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Imitation Shark Fin Soup (Fake Fin Soup)
Chinese New Year is a time when families celebrating the occasion get together and indulge in some serious feasting. Nowadays, with society getting more affluent, the food is also getting more elaborate – for example, a luxurious pot of shark fin soup is no longer a rare sight on the dining table. I have avoided shark fin soup due to the cruelty of shark finning and how it had led to a drastic decline in the shark population. I have nothing against those who consume this Chinese delicacy though, nor do I want to be hypocritical about it since I’m not a vegetarian.
However, since I have full control over what I cook at home, I prefer to cook imitation shark fin soup where the fake fin is essentially made with gelatin (see picture above).
For those who have tasted the real shark fin soup before, you may agree with me that the fin is largely tasteless, with the flavour contributed by the rich soup broth.
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While imitation shark fin may lose out slightly in terms of texture to the real thing, the firm texture of the imitation fin still gives it a good bite. Best of all, it cost a tiny fraction of the price (I bought a packet for less than S$10) and it is a much kinder option you can consider amidst this festive season.
looks like real and yummy!
I like you already!! Not that i don’t like u before :P
Would love to cook this for my family during CNY!
I’m so glad they’re offering a substitute like this now. As a newspaper reporter, I remember writing about the shark fin controversy and how fishermen just slice off the fins and throw the sharks back in the water to die. Shark fin really doesn’t have any taste; it’s all about the texture. So, it’s great that there’s a way to enjoy it without decimating the shark population.
Thanks for your note – I’ve been to your webby and I loved it :)
hi i happened to search in google on how to make yu sheng & found your website.
really love your website.
browsing thru all the receipes. going to try out a few dishes during CNY.
esp this 碗仔翅.
thank you for sharing.
happy cooking, I hope you enjoy the recipes and thanks for your note :)
Hi,
Thanks for sharing the recipe. Looks great!! Can I chk where can I get the imitation shark fin? Can’t get them on various supermarket.
Thanks.
This year I’m seeing this imitation shark fin less frequently than last’s. I got mine from Tampines Mall (frozen section). I heard that Shing Sheong supermaket has it but I’m not sure because I haven’t been there this period. If you really can’t find, you can also substitute with some glass noodles (tang hoon) – soak in water to soften first and add at the last step. Hope this helps and you will enjoy the recipe :)
Hi. Where can I get the imitation shark fin in singapore? Thanks
Hi Veronica, I bought mine at NTUC, Tampines Mall outlet. In fact I just bought another pack tonight coz there’s S$2 off (limited time promo).
I cannot locate any imitation shark fins in Los Angeles Chinese markets. I wonder if you would like sharing the manufacturer/distributor information from your package.
My package of imitation shark fin says “do not refreeze after thawing”
so do i just leave it in the fridge after thawing?
yes, and best to use within 1-2 days after thawing.
Olá… onde posso encontrar esses ingredientes aqui em Portugal?
Obrigado.
I love the look of your soup.. I have been making the sharkfin broth from simmered fish heads with corn starch and ve-tsin for years, and never told anybody till now.. grins