Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup

Korean Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup Recipe

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with spicy chili powder, savory soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil, all served in a steaming bowl of noodles and broth.

History

Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup is a popular dish in Korean cuisine, known for its hearty and satisfying flavors. It is often enjoyed as a comforting meal during cold weather or as a nourishing option for those feeling unwell.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) chicken parts
8 cups water or chicken broth
2 tsp salt or to taste
3 tbsp chili powder or to taste
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Korean sesame oil
1 lb (454 g) noodles
2 scallions, processed to a paste
4 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste

How to prepare

Cook the chicken in water or broth with salt until it becomes tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the liquid and keep the broth aside for later use.
Using your hands, shred the chicken meat, making sure to discard the skin and bones.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chili powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Thoroughly mix the ingredients until the chicken is evenly coated and develops a red color.
Bring the reserved broth to a boil and add the noodles, scallion paste, and garlic paste.
Cook the noodles until they reach the desired texture, which is usually al dente, for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the broth and noodles into a large serving bowl or individual bowls.
Place the seasoned chicken in the center of the bowl without stirring it into the broth and noodles.

Variations

Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy to the soup for extra nutrients.
Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles for a unique twist.
Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is tender to ensure that it shreds easily.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

To shred the chicken easily, use two forks to pull the meat apart.

- To make the scallion and garlic paste, finely chop the scallions and garlic cloves, then use the back of a knife to mash them into a paste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Korean sesame oil, you can use regular sesame oil or omit it altogether.

- You can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as egg noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shredded chicken and seasonings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the noodles and broth just before serving to ensure they are fresh and hot.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (from the noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With tender shredded chicken, spicy seasonings, and hearty noodles, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it on a cold day or whenever you're in need of a nourishing and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup. It was a rainy day in the small town where I grew up, and my mother had invited a family friend over for lunch. This family friend was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had graciously offered to teach my mother a new recipe that she had learned from her own grandmother.

As I watched them work in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the way they moved with such grace and precision. The aromas of garlic, ginger, and scallions filled the air, and I could almost taste the savory broth simmering on the stove. I knew then that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After the meal was served and enjoyed by all, I asked the family friend if she would be willing to teach me how to make the Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup. She smiled warmly and agreed, telling me that cooking was a way to show love and care for those around me.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with this family friend, watching her chop vegetables, marinate the chicken, and boil the noodles. I took notes diligently, asking questions about each step and ingredient. She explained to me that the key to a great noodle soup was in the broth - it had to be rich, flavorful, and well-seasoned.

As we cooked together, she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her. She spoke of the joy and comfort that came from sharing a meal with loved ones, and how food had the power to bring people together. I listened intently, absorbing every word and savoring every moment.

Finally, the day came when I felt confident enough to make the Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup on my own. I gathered all the ingredients, set up my workspace, and began to cook. I could feel the presence of my mother and the family friend guiding me, their words of wisdom echoing in my mind.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. When it was finally time to eat, I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.

With each spoonful, I was transported back to that rainy day in my childhood home, watching in awe as my mother and the family friend worked their magic in the kitchen. The flavors of the broth, the tender chicken shreds, and the chewy noodles all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and delicious.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would share with my own family and friends for years to come. And as I sat at the table, savoring each bite of Chicken Shreds in Noodle Soup, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the tradition of cooking that had been passed down to me. It was a gift that I would cherish forever.