Name: Vietnamese Chicken and Bamboo Shoot Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) bone-in chicken thighs; 2 cans (15 oz each) bamboo shoots, drained and julienned; 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth, preferably homemade; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and julienned; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 3-inch pieces; 2 bird's eye chilies, sliced (optional); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 cup fresh bean sprouts; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped; 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
Sauté aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions begin to soften.
Cook the chicken

Add chicken thighs to the pot and sear on both sides until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and add lemongrass. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
Prepare bamboo shoots

While the chicken is cooking, rinse the bamboo shoots under cold water to remove any canned flavor. If using fresh bamboo shoots, boil them separately for 10 minutes, then drain and julienne.
Combine and season

Remove chicken from the broth and let cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding bones and skin. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with the bamboo shoots. Stir in fish sauce and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Finish the soup

Just before serving, add lime juice and bird's eye chilies (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or sugar if needed.
Garnish and serve

Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with fresh bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Vietnamese Chicken and Bamboo Shoot Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information