Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken soup, especially when it’s infused with vibrant lemongrass, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice that just makes your taste buds dance. Join me as I transform a simple chicken into a soul-warming culinary journey that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl!

Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup is a delightful mix of comforting tastes, perfect for any season. I adore how the mellifluous lemongrass and ginger give off such bratty and bucolic broth, while the fresh herbs and lime create a simple yet out-of-this-world refreshing taste.

The soup is rich with protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the herbs. And for all of its simplicity, this is a shockingly complex-tasting bowl of soup.

Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken: Rich in protein, promotes muscle growth, and supports a healthy immune system.
• Lemongrass: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor, aids digestion, and has antibacterial properties.
• Ginger: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits, enhances flavor, and aids in digestion.
• Fish Sauce: Provides umami depth, rich in essential amino acids, and enhances savory notes.
• Glass Noodles: Low in calories, gluten-free, and a good carbohydrate source for energy.
• Garlic: Known for antibacterial properties and adds a robust, savory flavor base.
• Mixed Herbs: Adds freshness, boosts immunities with vitamins and antioxidants.

Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), washed and cleaned
• 10 cups of water
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed
• 1 onion, peeled
• 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 ounces glass noodles, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup mixed herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Fresh ground pepper
• Optional: sliced chili for garnish

How to Make this Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe

1. Put the entire chicken into a sizable pot along with the water, lemongrass, onion, ginger, and a small amount of salt. Heat over medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil.

2. Once at a rolling boil, lower the heat and let it simmer slowly for about 1 to
1.5 hours until all the chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender. Compared to breast meat, the more succulent pieces of chicken—like the thighs, drumsticks, and wings—are less likely to dry out and overcook.

3. Take the chicken away from the pot and allow it to cool. Filter the broth to get rid of the solids, and then put the clear broth—which is now free of any impurities—back into the pot.

4. Include fish sauce and sugar in the broth, checking to see if too much salt was added in the first place that would require more to make the sauce taste good. Heat on low and watch it, stirring intermittently, so that it doesn’t boil over.

5. Tear the cooled chicken into small pieces, suitable for a single bite, and throw away the bones and skin.

6. In a small pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it is golden brown and very fragrant.

7. Put the soaked and drained glass noodles into the broth and boil for about 3 minutes until they are tender.

8. Separate the cooked glass noodles into the serving bowls. Place the shredded chicken in the bowls, and then pour the piping hot broth over everything.

9. Add a flourish to each bowl by adding a scattering of the following ingredients: chopped green onions, herbs in any form (fresh, dried, or ground), and freshly ground pepper. Sliced chilies can also add a flame to the presentation, especially if you like it hot.

10. Immediate service is recommended, along with lime wedges placed on the side for squeezing over the soup just prior to the consumption of said soup. Enjoyment is expected!

Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Lid for the pot
3. Strainer or sieve
4. Medium pan
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Tongs
8. Spoon for stirring
9. Ladle
10. Serving bowls
11. Measuring spoons
12. Small bowl (for mixing/mincing)
13. Kitchen scissors (optional, for cutting herbs)
14. Plates or trays (for cooling chicken)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?A: You can substitute chicken breasts, but a whole chicken will give your broth a deeper flavor. Using the breasts is fine; just know that the flavor of the broth will not be as rich.
• Q: Is there a substitute for lemongrass?A: If lemongrass cannot be found, use lemongrass paste or add some lemon zest and fresh ginger for a similar effect.
• Q: Can I make it spicier?A: Absolutely! To increase the heat level according to your taste, add sliced chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Q: How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft?A: Ensure not to soak the glass noodles too much and think about placing them into the soup right before it is served.
• Q: What herbs are essential for this dish?A: For authentic flavor, it is recommended to use cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, but you can adjust the herbs to your personal preference.
• Q: Can I prepare the broth in advance?A: Yes, a day in advance is fine for making the broth. Keep it in the fridge, though, or some other cool place, until you’re ready to reheat it. Then add the noodles and other fresh ingredients, and enjoy.
• Q: What is the purpose of sugar in the recipe?A: The sugar makes a balance of the savory and salty tastes that the soup has, and it makes the overall taste of the soup better. This is the simplest way to put it.

Mien Ga Glass Noodle Chicken Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for whole chicken, and you’ll have a dish that takes less time to come together. A faster recipe in no way sacrifices flavor. For a common household ingredient, salt can be used in nearly any part of the cooking process, from brining and marinating to seasoning at the end. You might think to season your chicken with salt before browning it, but consider incorporating plumpness and flavor by salting your chicken directly in a saucepan with no preheating. A common misconception is that whooshing hot oil is mandatory for a good sear, yet the actual secret is in the salt.
Lemongrass: If you can’t get fresh lemongrass, substitute it with a teaspoon of lemongrass paste.
Soy sauce: Substitute it with a different but equally savory flavor.
Noodles made of glass: If you like, you can use rice noodles instead.
Assorted herbs: If you don’t have cilantro, mint, or Thai basil, you can use parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse More Flavor Before adding the lemongrass, bruise it using the back of a knife. This releases its essential oils, resulting in a more fragrant broth.

2. Enhance the Broth Roast the onion and ginger over an open flame until slightly charred before adding them to the pot. This imparts a deeper, smoky flavor to the broth.

3. Noodle Texture Be sure not to over-soak the glass noodles initially, as they will absorb liquid from the broth. Aim for a slightly undercooked texture during soaking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

4. Chicken Flavor Consider marinating the whole chicken with a bit of salt and fish sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth of flavor to the meat itself, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

5. Herb Freshness Add the chopped herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and color. This will keep the dish looking and tasting fresh.