National Dish Taiwan: Sesame Oil Chicken Soup (Recipe)
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Warm yourself from the inside out with Sesame Oil Chicken Soup, a comforting bowl that sits close to the heart of Taiwanese home cooking. Tender chicken is simmered in a fragrant broth built on toasty, nutty sesame oil, ginger and gentle aromatics, resulting in a dish that feels like a hug on a cold day. It is nourishing, deeply savoury and wonderfully easy to make — the sort of soup families return to time and again.
About Sesame Oil Chicken Soup
Sesame Oil Chicken Soup is a traditional dish from Taiwan that captures the flavours of the island’s kitchen beautifully. The soup is prized for its intense, nutty taste, which comes from the sesame oil at its core. Tender chicken is gently cooked in an aromatic broth, rounded out with fresh vegetables and warming spices. Perfect for cold days, this soup brings a soothing sense of comfort to both body and soul, and it slots naturally into the wider repertoire of Taiwanese cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g chicken breast fillet
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 litre chicken stock
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 piece of ginger (about 2 cm), grated
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 spring onions, cut into rings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for sesame oil chicken soup, it is important to choose fresh produce. Make sure the chicken is of good quality and, ideally, from sustainable farming. For the sesame oil, opt for a cold-pressed variety, as it delivers the fullest flavour. Fresh vegetables such as carrots and spring onions are equally important for intensifying the aromas of the soup.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the sesame oil chicken soup is relatively straightforward and takes only a few steps. Begin by washing and prepping all your ingredients, slicing the vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peeling and chopping the onion, garlic and ginger is also key to releasing their aromas. Have everything ready to hand so the cooking process runs smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic and ginger and fry for about 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook for a further 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to the boil.
- Add the carrots and spring onions and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper and serve piping hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Sesame oil chicken soup lends itself wonderfully to a gluten-free and lactose-free version. Most of the ingredients, such as the chicken and the vegetables, are naturally gluten-free anyway. With the chicken stock, take care to choose a gluten-free option or make your own. As for lactose, there is nothing to worry about, since this recipe contains no dairy products at all.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of the soup, you can swap the chicken for tofu or seitan. These ingredients are an excellent source of protein and soak up the flavours of the broth beautifully. Instead of chicken stock, use a vegetable stock to keep the base hearty and full of flavour. You can also add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or broccoli for even more taste and nutrients.
More tips and tricks
A few tips and tricks can noticeably improve your sesame oil chicken soup. Let the broth rest a little after cooking so the flavours have time to develop more fully. Frying the onion, garlic and ginger in sesame oil is the key to building a deep flavour base. A pinch of chilli or a splash of soy sauce can also be added to give the soup an exciting extra note.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Sesame oil chicken soup is easy to tailor to your personal preferences. If you like things spicier, add chilli oil or fresh chillies. For a more robust soup, we recommend enhancing the broth with warming spices such as star anise or cinnamon. You can also use different vegetables depending on the season and your own taste — much as you would in a comforting Lotus Root Soup.
Ingredient substitutions
There are several substitutions you can make in sesame oil chicken soup. Instead of chicken, you can use turkey to keep the soup even leaner. For the broth, there are high-quality shop-bought products that are also gluten-free. The sesame oil, too, can be swapped for peanut oil if you would like a different nutty flavour.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with a delicious bowl of sesame oil chicken soup. A light, chilled white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc harmonises perfectly with the flavours of the soup. A fruity green tea can also be a refreshing choice that underlines the flavour combination. For an alcohol-free option, we recommend a homemade lime water, which complements the fresh aromas wonderfully.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your sesame oil chicken soup can heighten the enjoyment considerably. Serve the soup in attractive, deep bowls and garnish with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. Scattering black sesame seeds or toasted sesame over the soup lends an appealing look and extra texture. A thoughtful presentation turns any meal into something special.
A bit of history
Sesame oil chicken soup has its roots in Taiwanese culture and is often described as home-style comfort food. The dish symbolises warmth and togetherness, and it is frequently served at family gatherings or on special occasions. The use of sesame oil is not only a matter of flavour but also of wellbeing, as it is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. By adapting the preparation to different regional ingredients, the soup never loses its charm and remains wonderfully versatile.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sesame Oil Chicken Soup
Sesame oil chicken soup is a unique dish that not only delights the palate but also offers a glimpse into Taiwanese culture. With its combination of tender chicken, aromatic sesame oil and fresh vegetables, it is the perfect comfort soup for any occasion. Whether you are looking for something warming on a cold day or simply a heartening meal, this soup is sure to win you over. Give it a try and enjoy the flavours of Taiwan!
