Vietnamese Chicken Stock Recipes

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN PHO RECIPE: CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan add the oil and gently saute the onion and ginger for a couple of minutes until golden. Set aside.
• Clean and rinse the chicken in cold water, remove excess fat and roughly cut into four pieces.
• In a large pot place the chicken and top with enough cold water to cover the chicken. Add the onions, ginger, spices, fish sauce and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer over a low heat uncovered for 25 minutes. Discard any scum that comes to the surface.
• Check the chicken is cooked, remove with tongs and set aside for shredding into bite sized pieces.
• Add the bones back into the broth and simmer (don't let boil) for another 25 minutes to 60 minutes if time permits.
• Meanwhile prepare any fresh vegetables and cook the rice noodles according to the packet, do not over cook.
• Once the broth is cooked discard the bones and strain the broth through a sieve. Taste and season with more fish sauce if needed.
• Assemble the cooked noodles into bowls. Top with the shredded chicken. Pour the chicken broth evenly over each bowl. Top with carrot, mung beans, fresh herbs and fresh chili as desired.
• Serve with a lime wedge and chili sauce if desired.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN PHO SOUP (PHO GA)

Steps:

• Char onion & ginger - Heat oil in a 6 litre / 6 quart pot (Note 5) over high heat. Place ginger and onion facedown, leave undisturbed for 2 minutes until they blacken. Turn and leave for another 2 minutes.
• Put everything in pot - Add water and remaining Broth ingredients EXCEPT salt. Bring it a simmer, then lower heat so it's simmering VERY gently with the lid on, but open a crack (Note 6).
• Simmer gently 1.5 hours. Scoop off scum (dirty foam) that rises to surface once or twice during the simmering.
• Strain & measure - Remove chicken, then strain broth into a clean pot - you should have 1.5 litres / 1.5 quarts. If you have more, simmer to reduce. If less, top it up with water.
• Salt broth - Add salt, bring broth to a gentle simmer. Broth should be slightly on the salty side - it dilutes when you add the noodles.
• Keep broth warm until ready to serve
• Shred chicken meat, discard bones and skin. (Note 6 Leftover Chicken ideas)
• Place Toppings out on the table.
• Reheat chicken (can briefly dunk in broth!).
• Prepare noodles per packet directions, just prior to serving. Drain very well (excess water dilutes broth).
• Place noodle in bowls. Top with chicken, ladle over 375ml / 1.5 cups broth. Sprinkle with green onion.
• Pile on Toppings of choice, add a squeeze of lime into the broth. Consume immediately!

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, bring to a simmer the chicken stock, chicken breasts, chicken wings, scallions, garlic, cinnamon sticks, star anise and ginger. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them, set aside and shred when cooled. Continue to simmer all the other ingredients for 30 minutes. Then strain the broth through a colander to remove the solids and spices.
• Add the mushrooms, fish sauce and noodles to the strained stock. Simmer until noodles are still al dente, 4 to 5 minutes. Scoop some of the noodles into individual bowls. Top with some of the shredded chicken. Ladle lots of broth into each bowl. Garnish with the bean sprouts, jalapenos and fresh mint, and serve with fish sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha and lime wedges. Oh my.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN STOCK

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients plus 1 gallon of water in a large dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 3 hours.
• Strain broth through a cheesecloth lined colander into a bowl and discard the solids.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Place the chicken breast-side up in a high-sided pot that fits the chicken snugly. Fill the pot with cold water to about 1 inch above the chicken and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• While waiting for the water to boil, cut the ginger into very thin rounds, peel and quarter 1 of the onions and add them and 1 tablespoon salt to the pot.
• Once the water reaches a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, skimming and discarding any scum that floats to the surface of the poaching liquid, until an instant-read thermometer inserted between the breast and thigh of the chicken reads 165 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. (To take the temperature, use a pair of sturdy tongs to carefully lift the chicken out of the hot poaching liquid and insert the thermometer between the breast and thigh.)
• While the chicken is cooking, core the white and purple cabbages, very thinly slice them into ribbonlike strands and place the sliced cabbage in a large bowl; set aside.
• Fill a second large bowl a little more than halfway with equal parts ice and water, and use the tongs to add the cooked chicken to it; reserve the pot and poaching liquid. Leave the chicken in the ice water to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel, halve and very thinly slice the remaining onion, and place it in a small bowl. Add the vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon of the sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use your hands to gently massage the vinegar mixture into the onions until they begin to wilt slightly. Let the marinated onions sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight.
• Discard the ice water, but keep the chicken in the bowl. Remove and discard the skin. Shred the chicken into large bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Add the chicken carcass to the poaching liquid, and return it to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, skimming off any fat and/or scum that floats to the surface. Strain the poaching liquid over a large bowl; discard the solids. Let this flavorful broth cool completely, and reserve it for another purpose. (It can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.)
• While the broth is cooking, make the dressing: Cook the remaining sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove to a small bowl and let cool slightly.
• While the sugar mixture is cooling, finely grate the garlic, halve and juice the limes (about 1/2 cup of juice total) and slice the chiles into thin rounds. Whisk the fish sauce into the cooled sugar mixture; add the garlic, lime juice and chiles.
• To assemble the salad, add the chicken, marinated onions (and any residual liquid) and lime dressing to the cabbage bowl. Tear the mint and basil leaves into the bowl, and gently toss to combine. Season with additional fish sauce if needed. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes so the flavors can marry, then transfer to a large platter. Place the peanuts and fried shallots in separate piles beside the salad. Just before serving, gently toss together the salad, peanuts and fried shallots and any liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of the platter (the liquid has a lot of great flavor). Serve with the fried shrimp chips.

VIETNAMESE-STYLE BEEF STOCK

Steps:

• Place the oxtails, beef bones, salt and 14 cups cold water in a large stockpot. Set the pot over medium heat and bring slowly to a boil.
• Meanwhile, heat a small cast-iron skillet over high heat. Place the ginger and onion, cut sides down, into the skillet and cook until charred black, about 3 minutes. Turn the pieces and cook until they are charred on all sides. Remove from the skillet and add them to the stock.
• When the stock boils, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. After the stock has been simmering for 30 minutes and very little foam is collecting on the surface, add the star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves and sugar. Put the fennel seeds in a tea ball or tie them in cheesecloth and add them to the stock. Continue to simmer, skimming occasionally, for about 3 * more hours.
• Strain the stock, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Refrigerate until the fat solidifies on top of the stock, 3 to 4 hours. Remove the fat with a spoon and discard. The stock will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN AND LONG-GRAIN RICE CONGEE

Steps:

• Place chicken in a stock pot. Pour in enough water to cover chicken. Add ginger, lemon grass, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and gently simmer for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours.
• Strain broth, and return broth to stock pot. Let chicken cool, then remove bones and skin, and tear into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Stir rice into broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, adjust with water or additional salt. The congee is done, but can be left to cook an additional 45 minutes for better consistency.
• Ladle congee into bowls, and top with chicken, cilantro, chives, and pepper. Squeeze lime juice to taste.

VIETNAMESE-STYLE CHICKEN CURRY SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Cook chicken and onions in oil until onions are soft and translucent; remove onions and chicken from pot and set aside.
• Saute shallots in pot for about 1 minute, then stir in garlic, ginger, lemon grass and curry powder. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, then stir in bell pepper and carrots. Return chicken and onion to pot and stir in chicken broth, water and fish sauce. Season with lime leaves, bay leaf and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a boil and introduce potatoes. Return to a boil and pour in coconut milk. Reduce heat and simmer 40 to 60 minutes, until potatoes and chicken are tender. Garnish each dish with a sprig of fresh cilantro.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN MEATBALL SOUP WITH BOK CHOY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 3/4-in. balls. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches; drain. Transfer to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker., Add stock, tomatoes, onion, bok choy, carrots, red peppers, julienned serrano peppers, garlic and salt. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender. If desired, stir in panko. Without stirring, drizzle beaten egg into slow cooker. Let stand until egg is set, 2-3 minutes. Freeze option: Before adding egg, cool soup. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth if necessary. Without stirring, drizzle beaten egg into soup. Let stand until egg is set, 2-3 minutes.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• Chicken stock:
• Bring chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and 5 quarts water to a boil in a large heavy pot. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming surface occasionally, until broth is flavorful and reduced by one-fourth, about 2 hours.
• Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. (You should have about 4 quarts). Let cool, then cover and chill.
• DO AHEAD: Stock can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool, then cover and chill.
• Soup:
• Rub chicken legs with five-spice powder, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar; let sit 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat broiler. Spread out halved ginger and onions on a rimmed baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until charred all over, 15-20 minutes. Add lemongrass, cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves to onions and ginger and broil until lightly charred and fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Transfer onion mixture to a large heavy pot. Add chicken stock and fish sauce and bring to a boil. Add seasoned chicken, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is just cooked through, 20-25 minutes.
• Using tongs, transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool slightly, then remove skin and bones; discard. Shred meat. Continue to simmer broth until it reduces slightly and flavors concentrate, 50-60 minutes. Season with more salt and/or sugar, if desired. Strain into a large bowl or clean pot.
• Cook noodles according to package directions. Using tongs or a spider, transfer noodles to a colander and run under cold water to stop cooking; set aside. (Keep pot of boiling water handy for reheating noodles.)
• Just before serving, return noodle cooking water to a boil. Place noodles in a fine-mesh sieve and lower into hot water to reheat, 30 seconds.
• Divide noodles among warm bowls and add shredded chicken and bean sprouts. Ladle hot broth over, dividing evenly. Serve with Spicy Pickled Shallots, herbs, and lime wedges for squeezing over.
• DO AHEAD: Seasoned chicken broth can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool, then cover and chill. Bring to a boil before serving.

CHEAT N' EAT VIETNAMESE CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Soak noodles in very hot tap water.
• While noodles are soaking, cut chicken into thin julienne strips.
• Heat oil in deep skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken; garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes.
• Cook, stirring for 1 minute; then add broth and fish sauce and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is done, about 8 minutes.
• Drain noodles and cut into short pieces, about 1-1 1/2 inches long.
• Arrange noodles in bottom of bowls; ladle soup over the top and sprinkle with cilantro, onion, and basil.
• Serve with"Tuong Ot Sriracha" (Viet hot sauce), or chile paste, if desired.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a small frying pan on medium heat and gently cook the shallots and garlic until caramelised and golden brown (about 4-5 mins).
• In a large saucepan, add the caramelised shallots and garlic, lemongrass, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, Chinese five-spice, peppercorns, sugar, fish sauce, chicken stock and chicken breasts. Cover with a lid and bring to a very gentle simmer for about 15 mins.
• Meanwhile, cook the noodles, following pack instructions, until just cooked through (do not over-cook). Rinse under cold water to prevent them sticking together. Drain and divide between serving bowls.
• Strain the soup through a sieve. Discard the spices. Shred the chicken and keep to one side. Return soup to the pot and bring to a boil. Season to taste with more fish sauce if needed.
• To serve, ladle piping hot soup into bowls of noodles and chicken, and top with spring onion, carrot, bean sprouts, and herbs, plus the chilli, crispy shallots and kaffir lime leaf if using. Serve with a lime wedge to squeeze over, and more fish sauce and chilli to taste.