Description
A cozy, spicy, and flavorful Thai-inspired soup featuring dumplings in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 20–25 pork or chicken dumplings (frozen or fresh)
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised and cut into 3–4 inch pieces
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Fresh Thai chili or chili flakes, to taste
- Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Rice noodles or jasmine rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the aromatics: bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife, then slice into 3-4 inch pieces. Slice the ginger and smash the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Make the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Let simmer gently for about 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Add the dumplings: Drop in dumplings and cook according to package instructions or until they float and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to test by cutting one open—no pink meat means done.
- Season the broth: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balance of salty, sour, sweet, and heat.
- Finish with lime and heat: Turn off heat, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and add sliced fresh chili or chili flakes to preferred spice level. Stir gently.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls with plenty of dumplings. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Add cooked rice noodles or jasmine rice if desired.
Notes
[‘Bruise lemongrass to unlock oils for better flavor.’, ‘Do not overcook dumplings; once they float, test one to avoid rubbery texture.’, ‘Add chili after cooking to control spice level and avoid bitterness.’, ‘Remove lemongrass pieces before serving to avoid chewing on them.’, ‘Use good quality fish sauce for best umami flavor.’, ‘For vegetarian version, swap fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari and use tofu dumplings.’, ‘Broth tastes better the next day after flavors meld; store broth separately from dumplings if freezing.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Thai dumpling soup, savory soup, comfort food, easy dinner, spicy soup, homemade dumplings, Thai broth, quick soup recipe