Skip to main content

Spicy Chicken Soup

3.8

(4)

Yam Jin Gai

Mom's chicken noodle is great, but this soup is all about heat and bold flavor. Thais typically incorporate soup into a menu rather than making it a separate course.

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 5 1/2 hr (includes making stock)

Cooks' note:

Soup (without fish sauce, soy sauce, and mint) can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings (as part of larger meal; makes about 6 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

2 to 3 teaspoons northern Thai chile powder
4 small shallots, thinly sliced (1/4 cup)
3/4 lb skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2- by 1/4-inch strips
1 to 2 tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring stock to a simmer in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, then stir in chile powder (to taste) and shallots and simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes. Add chicken and simmer until just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in fish sauce (to taste) and soy sauce and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in mint.

    Step 2

    Serve soup warm, topped with scallions and cilantro.

Read More
This is one of the best fried chickens ever. From southern Thailand, gai hat yai is known for its crispy skin, great aromatics, and super juicy meat.
The mussels here add their beautiful, briny juices into the curry, which turn this into a stunning and spectacular dish.
Spaghetti is a common variation in modern Thai cooking. It’s so easy to work with and absorbs the garlicky, spicy notes of pad kee mao well.
Berbere is a spicy chile blend that has floral and sweet notes from coriander and cardamom, and when it’s paired with a honey glaze, it sets these wings apart from anything else you’ve ever had.
Traditionally, this Mexican staple is simmered for hours in an olla, or clay pot. You can achieve a similar result by using canned beans and instant ramen.
Turn inky black rice into a dreamy coconut milk pudding you’re fully authorized to enjoy for breakfast or dessert.
Rather than breaded and fried as you might expect croquettes to be, these are something more akin to a seared chicken salad patty.
This version of pork skewers is made in the oven, which tastes just as good, but you could always throw these on the grill for a version closer to the original.