Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in a delicious broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is often enjoyed as a nourishing and satisfying meal, especially during the colder months. The combination of chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth is a classic comfort food that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp dry sherry
2 tbsp oriental sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 tbsp minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
1.5 tsp chili-garlic sauce
4 cup chopped napa cabbage (from 1 head)
6 green onions, thinly sliced
8 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1 x 14 oz (397 g) package fresh yakisoba noodles or Chinese pan-fry noodles
0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix the chicken, sherry, soy sauce, and 1 tbsp of sesame oil.
Chill the mixture for 2 hours.
In another bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, sugar, vinegar, tahini, and chili sauce.
Add one tablespoon of sesame seed oil, cabbage, green onions, and broth to the mixture and bring it to a boil.
Add the chicken to the pot.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked, approximately 7-9 minutes.
Cook the noodles in boiling water until they are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Drain the pot and add in the soup.

Variations

Add in your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas.
Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Spice up the soup with some chili paste or hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in soy sauce and sherry adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Using fresh ginger and garlic enhances the overall taste of the soup.

- Cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the soup just before serving helps to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup hot with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Cook the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or tofu instead of chicken breast.

- Substitute rice vinegar for seasoned rice vinegar.

- Use udon or rice noodles instead of yakisoba noodles.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup mainly come from the noodles and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the sesame oil and chicken. Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup comes from the chicken breast. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The vegetables and chicken provide a good source of essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy weeknight meal. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in a flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My family didn't have much money, so we didn't get to experience different cuisines very often. But one day, a new family moved into town, and they happened to be from China.

I was fascinated by everything about them - their language, their culture, and most of all, their food. I would watch in awe as they prepared their meals, using ingredients and techniques that were completely foreign to me. One day, I mustered up the courage to ask the mother for a recipe, and she kindly obliged.

She handed me a piece of paper with beautiful, intricate characters written on it. She explained each step to me in broken English, and I soaked up every word like a sponge. This recipe for Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup became my new obsession, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I gathered all the ingredients - chicken, noodles, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and more - and set to work in my family's modest kitchen. The aromas that filled the air as I cooked were intoxicating, and I knew I was onto something special. When I finally sat down to taste my creation, I was blown away. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever experienced before - savory, umami, and comforting all at once.

From that moment on, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup became a staple in my family's home. I would make it for special occasions, for guests, or just for a comforting meal on a rainy day. As I grew older, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and tweaks along the way.

But the story doesn't end there. As I got older, I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques from different cultures and cuisines. I learned how to make Italian pasta from a dear friend who had spent years in Italy, and I mastered the art of French pastries from a renowned chef who took me under his wing.

Each new recipe I learned and mastered became a part of me, a piece of my identity. And each time I cooked a meal for my family or friends, I felt a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Cooking became not just a way to nourish my body, but a way to connect with others, to share a piece of myself with the world.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and techniques I have learned over the years. Each one is a precious gift, a treasure that I hold close to my heart.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting bowl of Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, you know where to find me. I'll be here in my kitchen, ready to share a taste of my culinary journey with you. And who knows, maybe you'll pick up a new recipe or two along the way. The world is full of flavors and possibilities, just waiting to be explored.