Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup

Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: Vietnam | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup is a quick and easy recipe that brings the flavors of Vietnam right to your kitchen. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch on the go.

History

This Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup recipe is a simplified version of traditional Vietnamese chicken soup, also known as Pho Ga. Pho Ga is a popular street food in Vietnam, typically made with a rich broth, rice noodles, and tender chicken.

Ingredients

1 oz (28 g) cellophane noodles
8 oz (227 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp peanut oil
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp minced ginger
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
28 oz (794 g) chicken broth
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into pieces. Soak the noodles and add them to heated oil along with garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes.
Cook for a minute and then add broth and sauce. Boil for 8 minutes.

Variations

Add sliced mushrooms or bok choy for extra vegetables.
Use shrimp or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute tofu for the chicken.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, and basil. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the broth for at least 8 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

- Soak the cellophane noodles in hot water before adding them to the soup to soften them.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce if you don't have it on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup in a bowl with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup with a side of spring rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a cup of green tea would also complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 5%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains peanuts (peanut oil)

Summary

This Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup is a balanced meal with a good amount of protein and healthy fats. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a taste of Vietnam in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through a magazine, looking for some new inspiration in the kitchen. And there it was, a bright and vibrant photo of Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup. The colors of the broth, the fresh herbs, and the tender chicken all seemed to jump off the page and into my eyes.

I had always been a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, with its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. But I had never attempted to make a traditional Vietnamese dish at home. This recipe, however, seemed like the perfect introduction to the world of Vietnamese cooking. Not only did it promise to be delicious, but it also claimed to be incredibly easy and quick to prepare. The title "Cheat 'n' Eat" implied that this soup was a shortcut version of a more time-consuming traditional recipe, which was perfect for a busy grandmother like myself.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients for the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup. The list was simple and straightforward, with nothing too exotic or hard to find. Chicken broth, chicken breast, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, lime, and a handful of fresh herbs were all I needed. I already had most of these ingredients in my pantry, so I wasted no time in starting to cook.

As I chopped the ginger and garlic, the familiar scents filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of my own grandmother's cooking. She had been the one to first introduce me to the joys of the kitchen, teaching me how to make simple dishes with love and care. I could almost hear her voice in my head, guiding me through the steps of the recipe.

Once the broth was simmering on the stove, I added the chicken breast and let it cook until tender. The aroma of the ginger and garlic mingled with the savory scent of the broth, creating a delicious fragrance that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished soup and see if it lived up to the promise of the recipe.

Finally, it was time to assemble the Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup. I ladled the steaming broth into a bowl and added the shredded chicken on top. A squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of fish sauce, and a handful of fresh herbs completed the dish. I took a spoonful of the soup and brought it to my lips, savoring the first taste.

And oh, what a taste it was. The broth was rich and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the ginger and a tangy kick from the lime. The tender chicken soaked up all the delicious flavors, making each bite a burst of culinary delight. The fresh herbs added a pop of color and freshness, elevating the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.

As I sat at the table, enjoying my Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe had exceeded all my expectations, delivering a dish that was both easy to make and incredibly delicious. I knew that this soup would become a regular in my cooking rotation, a comfort food that would warm me up on cold days and bring a taste of Vietnam to my own kitchen.

And so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I thanked the magazine that had introduced me to this wonderful recipe. It had opened up a whole new world of flavors and possibilities, inspiring me to continue exploring the culinary delights of different cultures. And as I cleaned up the kitchen, I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of the delicious soup I had created. She may not have been there to taste it herself, but her spirit lived on in every spoonful of Cheat 'n' Eat Vietnamese Chicken Soup.