Chicken Manchow Soup
A classic Indo-Chinese soup that's both spicy and savory. Loaded with finely chopped chicken and vegetables, thickened to perfection, and served with a generous topping of crispy fried noodles for an irresistible crunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crispy Noodles
- b.Boil the hakka noodles in salted water until just cooked (al dente). Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- c.Spread the noodles on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and let them air dry for at least 30 minutes. They must be completely dry for maximum crispiness.
- d.Once dry, toss the noodles with 1 tbsp of corn starch until they are lightly coated.
- e.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Test the oil with a single noodle; it should sizzle and float up immediately.
- f.Fry the noodles in small batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- g.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried noodles and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
- b.In a large pot or wok, heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped spring onion whites and continue to sauté for another minute.
- e.Add the finely chopped chicken. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps, until the chicken is cooked through and opaque.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Vegetables and Add Liquids
- b.Add the shredded cabbage, chopped carrot, and bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a bite.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Thicken the Soup
- b.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp of corn starch with 1/4 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- d.While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly and steadily pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot.
- e.Continue to simmer and stir for another 2-3 minutes as the soup thickens to a desirable consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
- d.Garnish generously with the reserved crispy fried noodles and freshly chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest noodles, ensure they are completely dry before frying. You can even leave them under a fan for a while.
- 2Chop all vegetables and chicken as finely as possible to achieve the authentic texture of Manchow soup.
- 3To make an egg drop version, whisk one egg and slowly pour it into the simmering soup in a thin stream while stirring gently.
- 4Always make the cornstarch slurry with cold water to prevent lumps from forming.
- 5Store leftover soup and fried noodles separately. Reheat the soup and top with the noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or more vegetables like beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
SeafoodSeafood
Replace the chicken with finely chopped shrimp or a mix of seafood. Add the seafood in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to prevent it from overcooking.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili sauce. You can also add a dash of chili oil or Sriracha when serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Lean Protein
The chicken in the soup provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, this soup offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which support a healthy immune system and digestion.
Provides Hydration and Warmth
As a broth-based soup, it contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping with hydration. The warm, savory broth can be very comforting and soothing, especially when you're feeling under the weather.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chicken Manchow Soup (approximately 1.5 cups) contains around 350-450 calories, with a significant portion coming from the deep-fried noodles.