Vietnamese Style Meatball Noodle Soup

Vietnamese Style Meatball Noodle Soup

Tender chicken meatballs, thin rice noodles and broth flavored with classic Vietnamese soup ingredients like star anise, ginger and lime combine to make this light yet satisfying main dish soup.

Course Soups

Cuisine Asian

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Servings servings

Calories 477

Author Lynne Webb

Ingredients

6 cups low-sodium broth
3 whole star anise
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1-1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, or soy sauce
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sriracha
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2- inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
3 cloves garlic, peeled
4 to 5 scallions, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
8 ounces fine rice noodles
4 lime wedges

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons panko crumbs, for gluten-free use crushed Rice Chex
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Combine the chicken broth, star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, fish sauce, sriracha and lime juice in a stockpot over medium heat.
Slice the ginger into 1/4-inch thick pieces and smash them gently with the flat side of a knife. Do the same with the garlic, add both to the broth and bring it to a slow simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
While the broth simmers, combine the ground chicken, panko, cornstarch, fish sauce, lime juice and garlic in a mixing bowl.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. Tip: This mixture is very sticky. Wet your hands in cool water to make rolling the meatballs easier.
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to soak until soft and pliable, 10 to 12 minutes, drain and divide between four serving bowls (see notes).
Using a large slotted spoon, remove the spices, ginger and garlic from the broth and turn up the heat to bring it to a rapid simmer.
Begin adding meatballs, a few at a time, letting each batch cook for about 1 minute before adding more.
Continue simmering until the meatballs are cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes.
To finish, top each bowl of noodles with a portion of the scallions and cilantro. Ladle the meatballs and broth over top. Add a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Fine rice noodles will usually soften nicely in hot water, but be sure to check the package on your noodles as directions vary.

Nutrition