Fresh Fish Soup from the Old River Channel

Fresh Fish Soup from the Old River Channel

　　Along both sides of the Junma Ranch, there are hundreds of large farmhouse courtyards, all operating as restaurants serving Yellow River Estuary Fresh Fish Soup. In their spacious kitchens, rows of over ten large pots are lined up, some big enough to cook an entire sheep. Against the walls are several large pools filled with live fish from the old course of the Yellow River, including crucian carp, black carp, grass carp, catfish, yellow catfish, and more. Upon the guests’ request, the kitchen staff scoop the fish out of the pool, weigh them, then crouch down, step on the water hose with one foot, hold the fish with the left hand, and wield the knife with the right. In just a few swift strokes, they scale the fish clean. With a slight flick of the blade, they open the fish’s belly, remove the innards, and then slightly loosen their foot, letting the hose rinse the whole fish clean.

Next comes the cooking. The chefs heat the wok until it’s nearly red-hot, pour in oil until it smokes, then quickly add a large spoonful of scallions, ginger, garlic, dried chili peppers, and the like—immediately filling the air with a rich aroma. The cleaned fish are then added and stir-fried vigorously. Judging the timing perfectly, they pour in boiling hot water, cover the wok with a tall lid, and let it simmer. Before long, a milky-white, delicious fish soup is ready. As you take a careful sip of this fresh fish soup, the dining table falls into a hushed silence, filled only with the wonderful sound of soup being sipped. Nowadays, visitors to the Yellow River Estuary, while taking in the vast and magical natural scenery, can also treat their taste buds at a fish soup restaurant—truly another delightful experience.