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A Taste of Thailand: The Story Behind Our Soup

This lemongrass chicken noodle soup holds a special place in our hearts. During our early travels in Thailand, when Natalia and I were exploring Koh Chang, we stumbled upon a small street food stall. The air was alive with the scent of lemongrass and ginger, drawing us to a steaming bowl of this soup. One taste, and we were hooked—it was like Thailand in a bowl.

Years later, with my culinary training from Austria and Oman, I refined this recipe to capture those vibrant flavors. Victor loves bruising the lemongrass stalks, a task that makes him feel part of our Thai adventures. As we adapted it during our current travels in Vietnam, adding local twists, it became a family favorite, especially on chilly UK evenings.

Fresh lemongrass at a Bangkok market
Fresh lemongrass at a Bangkok market, the heart of our soup.

Watch: How to Prepare Lemongrass

Transparency Note: This video is from Everyday Food, a trusted culinary channel. We do not own this content but include it to help you master lemongrass preparation. All recipes and family stories are 100% original from Mangoes & Palm Trees.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Bursting with Flavor: Lemongrass, ginger, and garlic create a fragrant, soul-warming broth
  • Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and herbs for a balanced meal
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make it accessible for all cooks
  • Perfect for Any Season: Light enough for summer, comforting for winter nights
  • Customizable: Adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, or spicy preferences

Health Benefits of Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why:

  • Lemongrass: Offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, boosting immunity and aiding digestion
  • Chicken: Provides lean protein (~25g per serving) for muscle repair and satiety
  • Ginger: Supports digestion and reduces nausea, perfect for wellness
  • Garlic: Enhances immune function with antibacterial properties
  • Vegetables: Carrots and bok choy add vitamins A, C, and fiber

Explore more healthy recipes at our Healthy Meal Plans.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Quality ingredients make this soup shine. During my training in Oman, I learned the importance of fresh herbs. Choose firm, green lemongrass stalks for maximum flavor. A sharp Chef Knife simplifies prep, while fresh ginger and garlic add depth, and rice noodles keep it light and gluten-free.

Watch: How to Prepare Lemongrass

Transparency Note: This video is from Everyday Food, a trusted culinary channel. We do not own this content but include it to help you master lemongrass preparation. All recipes and family stories are 100% original from Mangoes & Palm Trees.

Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup

A fragrant, comforting soup with tender chicken, rice noodles, and vibrant Thai flavors, perfect for any meal.

Prep Time15 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time45 min
Servings4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint for garnish
  • Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup with fresh herbs and rice noodles
A vibrant bowl of Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup, ready to enjoy.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Add Vegetables: Add carrots and bok choy. Cook for 5 minutes until tender.
  5. Season: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Prepare Noodles: Cook rice noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Serve: Place noodles in bowls, ladle hot soup over them, and garnish with cilantro, basil, mint, and chili peppers if desired.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, richer broth.

Recipe Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version
  • Store broth and noodles separately to maintain texture
  • Adjust chili peppers for desired heat level

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount% Daily Value
Calories350
Protein25g50%
Total Fat8g10%
Carbohydrates40g15%
Fiber3g11%
Sodium900mg39%
Vitamin C20mg22%
Vitamin A100µg11%

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition may vary.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version

Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a plant-based option.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the soup gluten-free.

Spicy Kick

Add more chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.

Creamy Twist

Stir in ½ cup coconut milk for a richer, creamier broth.

🥭🌴 Expert Answers by Mangoes and Palm Trees

Frequently Asked Questions

Insights from 15+ years in hospitality and 50+ countries explored, from Koh Chang stalls (2016–2018) to Vietnam (2022–present). Victor’s love for lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup shapes our tips.

🥄 Oliver’s Culinary Expertise

Fresh lemongrass is best, but use 1 tsp dried per stalk in a pinch, as we did in the UK (2018–2023). (Martha Stewart)

🥄 Natalia’s Preservation Expertise

Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge, a method tested in Vietnam (2022–present). (Cuisinart)

🥄 Family-Tested Favorites

Freeze broth without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating, a trick from our UK kitchen (2018–2023). (Bite of Fox)

🥄 Oliver’s Culinary Expertise

Use soy sauce or tamari for vegetarian; oyster sauce for non-vegetarian, adapted in Thailand (2016–2018). (The Spruce Eats)

🥄 Victor’s Taste-Tested Tip

It has mild heat from ginger and optional chili. Adjust to taste, as Victor prefers in Vietnam (2022–present). (The Flavor Bender)

🥄 Richard’s Influence

Blend 10 rehydrated chipotle morita chiles with a garlic clove, ¼ cup water, and a pinch of salt for a smoky sauce. Add 1 tsp to the broth, as we did in Vietnam (2022–present). Inspired by Rico Rico and our Mexican Chile Guide. (Rico Rico)

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Let’s Make It Together!

Our lemongrass chicken noodle soup is more than a recipe; it’s a journey through Thailand’s flavors and our family’s memories. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as we do.

Share your creations with #MangoesAndPalmTreesSoup by emailing team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com. Explore more at our Recipes Collection or Personality Quiz Hub. Happy cooking!

Oliver Mayerhoffer

About Oliver Mayerhoffer

Oliver Mayerhoffer is a passionate adventurer dad, hospitality professional, and digital marketer who thrives on meeting people, exploring cultures, and uncovering food stories from global markets and village kitchens. With culinary training from Austria and Oman, his recipes at Mangoes & Palm Trees bring authentic world flavors home.

Read More About Oliver →

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