National Dish Taiwan: Plum Chicken Soup (Recipe)
In this article
Warm up with Plum Chicken Soup, a comforting bowlful from the heart of Taiwan. Tender pieces of chicken simmer gently with sweet-tart dried plums, fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce, creating a broth that is both nourishing and quietly complex. It is the kind of dish that shines on a cold evening yet feels special enough to serve to family and friends. One taste and you will understand why this fruity, savoury soup has such an enduring place on Taiwanese tables.
About Plum Chicken Soup
Plum Chicken Soup is a traditional Taiwanese dish that is as delicious as it is nourishing. It brings together the delicate aroma of chicken and the fruity sweetness of plums, and the combination of these ingredients creates a wonderfully harmonious flavour that appeals to all the senses. This soup is an ideal choice for cold days, but it is also a lovely way to impress family and guests — a gentle, homely dish that carries a surprising depth of flavour.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300g chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 100g dried plums, stoned
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 litre chicken stock
- 1 piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best Plum Chicken Soup, try to use ingredients that are as fresh and good quality as possible. Visit an Asian grocery for the dried plums and an authentic soy sauce. Chicken breast is easy to find in any supermarket, though it is worth choosing a good cut of meat for a fuller flavour. Pick up fresh aromatics such as ginger and coriander too, as these are crucial to the character of the soup.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Plum Chicken Soup is simple and needs only a few steps. Begin by soaking the dried plums in warm water so they soften. While the plums soak, chop the onion and the garlic, and slice the ginger thinly. Having everything prepped and ready to hand makes the cooking process far smoother and lets you work at a relaxed pace.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a little oil in a large pot and fry the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown them all over until lightly golden.
- Stir in the ginger and the soaked plums and let them cook briefly.
- Pour in the chicken stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat.
- Season with soy sauce, salt and pepper and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Plum Chicken Soup is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce; all the other ingredients are usually naturally gluten-free. There are no dairy products in this recipe either, so it slots effortlessly into a lactose-free diet. That way anyone with an intolerance can enjoy this comforting soup without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of this soup, replace the chicken breast with a plant-based protein such as tofu or seitan. To deepen the flavour of the broth, use a good vegetable stock along with a little extra spice, and choose a vegan soy sauce to keep the whole dish free of animal products. Experiment with extra vegetables such as carrots or broccoli to boost the goodness of the bowl.
More tips and tricks
There are a few tricks that help you get the most out of Plum Chicken Soup. Using fresh rather than dried aromatics can intensify the flavours beautifully. Let the soup simmer a little longer so the flavours have time to meld and develop. If it becomes too thick, simply loosen it with a splash more stock. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely refreshing note.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Plum Chicken Soup is a flexible dish that adapts easily to personal preference. If you like it hot, add a little chilli or some ginger sauce. For a sweeter result, use a few more dried plums or stir in a spoonful of honey. You can also add different vegetables such as pak choi or peppers to build up the nourishing balance. This way you end up with a personalised bowl that suits your own taste exactly. It pairs wonderfully with other warming favourites like Sesame Oil Chicken Soup.
Ingredient substitutions
Sometimes you may not have every ingredient to hand when making Plum Chicken Soup. Instead of chicken breast, you can use chicken thighs, which offer even more flavour. If you cannot find dried plums, dried apricots make a good stand-in. For an earthier note, shiitake mushrooms can be used in place of the ginger. These alternatives still give a delicious result even when you stray from the original ingredients.
Drink pairing ideas
The perfect companion to Plum Chicken Soup is a light drink that supports its flavours. A fresh green tea works beautifully with the sweetness of the plums and the savoury notes of the broth. Alternatively, an Asian beer with a pleasant malty character complements the soup nicely. For an alcohol-free option, a bright lemon and ginger water is refreshing and enlivening — as is a glass of tangy Sour Plum Juice.
Serving and presentation ideas
Plum Chicken Soup can be served with a little style to lift the whole eating experience. Use deep bowls or smaller cups to create an inviting look. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a light drizzle of sesame oil, the soup gains an appealing colour and a touch of elegance. A thoughtful, attractive presentation makes enjoying the soup even more of a pleasure.
A bit of history
Plum Chicken Soup has its roots in traditional Taiwanese cooking, which has always been shaped by the ingredients to hand and by cultural exchange. Historically, the use of plums in Taiwanese cuisine is bound up with the idea of uniting enjoyment and good health in a single dish. Plums were seen as a symbol of a balanced diet, which led to the development of many recipes featuring the fruit. The soup is therefore not merely a dish but a part of Taiwan’s cultural identity — a fine example of the broader tradition you can explore in Taiwanese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
- Beef Noodle Soup
- Chicken Rice
- Taiwanese Spring Rolls Run Bing
- Braised Tofu With Mushrooms
- Hot And Sour Soup
Summary: Plum Chicken Soup
Plum Chicken Soup is a remarkable culinary creation that is simple to prepare and full of nourishing ingredients. With its harmonious combination of tender chicken and fruity plums, this soup offers a unique taste experience that warms both body and spirit. Whether for a special occasion or as an everyday meal, this Taiwanese speciality carries you straight to the flavours of Asia. Let its variety inspire you and give this delicious recipe a try.
