Manchow Soup Chicken Recipe
Shredded chicken, bamboo shoot, and mushroom in a boldly spiced Hakka broth of soy and Szechuan pepper, crowned with delicate fried noodles.
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Ingredients
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Soup Base
Aromatics & Vegetables
Thickening & Seasoning
Garnish & Noodles
Method
Soup Base
Toast Szechuan peppercorns
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Szechuan peppercorns 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then crush lightly with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Set aside.
In a large pot, combine chicken stock and 1 cup water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper and the crushed Szechuan peppercorns. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Keep simmering gently while you prepare the aromatics.
Add shredded cooked chicken to the simmering broth to warm through; keep at a gentle simmer to avoid cloudy broth.
Aromatics & Vegetables
Heat neutral oil in a medium skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil, then add the finely minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions; stir-fry 30–45 seconds until aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Add bamboo shoots and julienned carrot; stir 1–2 minutes to combine and warm them through.
Transfer the aromatics and vegetables into the simmering broth and stir to combine. Simmer together 3–5 minutes so flavors meld.
Thickening & Seasoning
Make a slurry by whisking the cornstarch with the 3 tablespoons cold water until fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
With the broth at a gentle simmer, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot while stirring continuously. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the soup slightly thickens to a silky, slightly viscous texture typical of Manchow soup. If it becomes too thick, add up to 0.5 cup hot water or stock to loosen.
Garnish & Noodles
Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges on the side so diners can squeeze a little citrus into their bowl, which brightens the flavors.