Imagine a soul-warming soup that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Taiwan, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition and comfort. This Taiwanese Sesame Oil Chicken Soup is not just a recipe; it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away your coldest days and soothe your weary soul. With its rich, aromatic sesame oil and tender chicken swimming in a golden broth, this dish is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup ginger, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Slice the ginger into thin pieces to release its flavor effectively.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the sliced ginger to the pot and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will infuse the sesame oil with a rich ginger flavor.
- Once the ginger is fragrant, add the chopped chicken thighs to the pot. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
- After 25 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and fully cooked. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional sliced ginger or green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your comforting Taiwanese Sesame Oil Chicken Soup with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose dark meat chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness - they're more forgiving and stay juicy during cooking.
- Toast your ginger slightly in the sesame oil to release its full aromatic potential before adding chicken.
- Use high-quality, toasted sesame oil for an authentic Taiwanese flavor profile - the difference is remarkable.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Shaoxing wine or rice wine during cooking.
- If you prefer a clearer broth, skim off any foam that forms during the initial boiling stage.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
