Soup

Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Sometimes a steaming bowl of soup is the ultimate comfort food. But what if you crave something more than just your average chicken noodle? Enter tom yum chicken noodle soup, a Thai classic that explodes with fragrant aromatics, spicy heat, and a touch of sourness. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day or whenever you want a flavor adventure.

What Is Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup?

 Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup is a variation of the classic Thai soup called Tom Yum, known for its spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. This version incorporates chicken and noodles, making it heartier and more substantial.

Ingredients:

Broth: 4 cups Chicken Broth

Aromatics:

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1 stalk Lemongrass, bottom third thinly sliced
  • ½ small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced

Tom Yum Paste: 1 tbsp Tom Yum Paste (store-bought or homemade)

Chicken and Vegetables:

  • 1 lb Skinless, boneless Chicken Thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1½ cups sliced Mushrooms (oyster, white button, or a mix)
  • 1 cup Celery, thinly sliced
  • â…” cup Shallots, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped Roma or Heirloom Tomatoes (optional)

Seasoning:

  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 1½ tsp Coconut Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

Noodles and Garnish:

  • 180g Rice Stick Noodles (medium size)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Leaves, chopped
  • Red chili pepper (sliced, for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add lemongrass, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Introduce the tom yum paste: Stir in the tom yum paste and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to release.
  3. Build the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chicken and vegetables: Add chicken, mushrooms, celery, and shallots. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Season it up: Stir in fish sauce, coconut sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  6. Noodle Time: Break the rice noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or following package instructions, until the noodles are softened.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped cilantro leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a red chili pepper slice (optional) and a lime wedge.

Tips:

  • Adjust the spice level: Tom yum paste can vary in spiciness. If you prefer a milder soup, start with less paste and add more to taste. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing them for garnish.
  • Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as baby corn, broccoli florets, or bell peppers.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-4) in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and add cooked noodles and fresh vegetables before serving.
  • Shrimp option: Want to add some seafood? Include peeled and deveined shrimp along with the chicken in step 4.
  • (Tom Yum) from scratch: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own tom yum paste using ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and shrimp paste. Search online for a tom yum paste recipe.

What To Serve With

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice: This is a classic accompaniment to many Thai dishes, including Tom Yum chicken noodle Soup. The mild flavor of jasmine rice helps balance the hot and tangy flavors of the soup.
  • Thai Jasmine or Sticky Rice: For a more traditional Thai experience, sticky or jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk can be a great choice.
  • Thai Salad: A fresh Thai salad such as Som Tum (green papaya salad) or a straightforward cucumber salad with a tangy dressing can create a delightful  contrast to the spicy soup.
  • Spring Rolls: Thai-style spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp, served with a sweet chili dipping sauce, make a delicious appetizer or side dish.
  • Grilled Chicken or Satay: Grilled chicken skewers (satay) with peanut sauce can complement the soup well, offering a protein-rich addition to the meal.
  • Fresh Fruit: Serve a dish of fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or watermelon to cleanse the palate and contrast the hot soup.
  • Thai Condiments: Set out small bowls of traditional Thai condiments such as fish sauce, chili flakes, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. These allow diners to customize their soup according to their taste preferences.
  • Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango: For dessert, coconut sticky rice served with ripe mango slices is a traditional and delicious ending to a Thai meal.
  • Thai Iced Tea or Lemongrass Tea: To drink, consider serving Thai iced tea or lemongrass tea. These beverages complement the spicy flavors of the soup while offering a refreshing drink option.

Health Benefits

  • High Protein Content: The chicken in Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup provides a rich source of high-quality protein, vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients such as lime juice, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves contribute vitamins like vitamin C and minerals such as potassium. These nutrients support immune function, electrolyte balance, and overall health.
  • Low in Calories and Fat: When prepared with moderate oil or added fats, Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup can be a relatively low-calorie and low-fat dish. This makes it suitable for those monitoring their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Ingredients like chili peppers, lime juice, and herbs (like cilantro) contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids. These substances assist in neutralizing damaging free radicals in the human body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases
  • Digestive Aid: Combining herbs and spices in Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup, such as lemongrass and ginger (or galangal), may aid digestion. They can help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and promote better digestion after a meal.
  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some ingredients in Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup, like ginger (or galangal), chili peppers, and lemongrass, have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming these regularly may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases.
  • Hydration: The Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup broth helps keep you hydrated. Proper hydration is necessary for a variety of human activities, including temperature regulation, digestion, and skin health.
  • Potential Weight Management: As a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option, Tom Yum Chicken Noodle Soup can be part of a balanced diet that supports good weight management goals. Its satisfying nature may also help curb excessive calorie intake.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! With a fragrant broth, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and the vibrant flavors of tom yum, this Chicken Noodle Soup is anything but ordinary. It’s the right blend of sweet, sour, and spicy, and savory, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

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