Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Broth: A harmonious blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar creates a savory base.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Incorporates napa cabbage and green onions for added health benefits.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2-3 green onion bulbs (sliced)
- 1 cup napa cabbage (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic (finely chopped or paste)
- 1 medium-sized chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
- 1 liter water mixed with concentrated stock
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
- Approximately 100 grams lo mein noodles
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add sliced green onion bulbs and shredded napa cabbage. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add Ginger and Garlic: Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pot. Add ginger and garlic to the center and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides.
- Combine Broth and Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce, water mixed with stock, and Chinese rice wine. Stir well.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles: Introduce the lo mein noodles to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with red chili pepper flakes, a few drops of sesame oil (optional), and sliced green onion stalks.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 3 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the soup by adding vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a different protein profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more red chili flakes or incorporating a dash of sriracha.
- Noodle Options: Experiment with different noodles such as rice noodles or udon for varied textures.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, add a splash of water or stock to achieve the desired consistency.
FAQs
What type of noodles should I use for this soup?
Chinese egg noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles, are ideal for this recipe due to their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce and substituting the egg noodles with rice noodles, you can make this soup gluten-free.
Is it possible to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. If using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken, add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
How can I make the broth richer?
For a more robust flavor, use homemade chicken stock or add a spoonful of miso paste to the broth.
What can I use instead of Chinese rice wine?
Dry sherry or a splash of white wine can serve as substitutes for Chinese rice wine.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze this soup as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft?
To maintain noodle texture, cook them separately until al dente and add them to individual bowls before pouring the hot soup over them.
What other garnishes work well with this soup?
Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or toasted sesame seeds can enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How can I add more depth to the soup’s flavor?
Incorporating ingredients like star anise, cinnamon sticks, or cloves during the simmering process can add complexity to the broth.
Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
Description
This Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, a rich umami broth, and hearty egg noodles. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy one-pot recipe combines soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar for a deep, savory taste. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like napa cabbage and green onions. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein for a personalized touch!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2–3 green onion bulbs (sliced)
- 1 cup napa cabbage (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic (finely chopped or paste)
- 1 medium-sized chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
- 1 liter water mixed with concentrated stock
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
- 100 grams lo mein noodles
- Optional garnishes: red chili pepper flakes, sesame oil, sliced green onion stalks
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add green onion bulbs and napa cabbage. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add Ginger and Garlic: Push vegetables to the side and add ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces, cooking until browned on all sides.
- Combine Broth and Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce, water mixed with stock, and Chinese rice wine. Stir well.
- Simmer: Cover and let the soup cook for about 7 minutes.
- Add Noodles: Add lo mein noodles and cook until tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Add bok choy, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust with red chili flakes or sriracha.
- Noodle Choices: Try rice noodles or udon for different textures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
