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If you’re craving something deeply comforting yet uniquely vibrant, this Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe is an absolute delight to have on your table. Combining nutty, toasty black sesame with fragrant herbs and tender chicken, this soup offers a beautiful harmony of earthy, tangy, and savory flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s a recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, making it a perfect soul-soother that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to unlocking the rich, bold flavors of this Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of aroma, taste, and texture that make the soup special and satisfying.
- Black sesame seeds: Toasted and ground to bring a nutty depth and enticing aroma to the broth.
- Fresh galangal (or root ginger): Adds sharp, citrusy warmth that balances the richness of sesame and chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Lightly bashed for mellow pungency that infuses the broth with savory richness.
- Lemongrass stalk: Crushed to release fresh, lemony notes that brighten the soup.
- Shallots: Provide a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Skinless chicken thigh fillets: Tender and juicy, these form the hearty protein base of the soup.
- Fish sauce: Enhances the umami depth with salty complexity.
- Lime juice: Adds a refreshing tang that lifts and balances the flavors.
- Coriander leaves: Fresh herb garnish that adds a bright herbal finish.
- Sliced spring onions: Provide crisp texture and gentle onion flavor as a fresh topping.
- Lime slices or wedges: For an extra citrus burst when serving.
How to Make Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Black Sesame Seeds
Begin by dry toasting the black sesame seeds in a hot frying pan for about a minute until they start to crackle and release their nutty aroma. This simple step profoundly enhances their flavor. Once toasted, grind them finely using a pestle and mortar to prepare for blending into the broth.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Broth
Next, peel and slice the fresh galangal (or root ginger), gently bash the garlic cloves and lemongrass stalk, and halve the shallots. Pop all these aromatic ingredients into a pot with 900ml of cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the broth infuse for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Broth
Strain the infused broth through a sieve into another pot, pressing down on the aromatics to extract every bit of flavor. Bring this fragrant liquid back to a vigorous boil and add the chicken thigh fillets. Let the chicken simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until completely cooked and tender, absorbing the aromatic goodness of the broth.
Step 4: Add the Roasted Ground Black Sesame Seeds
Gradually sprinkle the freshly ground black sesame seeds into the simmering broth. Stir gently to incorporate their nutty richness into the soup, creating a silky texture and deep, roasted flavor that is unmistakably delicious.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Finally, stir in the fish sauce and lime juice to taste. These two ingredients bring that perfect balance of saltiness and bright acidity that make the soup sing. Adjust to your liking, then ladle the soup into bowls for serving.
How to Serve Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and sliced spring onions on top to add vibrant bursts of color and herbaceous freshness. Toss in lime slices or wedges alongside the bowls for a zesty twist at the table. These garnishes elevate every spoonful, giving each bite brightness and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, helping to soak up all the luscious broth. You could also offer some warm crusty bread for dipping, or a lightly dressed green salad to provide a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra fancy, ladle the soup into individual rustic ceramic bowls and weave a small bouquet of coriander and spring onion atop each one. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of steamed bok choy or sautéed greens. Adding a few crispy fried shallots on top can also bring an irresistible crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sesame evenly.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind the texture of fresh herbs may change upon thawing, so it’s best to add garnishes fresh when serving. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent the ground sesame from settling at the bottom. Avoid boiling vigorously to preserve the delicate flavors and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute galangal with ginger in this soup?
Absolutely! While galangal has a sharper, more citrusy flavor, fresh root ginger is a good alternative and will still contribute warming spice notes to the broth.
Is black sesame chicken soup spicy?
No, this soup focuses on nutty, savory, and tangy flavors rather than heat. It’s gentle on the palate but packed with aromatic complexity.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, though chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful in soups, so they are the preferred cut for this recipe.
What does black sesame add to the soup?
Black sesame seeds offer a rich, roasted nutty flavor and a silky texture that transforms the broth into a uniquely delicious experience.
How long does it take to prepare this Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe?
The entire process takes about 40 minutes, with active cooking time balanced by a flavorful infusion period for the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, yet it’s vibrant enough to delight your taste buds anytime. Its blend of nutty sesame, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken creates an unforgettable flavor journey. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple ingredients can come together to make such a comforting and impressive meal. Happy cooking!
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Black Sesame Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This soothing Black Sesame Chicken Soup combines fragrant Southeast Asian aromatics with the nutty flavor of toasted black sesame seeds. Tender chicken thigh fillets simmer in a delicate broth infused with galangal, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots, then brightened with fresh lime juice and fish sauce. Garnished with coriander, spring onions, and lime wedges, this comforting soup offers a perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and slightly nutty flavors, ideal for a light, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 100g fresh galangal (or root ginger)
- 1 head of garlic, cloves peeled
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 100g shallots, peeled
- 900ml cold water
- Pinch of salt
Chicken and Seasoning
- 500g skinless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
Garnishes
- Coriander leaves
- Sliced spring onions
- Lime slices or wedges
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds: Dry toast the black sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat for 1 minute or until they start to crackle, releasing their fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn them to maintain their nutty flavor.
- Grind sesame seeds: Transfer the toasted seeds to a pestle and mortar and grind finely to maximize their flavor infusion in the soup.
- Prepare aromatics: Peel and slice the galangal or root ginger. Lightly bash the garlic cloves and lemongrass stalk to release their essential oils. Halve the peeled shallots for even flavor extraction.
- Make broth: Place the prepared aromatics into a pot with 900ml of cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer gently for 10 minutes to extract flavors.
- Infuse broth: Turn off the heat and leave the broth to infuse with the aromatics for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- Strain broth: Strain the broth through a fine sieve into another pot, pressing down on the aromatics to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
- Cook chicken: Bring the strained broth back to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed chicken thigh fillets and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add black sesame: Gradually sprinkle the roasted and ground black sesame seeds into the simmering broth, stirring gently to incorporate their nutty flavor throughout the soup.
- Season soup: Stir in fish sauce and lime juice to taste, balancing the salty umami and fresh acidity to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onions, and lime wedges for added brightness and texture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To maintain the bold black sesame flavor, toast seeds just until crackling begins—over-toasting can create bitterness.
- If fresh galangal is not available, substitute with fresh root ginger, though flavor may vary slightly.
- Adjust fish sauce and lime juice quantities carefully to achieve your preferred balance of saltiness and acidity.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for tenderness; however, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner soup, though the texture may differ.
- This soup is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid toughening the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
