Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy Recipe

This Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is simple to prepare. The combination of hearty soba noodles, tender chicken, and nutritious bok choy in a tangy and savory broth makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Photos of Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy Recipe

While most ingredients are common staples, there are a few you might need to seek out. Soba noodles, a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat, are a key ingredient and can usually be found in the Asian food aisle. Thai fish sauce and sweet red chili sauce, integral for the soup's unique flavor, are also typically found in the same section. Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is usually available in the vegetable or international produce section.

Ingredients for Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy

Chicken stock: Used as the base for the soup, adding depth and flavor.

Chicken breast: Provides protein and helps to make the soup more filling.

Fresh ginger: Enhances the soup with its unique spicy and aromatic flavor.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness to balance the rich flavors of the soup.

Thai fish sauce: Gives the soup a complex savory flavor.

Thai sweet red chili sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and heat.

Brown sugar: Further enhances the soup's sweetness.

Soba noodles: These Japanese noodles add heartiness to the soup.

Bok choy: Adds a crunchy texture and is rich in vitamins A and C.

Scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.

Thai basil: Adds an aromatic sweetness to the soup.

Lime wedges: For squeezing over the soup for extra zest.

Red pepper flakes: For those who prefer a bit more heat.

One reader, Allegra Booth says:

This soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and comforting. The combination of tender chicken, hearty bok choy, and the fragrant broth is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Allegra Booth

Techniques Required for Soba Noodle Soup With Chicken and Bok Choy

How to simmer chicken breast: Simmer the chicken breast in a saucepan with enough stock to barely cover it, then cover the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Once simmering, place the lid slightly ajar and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover completely with the lid again, and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before shredding it into pieces.

How to make the broth: Add the remaining chicken stock to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir and taste for seasoning, adding more chili sauce if desired to make a spicier broth. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.

How to cook soba noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the soba noodles. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender or according to the package directions. Drain into a colander. If the soup isn't quite ready yet, run the noodles under cold water, drain, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while finishing the rest of the soup.

How to prepare bok choy and scallions: Add the bok choy and scallions to the soup broth and return to a simmer. Remove from the heat after 1 minute. If the bok choy were left in halves, cook for a few minutes longer, or until tender.

How To Make Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy

Delight in a hearty spoonful of this flavorful soba noodle soup cooked with chicken and baby bok choy in a broth spiced with herbs, scallions, and lime.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8cupschicken stock,or low-sodium chicken broth
1chicken breast,(about 12 oz) boneless, skinless
2tbsppiece of fresh ginger,(2-inches slice) finely chopped
¼cuplime juice
2tbspThai fish sauce
3tbspThai sweet red chili sauce
1tbspbrown sugar
8ozsoba noodles,buckwheat
4baby bok choy,cut into 1-inch slices, or halved lengthwise
6scallions,thinly sliced
sprigsThai basil,or mint, or cilantro, for garnish
lime wedges,to serve
red pepper flakes,for garnish

Instructions

Place a boneless and skinless chicken breast in a saucepan and add enough stock to barely cover.
Cover the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Once simmering, place the lid slightly ajar and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat, cover completely with the lid again, and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a plate, and shred into pieces with the fingers when cool enough to handle.
Add the remaining chicken stock to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Add the ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar.
Stir and taste for seasoning.
Add more chili sauce if desired to make a spicier broth.
Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the noodles and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender or according to the package directions.
Drain into a colander.
If the soup isn’t quite ready yet, run the noodles under cold water, drain, and toss with a little olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together while finishing the rest of the soup.
Add the bok choy and scallions to the soup broth.
Return to a simmer.
Remove from the heat after 1 minute. (If the bok choy were left in halves, cook for a few minutes longer, or until tender.)

To Assemble:

Divide the noodles among 4 large soup bowls and top with the chicken.
Ladle the broth and vegetables over the top and garnish with basil, mint, or cilantro, if desired.
Serve with lime wedges and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Recipe Notes

For an even speedier meal, substitute 2 cups of shredded chicken meat (or any other meat) instead of poaching the chicken. Look for fish sauce, red chili sauce, and soba noodles in the Asian foods section at the grocery store, or order online.

Nutrition

Calories: 479.11kcal
Fat: 10.47g
Saturated Fat: 2.83g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.10g
Carbohydrates: 68.78g
Fiber: 1.88g
Sugar: 12.29g
Protein: 31.33g
Cholesterol: 42.24mg
Sodium: 2160.88mg
Calcium: 125.71mg
Potassium: 1068.41mg
Iron: 3.65mg
Vitamin A: 40.33µg
Vitamin C: 40.79mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Soba Noodle Soup

When preparing the soba noodles, it's important to not overcook them as they can easily become mushy. To achieve the perfect texture, known as 'al dente', start testing the noodles about 1-2 minutes sooner than the time recommended on the package. Once cooked, immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This will help keep the noodles firm and prevent them from sticking together.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soba Noodle Soup Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the chicken and broth in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Multitask: While the chicken is simmering, prepare the other ingredients to save time.

Quick-cook noodles: Use quick-cooking soba noodles to reduce the cooking time.

Chop in advance: Pre-chop the bok choy and scallions to streamline the cooking process.

Use store-bought broth: If pressed for time, use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils to make the cooking process more efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy Recipe

soba noodles - Substitute with udon noodles: Udon noodles are a suitable substitute for soba noodles, as they are also a type of Japanese noodle and have a similar texture and flavor. They will work well in the soup and provide a satisfying alternative.
baby bok choy - Substitute with Chinese broccoli (gai lan): Chinese broccoli has a slightly bitter flavor similar to bok choy and can be used as a substitute in the soup. It will add a delicious and nutritious element to the dish.

Presenting Soba Noodle Soup With Chicken and Bok Choy

Elevate the broth: Create a rich and flavorful broth by infusing it with ginger, lime juice, Thai fish sauce, and Thai sweet red chili sauce. This will add depth and complexity to the soup, impressing the judges with its bold flavors.
Artful noodle placement: Carefully arrange the soba noodles in the center of the bowl, ensuring they are evenly spread out and not clumped together. This will showcase attention to detail and precision in plating.
Garnish with precision: Add the shredded chicken on top of the noodles, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the bok choy and scallions strategically around the bowl to create a visually appealing presentation.
Herb arrangement: Garnish the soup with sprigs of Thai basil placed delicately on top. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish, demonstrating a thoughtful and artistic approach to plating.
Lime wedge placement: Carefully position the lime wedges on the rim of the bowl, ensuring they are neatly placed and ready to be squeezed over the soup. This attention to detail will show a high level of precision and care in the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Soba Noodle Soup

Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, stewing, and making sauces.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, stewing, and cooking large quantities of food.
Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad blade, used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Tongs: A kitchen tool consisting of two arms joined by a hinge, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving soup, typically with a wide and deep shape.
Soup ladle: A large, long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soup.
Soup spoons: Spoons specifically designed for consuming soup, often with a deeper and larger bowl than regular spoons.

Storing and Freezing Soba Noodle Soup With Chicken and Bok Choy

Let the soba noodle soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the noodles from becoming soggy and overcooked.
Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If possible, store the noodles, chicken, and broth separately to maintain their texture and flavor.
When ready to reheat, combine the stored components in a pot and gently heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened too much.
To freeze the soup, follow these steps:
- Cook the soba noodles until just al dente, as they will soften further when reheated.
- Divide the noodles, shredded chicken, and bok choy into individual freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Pour the cooled broth over the ingredients, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen soba noodle soup:
- Thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the contents to a pot and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and the ingredients are warmed.
- If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, add a little extra chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or chili sauce to refresh the flavors.
When reheating, be cautious not to overcook the soba noodles or bok choy, as they can become mushy if heated for too long.

How To Reheat Leftover Soba Noodle Soup

To reheat leftover soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy, start by separating the noodles from the broth and vegetables. This will prevent the noodles from becoming overcooked and mushy during the reheating process.
Place the chicken, bok choy, and broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Gently simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
While the soup is reheating, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until they're heated through. Drain the noodles and divide them among the serving bowls.
Once the soup is hot, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a splash of lime juice, a dash of fish sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten up the flavors.
Ladle the hot soup over the noodles in the serving bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like Thai basil, mint, or cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Alternatively, for a quicker reheating method, you can microwave the leftovers. Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. In a separate microwave-safe container, combine the chicken, bok choy, and broth. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the soup is steaming hot. Pour the soup over the noodles and garnish as desired.

Random Fact About Soba Noodle Soup With Chicken and Bok Choy

The soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy recipe is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, which is high in fiber and protein. They are also gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and potassium. This dish combines the flavors of the savory chicken broth with the earthy soba noodles and the fresh, crisp bok choy, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Is Making Soba Noodle Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

This soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as chicken breast, bok choy, and scallions, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of simple yet flavorful ingredients like ginger, lime juice, and Thai fish sauce adds depth to the dish without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Soba Noodle Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?

This soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. The recipe incorporates several healthy ingredients, such as:

Chicken breast, which is a lean protein source
Bok choy, a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, which are gluten-free and contain essential nutrients like manganese and thiamin
Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid digestion
Scallions, which provide vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants

The broth is flavored with lime juice, fish sauce, chili sauce, and brown sugar, adding depth and complexity to the dish without relying heavily on unhealthy additives.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
Increase the amount of bok choy or add other nutrient-dense vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach, to boost the fiber and vitamin content
Opt for a natural, lower-sugar alternative to the Thai sweet red chili sauce, or reduce the amount used to minimize added sugars
Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil, to add more flavor and antioxidants without increasing calorie content
Serve with a side of fresh, sliced cucumbers or radishes for added crunch and nutrients

Editor's Thoughts on This Soba Noodle Soup Recipe

This recipe for soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, earthy bok choy, and savory broth infused with ginger and Thai spices creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the soba noodles provide a hearty base. The dish is beautifully garnished with scallions, Thai basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, adding a pop of color and a hint of heat. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Enhance Your Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Roast the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese until crispy and golden brown.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Sauté the carrots in honey and thyme until caramelized and tender, then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.

Grilled Pineapple with Chili Lime Seasoning: Grill the pineapple slices and sprinkle with a zesty chili lime seasoning for a sweet and spicy side dish.

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary: Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, cream, and fresh rosemary for a rich and flavorful side dish.

Crispy Sesame Ginger Green Beans: Sauté the green beans with sesame oil and ginger until crispy and fragrant, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soba Noodle Soup

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy sauce. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or noodles.

Mango Chicken Salad: This refreshing mango chicken salad is a perfect combination of juicy mango, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It's a light and satisfying meal that's great for lunch or a light dinner.

Coconut Curry Shrimp: This coconut curry shrimp is a creamy and aromatic dish that features plump shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a rich coconut curry sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Soba Noodle Soup With Chicken and Bok Choy

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect way to start your meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic come together on top of crispy slices of bread to create this classic Italian appetizer. It's a light and refreshing way to kick off your meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and decadent texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a refreshing and satisfying treat that is perfect for any time of the day.

Why trust this Soba Noodle Soup with Chicken and Bok Choy Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of chicken breast ensures a lean source of protein, while the addition of bok choy provides a nutritious and vibrant element. The incorporation of soba noodles introduces a unique and wholesome twist to the dish. The blend of ginger, lime juice, and Thai fish sauce creates a harmonious balance of savory and zesty notes. With the guidance provided, home cooks can confidently prepare a flavorful and nourishing soba noodle soup that is sure to impress their taste buds.

Share your thoughts on this soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you'd make to customize it to your taste!

FAQ:

How long does it take to make this soba noodle soup with chicken and bok choy?

This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare, including the time to cook the chicken, simmer the broth, and cook the noodles.

Can I use a different type of noodle instead of soba noodles?

Yes, you can substitute soba noodles with udon noodles or rice noodles if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the alternative noodles.

Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?

Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omitting the chicken. You can also add tofu or mushrooms for a protein boost.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and chicken in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, cook the noodles, and assemble the soup.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

Of course! You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less of the Thai sweet red chili sauce according to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to achieve the desired level of heat.