| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 18g | 5g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 28g | 2.5g |
There’s a reason I’ve been drawn to this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup recipe time and time again. It combines the familiar comfort of nurturing noodle soup that many of us grew up on with the unique and thrilling flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. As an ardent supporter of heartland cooking, I’m all for recipes that bring together fresh, farm-sourced ingredients and turn them into comforting, homely meals.
A Potpourri of Flavors
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup is a culinary masterpiece weaving together a distinct mosaic of tastes and sensations. The soup is a delightful blend of lemongrass, chicken, and noodles, accentuated by the heat of red chili peppers and the tanginess of limes. It invites you on an adventure that begins from the first wafting aroma and continues right up until the last spoonful.
The Joys of Homemade Broth
A major part of this recipe’s appeal lies in the homemade chicken broth stirred in during preparation. This isn’t just about encouraging a deep and soulful flavor, it’s also about tapping into the health benefits that home-cooked broth brings. Cooking your own broth ensures that it’s free from additives and preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. Plus, evidence suggests that well-made broth may support joint health and boost immune function.
The soup embraces the flavor medley of mint, cilantro, green onions, and limes with an appealing zesty punch that’s calming to the senses. When paired with the warmth of the homemade chicken broth, it makes for a truly exquisite bowl of nutrients and wholesome goodness.
Perfect Pairings
This Vietnamese soup closely mirrors the flavor profile of Phở, a widely beloved Vietnamese noodle soup. This makes it an intriguing recipe for fans of Phở to try out. But the versatility doesn’t stop there – it has the potential to be paired with a wide range of dishes. A simple grilled vegetable salad or a plate of summer rolls could serve as a great companion to this soup, enabling a complete and harmonious Asian-inspired meal.
Whether you’re serving up a meal for a gathering or prepping a quick dinner for one, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup always hits the right notes. Its rich tapestry of flavors brings a little bit of Vietnam into every kitchen it graces. A testament that with the right ingredients, it’s possible to create hearty, refreshing meals that soothe both body and soul. Health benefits and authenticity combined, there’s really nothing more one could ask for from a recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 stems of lemongrass, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs, deboned and chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 medium carrots, cut into thin slices
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1.5 cups of bean sprouts
- 10 ounces of rice noodles, cooked
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 2 handfuls fresh mint leaves
- 2 handfuls fresh cilantro leaves
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Begin by heating up the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, and red chili peppers. Stir-fry these ingredients for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they become fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Three
Once the chicken is cooked, add the chicken broth to the pot. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Now, add the fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to the soup, stirring to combine everything evenly.
Step Four
At this point, add the sliced carrots and onions to the pot. Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
While the soup is simmering, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step Six
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the bean sprouts to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another two to three minutes to warm the sprouts.
Step Seven
Now, it’s time to serve your soup. Place a serving of cooked rice noodles in each bowl, then ladle the hot soup over the top.
Step Eight
Finally, top each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkling of fresh mint and cilantro leaves, and a handful of sliced green onions. Your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
