Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe

If you’re looking to transform a simple weeknight dinner into a delightful culinary adventure, come along as I dive into this incredibly flavorful Chayote Squash Soup with Ground Pork—your taste buds are in for a treat! 🌟✌️

I love how the Vietnamese chayote squash soup with ground pork is so packed with flavor that you can barely believe it. The crunch of julienned chayote, the richness of the pork, and the touch of garlic all swim together nicely in the chicken broth.

This combination makes for a lovely autumn soup that nourishes and alternates between refreshing and comforting in flavor. Also, it just has a few ingredients (when you consider the protein, the squash, and the broth), which means they all sing quite nicely when blended together.

Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe Ingredients

• Chayote Squash: Low in calories, good for hydration, and rich in fiber.
• Ground Pork: High-protein ingredient that adds richness and depth.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers umami and a robust savory flavor, enhancing authenticity.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, with health benefits like boosting immunity.
• Cilantro: Adds freshness and acts as a flavorful garnish, also rich in antioxidants.

Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large chayote squash, peeled and julienned
• 200 grams ground pork
• 1 liter chicken or pork broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s exuding a come-hither scent, roughly 1 minute.

2. Add the pork to the pot and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the chicken or pork broth and bring it to a gentle boil.

4. Combine the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. When the broth is at a gentle simmer, toss in the chayote squash, cut into matchsticks.

6. About 5-7 minutes of cooking should render the chayote tender and crisp.

7. Chop the green onions and add them to the pot. Stir to combine.

8. Shut off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes so that the flavors can merge.

9. Bowls are to be ladled with soup.

10. Before serving, top with fresh cilantro that has been finely chopped. Then dig in and savor the tastes of this Chayote Squash Soup with Ground Pork, a delicious and simple Vietnamese dish.

Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Medium heat source (stove)
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Bowl
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Ladle
8. Bowls for serving

FAQ

• What is chayote squash, and where can I find it?Chayote squash, a vegetable with a mild taste, is shaped like a pear and is widely used in cooking in both Vietnamese and Latin American culinary styles. Most Asian or Latin American grocery stores carry chayote.
• Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?Substituting ground pork with an equal quantity of “preferred” ground meat such as chicken, turkey, or beef will result in a very similar dish.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?To render it fit for a vegetarian diet, leave out the ground pork and sub in vegetable broth. For texture and flavor, incorporate tofu or mushrooms.
• How can I make the soup spicier?To kick up the heat, you can toss in some sliced-up chili pepper. Or you could hit the sauce with a dash of chili oil or sriracha, to taste.
• How long does the soup take to prepare and cook?The meal can be prepared and cooked in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, which makes it a fast and simple dish.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?You can make the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will be good for 3 days. The flavors will intensify over time.
• What can I serve alongside this soup?Accompany the soup with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread for a full meal. It goes very well with light salads or simple vegetable dishes.

Vietnamese Chayote Squash Soup Ground Pork Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chayote squash: If unavailable, use zucchini or yellow squash.
Pork that has been ground: It is possible to substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Instead of fish sauce, use soy sauce. It will change the flavor a bit, but it will work.
Oils for sautéing: Sautéing can be done using olive oil and canola oil as substitutes.
Broth made from chicken or pork: Instead, one can use vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Browning For an extra boost of flavor, brown the ground pork thoroughly before adding the broth. Let it caramelize a bit by cooking it over medium-high heat, which helps develop deeper flavors.

2. Layered Seasoning Season the pork lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper while browning it. This layering of flavors enhances the overall taste of the soup.

3. Infuse with Aromatics Consider adding a piece of ginger, sliced thinly, when you sauté the garlic. This will give the broth a warm, spicy undertone that complements the chayote and pork.

4. Boost Umami with Mushrooms Add a handful of sliced shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms to the soup along with the chayote. This adds a depth of umami flavor and more texture.

5. Finish with Lime Right before serving, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice into the soup. The acidity brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory ingredients.