Imagine a soul-warming bowl of Vietnamese goodness that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi with just one spoonful! Mien Ga is not just a soup; it's a culinary journey that combines delicate glass noodles, tender shredded chicken, and a fragrant broth that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly evening or wanting to impress your dinner guests with an authentic Vietnamese recipe, this Mien Ga will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Glass noodles
- Chicken
- Chicken broth
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Fish sauce
- Lime
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: glass noodles, chicken, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, green onions, cilantro, fish sauce, and lime.
- Soak the glass noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes or until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are soaking, prepare the chicken. If using whole chicken, cut it into pieces. If using chicken breasts or thighs, you can leave them whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic (about 3 cloves) and grated ginger (about a 1-inch piece) to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth (about 4 cups) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth. Add the soaked glass noodles and stir to combine.
- Season the soup with fish sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons, or to taste) and squeeze in the juice of one lime. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
- Chop the green onions and cilantro. Add them to the soup just before serving for a fresh flavor.
- Serve the Mien Ga hot, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Vietnamese chicken soup!
Tips
- Choose high-quality glass noodles and soak them properly to achieve the perfect texture. Warm water is key to softening them without making them mushy.
- For the most flavorful broth, use homemade chicken stock or a high-quality store-bought version. The broth is the soul of this dish!
- Don't rush the chicken cooking process. Browning the meat first adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh herbs are non-negotiable! Use freshly chopped cilantro and green onions to brighten the soup just before serving.
- Adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to your taste. These ingredients provide the signature Vietnamese balance of salty and tangy flavors.
- If you want to make the soup more substantial, you can add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or baby bok choy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
