Vietnamese Chicken and Glass Noodle Soup – Mien Ga

Miến gà is a Vietnamese soup made with chicken, glass noodles, and vegetables. It’s an incredibly flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.

Miến gà has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other soups. The combination of the chicken broth, fish sauce, garlic, and lemongrass gives it a sweet yet savory taste. The glass noodles add an interesting texture to the dish. Additionally, the soup is quite healthy since its ingredients are low in calories and fat.

This Vietnamese soup dish has been around for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by many today. If you’re looking to explore some delicious flavors, Miến gà is definitely worth a try!

Follow the step-by-step guide below to make your own version of Vietnamese chicken and glass noodle soup Miến gà.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 package of glass noodles
3 tablespoons oil
2 carrots (sliced)
1 onion
2 shallots
1 scallion (chopped)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup bean sprouts (optional)

About the Chicken:

You can choose any part of the chicken you prefer. Opt for the chicken breast if you’re looking for a healthier option. However, the thigh meat tends to be more flavorful due to its balanced composition of fat and meat.

While chicken breast is a leaner option, it can potentially turn out dry if overcooked. First, to address this concern and offer a more balanced, flavorful experience, use the chicken bones to create a rich and tasty broth. Then, shred the chicken breast into smaller pieces to use as a protein-rich topping for the soup. This ensures moist chicken in every bite and adds a delightful texture to the final dish.

About the Broth:

For a more savory and sweet broth, consider using chicken bones. These will infuse the soup with a deeper flavor and richness. If chicken bones are unavailable, you can substitute them with pork ribs with minimal meat on them. This will give your Miến gà a unique twist while maintaining the savory flavor it is known for.

About the glass noodle:

Glass noodles, called cellophane or bean thread noodles, are made from mung beans and turn clear when cooked. These noodles have a chewy texture and absorb the flavors of whatever they’re cooked. Miến gà is often enjoyed with glass noodles for their taste and unique texture.

While glass noodles are the traditional choice for Miến gà, they may not always be easily accessible. Typically, they can be found in Asian grocery stores. However, if you cannot locate them, don’t worry; several other suitable alternatives can be used.

You could consider using vermicelli (bún) or regular pasta. Instant ramen noodles can also be a quick replacement when cooked without the flavor packet. These substitutes might slightly change the soup’s texture, but they still work well to absorb the flavors of the broth, ensuring that your Miến gà is just as delicious.

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cleaning all the vegetables thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, slice the carrots. For the garlic, peel off the skin and mince it finely.

After purchasing your chicken, ensure it is cleaned thoroughly. If necessary, you might want to rub it with salt to eliminate any unpleasant odors and impurities. Rinse the chicken well under running water until it’s clean.

If you are using bone-in chicken, remember to keep the bones for the broth.

Soak the glass noodles in warm water for 15-20 minutes until they become soft.

If possible, roast the onion and shallots in an oven until the outer layer is slightly charred. Once they’re roasted, peel off the outer layer. This process makes the onion easier to handle and enhances its flavor, giving your Miến gà a unique, smoky taste.

After the vegetables, chicken, and noodles are prepared, set them aside. Now you are ready to begin cooking your Miến gà.

Step 2: Making the Broth

Place the chicken in a large pot and add water until the chicken is fully submerged. Add the roasted shallots and onion to the pot. Remember, the water level should be such that the chicken is entirely covered. Now, bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, lower the heat and let the broth simmer.

During this time, you may occasionally skim off any impurities that float to the surface of the broth to ensure a clear soup.

Simmer the broth for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool (you may also remove the onion and shallots if desired). Now, it’s time to season the broth. Add the fish sauce, salt, and sugar to the pot. Then, add the sliced carrots and any other vegetables you’d like to include.

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into manageable pieces. Use the breast meat, shredding it into smaller parts and setting it aside. The remaining chicken pieces can be cut into smaller chunks and returned to the pot. If you notice the meat is still pink, cook it for a little longer until fully done.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Remove the glass noodles from their soaking water and rinse them under cold running water. If they are too long, cut them into shorter lengths for easier consumption.

Place a generous portion of the prepared glass noodles in a deep serving bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring it covers them entirely. Next, arrange the shredded chicken breast, carrots, and bean sprouts on top.

Sprinkle the chopped scallions on top as a garnish. Thinly sliced red chilies can be added for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Lastly, a splash of fresh lime juice can be squeezed over the top to add a tangy freshness.

And there you have it, your bowl of authentic Vietnamese chicken and glass noodle soup, Miến gà, is ready to serve and enjoy! This warm, fragrant bowl of soup serves as a comforting meal, especially on colder days. Its rich flavor profile and hearty ingredients will definitely leave you satisfied!

Tips:

Look for organic chicken and vegetables to ensure your Miến gà is as healthy and natural as possible.
If you don’t want too much heat, leave out the chilies and use milder pepper flakes instead.
To make the soup more flavorful, add a few slices of ginger or dried herbs.
You can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu if you want a vegan or vegetarian alternative.
For a nice crunch, you can also top it off with fried garlic chips.
Add some cooked prawns or other seafood to the soup for a delicious twist.
For an extra garnish, sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil over your finished bowl of Miến gà; this will give the dish a nice pop of color and flavor.
Finally, if you want to add some heat, you can drizzle some chili oil over the top for a bit of flare. This will bring out the flavors even more!

Storage and Reheating:

Miến gà can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, storing the noodles and broth separately is recommended to maintain the best texture and flavor. As for the broth, allow it to cool down completely before refrigerating. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which could dilute the soup’s flavor. When you want to reheat the soup, simply heat the portion of broth you’ll consume, add the glass noodles to the hot soup, and they will soften quickly. This method will ensure your leftover Miến gà stays as delicious as when freshly cooked.

For the glass noodles, only take the amount you plan to consume immediately and keep the rest stored dry as originally.

The broth from Miến gà can also serve as a standalone soup, perfect for those cold days when you need something warm and comforting. Its rich aroma and flavor alone are enough to warm you up and bring a sense of comfort. Just sipping the broth by itself is a delightful experience.

Conclusion:

Miến gà is a classic, traditional Vietnamese dish. This chicken and glass noodle soup has a unique flavor profile and texture that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a great meal for any time of day or occasion, perfect for intimate gatherings and large family dinners. Whether you enjoy it as part of a multi-course meal or simply by itself, this soup will surely bring a sense of warmth and love to your table. So, give Miến gà a try!

FAQs

What Are Vietnamese Glass Noodles Made Of?

Vietnamese glass noodles are cellophane, bean thread, or vermicelli noodles. They are made from mung beans, and water rolled into long, thin threads and dried.

Are Glass Noodles Healthy For You?

Glass noodles are a healthy alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. They are low in calories and fat, high in dietary fiber, and contain many essential vitamins and minerals.

Is Vermicelli The Same As Glass Noodles?

Vermicelli and glass noodles, while similar in some ways, are distinct. Both are gluten-free, which makes them suitable options for those with certain dietary restrictions. However, the main difference lies in the ingredients used in their production. Glass noodles, often seen in Vietnamese dishes, are commonly made with mung bean flour. They are transparent, hence the name’ glass noodles.’ On the other hand, vermicelli is made with rice and is always a solid white color, lacking the transparency that characterizes glass noodles.

Is Glass Noodles High In Sugar?

Glass noodles are not high in sugar. They are naturally low in calories and fat, making them healthier than traditional wheat-based noodles.

Godfrey Jensen

I’m Godfrey Jensen, CEO and head chef at Lapps Meats. We’re a top-quality butcher with over 70 years of experience. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best, freshest products possible. We take our food seriously, and we love serving the community by providing them with quality meat products.