Mien Ga (Chicken Bean Thread Noodle Soup)

When I’m feeling under the weather or just want a hug in a bowl, my mom’s Mien Ga hits the spot every time. It completely fills my soul with love and warmth. It’s also a really simple and light soup, it keeps you full without making you feel lethargic. This recipe makes about 10 bowls, so grab a bit ass stock pot!

Ingredients:

  • 9 chicken quarters, skin on, fat trimmed and discarded

  • 2-2.5 lb pork neck bones

    • Asian grocery stores usually sell them in pre-portioned bags, as long as you have at least a pound, you’re good. The point of the neck bones is to sweeten your broth with more depth, sans sugar

  • 1 whole yellow onion, peeled and roasted

  • 60 grams ginger, peeled and roasted (1 piece the size of your hand)

  • 300 grams daikon, peeled and quartered (about 1 small daikon)

  • 1 bunch rau ram (Vietnamese coriander)

  • 2 bunches green onions

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/3 cup fish sauce

Directions:

  • Rinse the pork neck bones in hot water and salt in a big bowl and let the bones sit in it for a few minutes

  • In a huge stock pot, fill it halfway with water

  • Add in pork bones, bring to a boil

  • Add in onion and ginger

  • Add in a pinch of salt and sugar

  • Add in chicken quarters

  • As the water boils, scoop and discard bits that float to the top with a netted spoon

  • Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce

  • Turn the stove down to medium-high and simmer for 45 minutes

  • Remove the chicken, let cool and shred