Immune-Boosting Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup: A Deliciously Healthy Recipe for Colds & Comfort
Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is a vibrant, Asian-inspired twist on traditional chicken noodle soup, packed with flavors and ingredients renowned for their immune-boosting properties. This comforting bowl is your perfect companion during the colder months or when you’re battling a lingering cold.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Why Chicken Noodle Soup Reigns Supreme
What’s your go-to when you’re feeling under the weather or trying to shake off a persistent cold? For many, myself included, it’s always some variation of chicken noodle soup. There’s a deeply ingrained sense of comfort and healing associated with a warm, savory bowl of this classic dish. It’s not just an old wives’ tale; studies suggest that chicken broth, rich in electrolytes and essential amino acids, can help hydrate the body and support the immune system, making it an excellent choice for recovery.
Our family recently experienced a nasty bout of the flu. It seems like ever since our son was born two years ago, we get the stomach flu once a year, usually starting with him (likely from daycare) before spreading to my husband and me. It’s truly no fun, especially this year when I caught it at 37 weeks pregnant! I had absolutely no energy, confined to the couch, desperately hoping for a quick recovery. Once I felt somewhat normal again, my immediate thought was to prepare a truly comforting and immunity-boosting soup for my family to help us all fully recuperate and prevent further illness.
An Asian-Inspired Twist on a Classic
While a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup is undeniably good, sometimes you crave something a little different, a new blend of flavors to tantalize your taste buds while still delivering that essential comfort. This desire led me to create this Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup. By infusing the familiar chicken noodle base with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors like sesame oil and fresh ginger, I created a dish that’s both exotic and deeply soothing. Ginger, in particular, is a powerhouse ingredient, widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe nausea and warm the body – perfect for fighting off chills and congestion.
Key Ingredients for Flavor and Wellness
Each ingredient in this Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup plays a crucial role, contributing not only to its exquisite taste but also to its health benefits:
- Sesame Oil: This fragrant oil provides a distinct nutty, toasty flavor that is fundamental to Asian cuisine. It also contains healthy fats and antioxidants, contributing to the richness of the broth.
- Fresh Ginger: The star of the show for its warming, slightly spicy kick and potent medicinal properties. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can aid digestion and alleviate cold symptoms.
- Garlic & Onion: These aromatic vegetables form the base of many delicious soups. Beyond flavor, garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting compounds.
- Chicken Broth: The soul of any chicken noodle soup, offering hydration and essential nutrients. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
- Shredded Carrots & Zucchini: These vegetables add sweetness, vibrant color, and a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. Shredding them allows them to cook quickly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Cooked Chicken: Provides protein to help your body repair and recover. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for quick meal prep.
- Egg Noodles: The classic choice for comfort, absorbing the delicious broth and offering a satisfying texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat that not only enhances flavor but can also help clear sinuses.
- Cilantro & Lime: Fresh garnishes that brighten the soup with a burst of freshness and a tangy kick, making each spoonful even more invigorating.
Crafting Your Perfect Bowl: Step-by-Step Guidance
Making this Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is a straightforward process, ensuring a comforting meal even on your lowest energy days. It begins with building a strong flavor base. You’ll start by heating sesame oil in a large pot, then gently sautéing chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This step is crucial for releasing their potent aromas and flavors, filling your kitchen with an inviting scent. Cook them until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add your shredded carrots and zucchini. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb some of the aromatic oils. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. This is when the magic truly begins as all the flavors start to meld together.
Once boiling, stir in the cooked and chopped chicken, red pepper flakes, along with a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to deepen and for the immune-boosting properties of the ginger and garlic to fully infuse the broth. Finally, add the wide egg noodles and continue to simmer until they are cooked al dente, tender yet with a slight bite. Remember to check the noodles often to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Once the noodles are ready, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve alongside lime wedges, allowing each person to squeeze in fresh lime juice to their liking – it adds a wonderful bright acidity that really lifts the flavors of the soup. This soup is best enjoyed warm, providing immediate comfort and a boost to your senses.
Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup
By Julia Jolliff
Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is full of Asian inspired flavors. This soup is a cold fighting soup full of healthy ingredients to boost your immune system in the winter.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles, wide
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and zucchini and continue to cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil and stir in the chicken, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the egg noodles and continue to simmer until the noodles are al dente.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro with lime wedges on the side.
- Let cool completely and freeze the remaining soup for later enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a quick and easy option.
- I shredded the vegetables (carrots and zucchini) but you could chop them if you prefer. I liked the texture of the shredded vegetables.
- You could substitute Asian noodles for the egg noodles if you want.
Nutrition
Calories: 211kcal,
Carbohydrates: 24g,
Protein: 14g,
Fat: 6g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Trans Fat: 0.02g,
Cholesterol: 53mg,
Sodium: 935mg,
Potassium: 378mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 2649IU,
Vitamin C: 6mg,
Calcium: 33mg,
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
This Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. For a different texture, try swapping out egg noodles for other Asian varieties like ramen noodles, soba, or even thin rice noodles. If you prefer a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh can be easily substituted for chicken, and vegetable broth will work just as well. Don’t hesitate to add more vegetables; sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach would be fantastic additions, boosting both nutrition and flavor. For those who enjoy more heat, a bit more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha at the end will do the trick.
This soup also makes an excellent meal prep option. I made a double batch of this recipe and froze half of it, anticipating the need for quick, nourishing meals once our new baby arrived. It’s truly a lifesaver to have a ready-to-heat, wholesome dinner on hand for busy days or when you’re simply too tired to cook. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra broth if needed.
Serve this delightful soup on its own for a light yet satisfying meal, or pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad for a more substantial dinner. Its vibrant flavors also complement light appetizers like spring rolls or edamame. The combination of warmth, spice, and fresh ingredients creates a truly invigorating dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup
Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of grated?
A: Yes, the recipe calls for grated fresh ginger. Using fresh ginger is key to achieving that bright, zesty flavor and harnessing its full immune-boosting potential. A microplane grater makes this task quick and easy.
Q: What kind of chicken is best for this soup?
A: Cooked and chopped chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, or you can boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time. This ensures the chicken is tender and ready to absorb the soup’s flavors.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: To increase the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also drizzle some chili oil or sriracha into individual bowls when serving, allowing everyone to customize their spice level.
Q: Is this soup good for freezing?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, you might want to add a little extra chicken broth to restore its original consistency, especially if the noodles have absorbed a lot of liquid.
Final Thoughts on This Comforting Elixir
Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of warmth, healing, and delicious flavor. The rich combination of fresh ginger and fragrant sesame oil, coupled with nutrient-dense vegetables and comforting chicken broth, creates a soup that truly nourishes the body and soul. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, recovering from the flu, or simply craving a flavorful and healthy dinner, this Asian-inspired twist on a classic is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and experience the comforting embrace of this wonderful soup!
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Julia