Today we are serving you our favourite Vietnamese chicken glass noodle soup recipe that will blow your mind - Mien Ga. This dish is a hidden gem that deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire. Ready to take your chicken noodle soup game to the next level? Well, let’s dive right in!
Are you tired of the same old chicken noodle soup? Craving something that’s both exciting and familiar, rich in flavours yet comforting? I urge you to try our Mien Ga recipe the next time you’re reaching for that prepackaged noodle soup that simply won't hit the spot like this dish will.
History
Mien Ga, or Vietnamese chicken glass noodle soup, is a classic dish in Vietnamese cuisine. This comforting soup is perfect for any season, warming you up during the winter months or soothing you during the summer heat.
This comforting soup is a testament to the ingenuity of Vietnamese cooks who have mastered the art of transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Originating from Northern Vietnam, Mien Ga has spread its wings and found a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts all around the world.
You'll often find Mien Ga being served in food stalls lining the bustling streets of Vietnam, each bowl filled with the warmth of homemade goodness. The clinking of bowls and the aromatic scent of the broth is a familiar and comforting presence in the Vietnamese food scene.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to book a flight to Vietnam to enjoy this delicious dish. Make this recipe or visit your nearest Vietnamese restaurant and give Mien Ga a try!
What to expect
When you dive into a bowl of Mien Ga, you’re in for a real treat! Picture this: a cozy, savoury chicken broth that’s just bursting with flavour, paired with the earthy goodness of wood ear mushrooms and the most perfect slippery glass noodles. But wait, there’s more! We’re topping all of that off with the freshest herbs, a crunchy hit of fried shallots, and my personal favourite, a drizzle of chili oil for that extra oomph. Promise you it's going to hit the spot!
The real facts about MSG
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: MSG. Over the years, MSG has gotten a bad rap. It's been blamed for a range of symptoms and has been labeled as an unhealthy ingredient. But here’s the thing: scientific studies have shown that MSG is no more harmful than any other type of salt when consumed in moderate amounts. In fact, MSG is naturally found in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms, and it’s what gives them their delicious, umami flavour.
The fear around MSG stemmed from misconceptions and poorly conducted studies that didn’t take other factors into account. It’s important to know that the FDA has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe". In other words, there’s no reason to be afraid of this flavour-packed ingredient! In our Mien Ga recipe, MSG plays a crucial role in bringing out the savoury goodness of the chicken broth, complementing the other seasonings perfectly. So, let's give MSG the respect it deserves and embrace it for the flavour enhancer that it truly is!
Liquid gold - the broth
And let’s talk about that broth, shall we? This isn’t your average, everyday chicken soup. The broth is super easy to whip up, but don’t let that fool you—the flavours are rich, deep, and totally soul-satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with all the good stuff that’s bound to kick any pesky cold to the curb. You know how people always say chicken soup is like a hug in a bowl? Well, this broth is like a warm, cozy, bear hug from someone you haven’t seen in forever. It’s comforting, it’s healing, and it’s just plain delicious. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll be looking for any excuse to whip up a pot of this liquid gold!
Ease of making the dish
This dish may seem complicated, but trust me, it’s quite straightforward. You’ll find yourself feeling like a professional chef in no time!
Ingredients:
- Large pot of water
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 white/yellow onion whole
- 1 whole piece ginger (3-4 inches)
- 1 bag of glass noodles
Seasoning for broth:
- 1 cube of chicken bouillon
- 1/4 tsp MSG
- 4 tbsp fish sauce
- 30 grams of rock sugar (or 4 tsp sugar)
- Salt to taste (adjust as much as needed)
Toppings:
- 1-2 cups of wood ear mushrooms
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Fried shallots
- Chili oil / chili crisp
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring water to boil. Add one whole onion, a knob of ginger, and a big ol’ chicken. Let it cook for about 45 minutes.
- As the broth cooks, you may notice some impurities forming at the top. Skim off any foam and impurities.
- Once done, remove the chicken, onion, and ginger from the pot. Let the chicken cool before shredding it.
- Season the broth with rock sugar, fish sauce, chicken bouillon, salt, and some MSG. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- While the broth is simmering, soak some wood ear mushrooms until they're soft and then chop them up along with green onions and cilantro.
- Prepare the glass noodles as per the package instructions. Typically, they need to be boiled until soft and then rinsed under cold water.
- Now, it’s time to assemble your bowl! Start by placing a handful of glass noodles at the bottom. Add the shredded chicken, wood ear mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Top it off with a generous sprinkle of fried shallots and your favourite chili oil.
- Ladle the hot broth over the top, and there you have it - a delicious bowl of Mien Ga ready to be devoured!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! This Mien Ga recipe is sure to become a favourite in your household. And remember, nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying a bowl of homemade soup made with love and care. Happy cooking! YOM!