Chicken Meatball Soup
A Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe
When it comes to quick and comforting meals, a bowl of Chicken Meatball Soup is a winner. This savory soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. So, let's dive right into the delicious details!
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 bunches scallions
1 tbsp sake
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp potato starch
salt
3 cups water
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp potato starch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
sesame seeds (for garnish)
a drizzle of sesame oil (for finishing)
Instructions:
Start by grating the ginger and chopping the scallions.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated ginger, chopped scallions, sake, sesame oil, potato starch, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
In a pot, bring in water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the chuka dashi powder (chicken broth) and soy sauce.
Using two spoons, scoop a small portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a meatball. Drop it gently into the simmering soup. Repeat this process until you've used up all the chicken mixture.
Allow the meatballs to cook in the simmering soup for about 4-5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of potato starch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the soup while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup slightly.
To add the finishing touches, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the soup and drizzle a bit of sesame oil for that irresistible nutty aroma.
Tips for Making Meatballs:
Opt for lean ground meat like chicken, turkey, or beef when making meatballs for soup. These meats will not only add flavor but also maintain a light and tender texture in the soup.
When adding the meatballs to the soup, simmer them gently rather than boiling vigorously. Boiling too harshly can cause the meatballs to break apart or become tough. A gentle simmer allows them to cook evenly and stay tender.
To check if your meatballs are cooked through, cut one in half or use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature. For chicken or turkey meatballs, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients to Enhance Your Recipe: Asian soups are renowned for their bold and intricate flavors, and there are several ingredients that can elevate the overall taste of the soup.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Chopping these mushrooms and incorporating them into the meatballs will impart an extra layer of umami to the soup.
Onion: The natural richness of onions can enhance the depth of the broth. You can either chop and include them in the meatballs or slice and add them directly to the soup.
Yuzu Kosho: I personally enjoy adding a small amount of Yuzu Kosho to the soup just before serving. Its aromatic kick brings a delightful spicy twist to the dish.
Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper can subtly transform the flavor of your soup with its mild peppery essence.
Rayu: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, consider drizzling some Rayu at the end. It's an excellent choice to give your soup a spicy kick.
