Garlic-flavored Meat Soup (Yilan Style)

Steps

1. 1
   Prepare the bonito broth: bring approximately 1000cc of water to a boil with a small package of bonito flakes to infuse flavor.
2. 2
   Prepare bamboo shoots: remove rough outer skin, slice from the rounded side, gently flatten to make cutting easier, then cut into thin strips and add to the broth.
3. 3
   Add mushrooms and garlic: soak dried shiitake mushrooms and add to the soup along with a generous amount of minced fresh garlic, then simmer until softened.
4. 4
   Prepare the meat: slice pork tenderloin into thick pieces or strips, then marinate with white pepper, five-spice powder, a little soy sauce, and rice wine.
5. 5
   Season the meat: quickly mix marinated meat with sesame oil using hand motions, add cornstarch for adhesion, then incorporate fish paste and mix thoroughly.
6. 6
   Coat and cook the meat: evenly coat the meat mixture with sweet potato starch, then gently place portions into the boiling broth in batches, reduce to medium heat, and simmer until they float to the surface.
7. 7
   Season: add white pepper, sugar, salt, and soy sauce in sequence, then sprinkle fried shallots for depth and aroma.
8. 8
   Thicken the soup: mix sweet potato starch with water, gradually pour into the soup over medium-high heat while stirring quickly to achieve desired consistency, adding water if needed.
9. 9
   Add egg: slowly pour beaten egg into the soup when it has small bubbles, gently stir a couple of times to create egg ribbons, being careful not to overmix.
10. 10
    Serve: once the soup reaches the desired color and consistency, ladle into bowls and enjoy.