Vietnamese-style Chicken Noodle Soup
The Vietnamese-style Chicken Noodle Soup is a masterful fusion that combines the homely comfort of American chicken noodle soup with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Vietnam. It’s a culinary journey that respects both traditions, bringing together cilantro, sambal, mung bean noodles, and chicken in a way that is both familiar and excitingly new. This dish is a testament to the beauty of blending cuisines, offering a rich, flavorful experience that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Mung bean noodles, 200g (approximately 7 oz)
- Bone-in chicken thighs, 4 (about 1.5 kg or 3.3 pounds)
- Shallots, 2, finely chopped
- Fresh ginger, 1 piece (about 2 inches), thinly sliced
- Green onions, 4, chopped
- Chicken bouillon, 1 cube (or equivalent powder to make 2 cups of broth)
- Fish sauce, 3 tablespoons (about 45 ml)
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon (about 4g)
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (about 5g)
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon (about 2g)
- Fresh cilantro, ½ cup chopped (about 8g)
- Fried shallots, for garnish, 2 tablespoons (about 14g)
- Water, 8 cups (about 1.9 liters or 2 quarts) for broth
Method
- Begin by soaking the mung bean noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until they become soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken thighs, ginger, and shallots. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones.
- Strain the broth to remove the ginger, shallots, and any impurities. Return the clear broth to the pot.
- Season the broth with chicken bouillon, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Divide the soaked mung bean noodles among four bowls. Top with shredded chicken.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles and chicken in each bowl.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and fried shallots before serving.
This Vietnamese-style Chicken Noodle Soup marries the comforting essence of a classic chicken noodle with the exotic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, and aromatic herbs makes for a truly soul-warming meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore fusion cuisine in a respectful, delicious way.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 2g