 cup
  • water 4 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • cornstarch 2 tbsp
  • white pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • sesame oil 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 23%
Protein 17 g 57%
Fat 3 g 20%
Serving size 250g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine the finely minced beef with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that rises for a clear soup.

  3. 3

    Lower the heat to medium and add the marinated beef, stirring in gently to prevent clumping. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the beef just loses its pink color.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the egg whites in a thin stream while gently stirring the soup in one direction to create silky strands.

  5. 5

    Add silken tofu cubes and allow to heat through for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Season the soup with the remaining salt, white pepper, and sesame oil, adjusting to taste.

  6. 6

    Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water, then drizzle into the soup while stirring to slightly thicken the texture. Remove from heat immediately.

  7. 7

    Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro right before serving for freshness and color.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that gives West Lake Beef Soup its unique texture?
The key ingredients creating the signature velvety texture are the finely minced beef and softly poured egg whites. Together, they yield a delicate, silky consistency that defines this elegant soup.
Q. How do I prevent the beef from turning tough in the soup?
To keep the beef tender, use a gentle simmer and avoid overcooking—add the marinated minced beef to gently boiling water and simmer just until the beef is cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Marinating with cornstarch also helps keep the beef soft.
Q. What are some tips to achieve a silky, lump-free consistency when adding egg whites?
Reduce the heat to low before slowly drizzling whisked egg whites into the pot, stirring gently and consistently in one direction. Avoid vigorous boiling during this step to prevent egg whites from clumping or overcoagulating.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 120 kcal and 17 grams of protein. This high protein-to-calorie ratio makes it a smart choice for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal.
Q. Which search tags best describe the nutrition profile of this soup?
Based on its nutrition—17g protein, 7g carbs, and 3g fat per serving—this soup qualifies as high protein, low calorie, and diabetic friendly.
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