This easy soup uses Asian ingredients from several different countries. Soba Noodles from Japan, Fish Sauce from Vietnam, Soy Sauce from China and broth in a box that is Thai inspired. It’s rounded out with American Pork, and vegetables that are available in most any grocery store.
Since this soup is literally all over the map it is fair game to any kind of modification you would like. Change the meat, change the noodles (rice or ramen noodles would be good) to whatever you have or like. The same goes for the vegetables.
I found this broth at Aldi. It is not one of their regular items so it may not be there when you go. Take a hint from the label and you can probably add ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili to chicken broth and get a similar result. (Yes, I did taste all of those flavors in the broth.)
The cooking times in the recipe will result in tender crisp vegetables. Adjust the time to your preference.
- 1 Pound Ground Pork Chicken or Turkey would work, too.
- 1/2 Cup Sliced Yellow Onions Vertical and thin
- 1/2 Cup Sliced Carrots Diagonal and thin
- 3 Cloves Garlic Finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Grated Ginger Or to taste
- 1 Quart Chicken broth Asian flavored if you can find it.
- 2 Tsp. Fish Sauce Or to taste
- 1 Tbsp. Soy Sauce Reduced sodium
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 3 Cups Shredded Napa Cabbage
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper Thinly sliced
- 6 Green Onions Sliced
- 1-2 Chilis Jalapeno or Thai
- 2 Ounces Asian Noodles Your choice
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Tbsp. Oil Coconut or Canola, divided
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a soup pot. Add the ground pork and cook until it is no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and add the onions and carrots to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are fragrant. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes longer.
- Return the pork to the pan and add the broth, fish & soy sauce and lime juice. simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Give the soup a taste and add whatever you think it needs. Add the cabbage, red pepper, chilis and green onions. s\Simmer for 5 minutes or so.
- While the soup is cooking, prepare the noodles per the package directions. Add the cooked noodles to the soup and let everything get acquainted for another 5 minutes.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. You could also add a splash of Sriracha if you like.
