Lomi Soup is a beloved Filipino comfort food that offers a hearty and flavorful experience in every spoonful. Originating from the Philippines, it’s a warm, satisfying dish that has made its way into many Filipino homes, especially during rainy days or special occasions. It’s the perfect combination of rich broth, tender noodles, and savory toppings, making it a go-to meal when you need something comforting, filling, and nourishing.
The soup itself is flexible and can be adapted in a variety of ways, depending on what’s available in your kitchen or personal taste preferences. Whether you want a thick, creamy broth or something lighter with more vibrant flavors, Lomi Soup delivers in taste, texture, and satisfaction. And while it may seem complex, making it from scratch is surprisingly simple, provided you have the right ingredients and a bit of time.
So, if you’re ready to take on this delightful dish, let’s dive into the specifics-starting with the classic Lomi Soup recipe.
Lomi Soup Recipe
This recipe will guide you through preparing a traditional Filipino Lomi Soup, rich in flavor, texture, and heartiness. While it does call for a variety of ingredients, each one plays an essential role in creating the dish’s signature taste.
Ingredients Needed
- Egg noodles – Lomi Soup’s star ingredient. These thick, chewy noodles are the base of the dish, soaking up the flavors of the broth.
- Chicken or pork – These meats add richness to the soup, either in shredded form or in slices.
- Pork liver – A unique touch in Lomi that enhances the flavor, adding a slightly earthy note.
- Shrimp – For added depth, shrimp contributes a sweet and savory contrast.
- Broth – This can be homemade or store-bought, but a rich, meaty stock works best. Chicken or pork broth is most common.
- Garlic and onions – These aromatics form the flavor foundation, giving the broth that savory, sweet essence.
- Fish sauce (patis) – The essential seasoning that imparts the signature umami depth to the soup.
- Eggs – Beaten eggs are added into the soup at the end to create a silky texture and add richness.
- Cabbage – To add freshness and balance the heaviness of the noodles and meats.
- Green onions – For garnish, providing a pop of color and freshness.
- Cornstarch – To thicken the broth, giving it that luxurious consistency that’s both filling and comforting.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
- Create the Broth: In a separate large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onions until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Meats: Add the chicken (or pork) to the pot and sauté until browned. Stir in the pork liver and shrimp, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken or pork stock, stirring to combine with the meats and aromatics. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the Soup: Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water) to make a slurry. Gradually add this to the simmering broth to thicken it to your desired consistency. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the Noodles and Cabbage: Gently stir in the cooked noodles and cabbage. Allow them to simmer for about 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors and soften the cabbage.
- Add the Eggs: Drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup gently in one direction. The eggs will cook instantly, creating ribbons of silky texture.
- Season: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with fish sauce, salt, or pepper to your preference. You can also add a bit of soy sauce if you’d like a deeper, saltier flavor.
- Final Touches: Once everything is cooked and combined, remove the soup from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Lomi Soup brings its own unique contribution to the dish. Let’s break them down:
- Egg noodles: These noodles are thick and slightly chewy, absorbing all the delicious broth flavors. They serve as the perfect foundation for all the ingredients in the soup.
- Meat (Chicken/Pork): Both chicken and pork bring savory richness to the soup, but pork adds a bit more depth due to its fat content. Some people even use beef or a combination of meats for a unique twist.
- Pork liver: Though some might hesitate with organ meats, pork liver adds an intense flavor that complements the rich broth perfectly. It’s not overpowering, but it gives the soup a unique edge.
- Shrimp: The shrimp balances the heavier meats with its delicate, sweet flavor. It’s also an excellent source of protein and adds a slight brininess to the dish.
- Broth: Homemade broth (especially when made from scratch using bones) is ideal, but store-bought works fine as long as you choose a quality one. The broth ties everything together, and the richer it is, the better the soup will taste.
- Cornstarch: This thickening agent is what transforms the broth into that luxurious, almost gravy-like consistency. It adds a subtle, velvety texture to the soup.
- Eggs: They contribute richness and a silky texture that softens the other, more robust flavors in the dish. The eggs are added toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and to maintain their delicate texture.
Expert Tips
- Use homemade broth for the best flavor: While store-bought is convenient, homemade broth made from bones and herbs takes Lomi Soup to the next level. You can prepare it ahead of time to save on cooking time.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: When you add the beaten eggs to the broth, make sure to stir gently. Overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture, so the goal is silky ribbons of egg throughout the soup.
- Balance the seasoning: Fish sauce is essential in Lomi Soup, but don’t overdo it! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, soy sauce, or additional fish sauce.
- Customize the meat: Feel free to experiment with different meats. Some variations of Lomi Soup use beef, while others may include longganisa (Filipino sausage) for an added kick of flavor.
- Texture matters: The perfect Lomi should have a thick but smooth consistency-neither too soupy nor too dry. Be sure to adjust the cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired thickness.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe stays true to the traditional version of Lomi Soup, there are many ways you can adapt it:
- Vegan Lomi: Replace the meats with tofu or mushrooms, and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken or pork. The texture might change, but the depth of flavor can still be achieved by using ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and kombu.
- Seafood Lomi: If you’re a seafood lover, swap out the pork and chicken for a variety of seafood. Mussels, squid, and fish fillets can all be used to create a more coastal take on the soup.
- Spicy Lomi: For those who like a bit of heat, add some chopped red chilies or a dash of chili oil to the broth. This will give the soup an exciting kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the broth.
- Lomi with Fish Balls: Some versions of Lomi include fish balls, which are tender and lightly flavored, adding more texture and flavor to the soup.
Final Words
Lomi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a dish that embodies the comfort and warmth of Filipino cooking. It’s the kind of food that’s meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed with loved ones, often around a dinner table after a long day. The depth of flavor, the combination of textures, and the richness of the broth are what make this dish so satisfying and memorable.
No matter how you choose to tweak or personalize your version of Lomi Soup, it’s the type of meal that never fails to deliver on comfort and satisfaction. With every spoonful, you’re not just filling your stomach-you’re embracing a part of Filipino culinary culture, and in that, there’s a certain magic.
FAQs
What Is Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup is a traditional Filipino noodle soup made with thick egg noodles, a savory broth, and various meats such as chicken, pork, or seafood. It’s often enriched with vegetables and flavored with soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes fish sauce.
What Are The Main Ingredients In A Lomi Soup Recipe?
The key ingredients in a lomi soup recipe include egg noodles, chicken or pork, garlic, onion, soy sauce, fish sauce, vegetables (like carrots, cabbage, and green onions), and a flavorful broth made from meat stock or water.
How Do You Make The Broth For Lomi Soup?
The broth for lomi soup is usually made by simmering meat (chicken or pork) with garlic, onion, and other aromatics until tender. You can use store-bought chicken or pork broth, but making your own gives a richer flavor. Some recipes also include a bit of fish sauce or soy sauce for added depth.
Can You Make Lomi Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of lomi soup by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of meat stock. You can also load it up with more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for additional flavor.
What Type Of Noodles Are Used In Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup traditionally uses thick, yellow egg noodles. These noodles are chewy and soak up the savory broth well. They are different from regular ramen noodles, as they are thicker and have a more delicate texture.
Can Lomi Soup Be Made In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare lomi soup in advance. The noodles may absorb some of the broth when stored, so it’s recommended to store the noodles separately and then add them to the broth when reheating. This helps maintain the texture of the noodles.
Is Lomi Soup Spicy?
Lomi soup is typically not spicy, as it focuses more on savory and umami flavors. However, some variations may include chili peppers or a spicy dipping sauce on the side, so it can be made spicier to suit individual tastes.
What Are Some Common Variations Of Lomi Soup?
Common variations of lomi soup include adding shrimp, squid, or other seafood for a different flavor profile. In some regions of the Philippines, lomi may also include toppings such as hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, or chicharrón (crispy pork skin) for added texture.
How Long Does It Take To Make Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare. The cooking time mainly depends on how long you simmer the broth and cook the meat until tender. The noodles themselves cook relatively quickly, within 5-10 minutes.
What Should I Serve With Lomi Soup?
Lomi soup is often served with a side of fried garlic rice or pandesal (Filipino bread rolls). You can also offer vinegar, soy sauce, or chili oil as condiments for added flavor. Some people enjoy it with a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad.