Thailand Gaeng Jued Woon Sen (Clear Soup with Glass Noodles)
Gaeng jued woon sen, or clear soup with glass noodles, is a light and comforting dish that is a staple in Thai home cooking. This clear soup features woon sen (glass noodles made from mung beans) as the star ingredient, along with minced pork or chicken, tofu, and a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and spring onions. The broth is delicately seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, pepper, and sometimes fish sauce, creating a subtle yet flavorful base that lets the ingredients shine. Often garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy fried garlic, gaeng jued woon sen is enjoyed as a mild and soothing accompaniment to spicier Thai dishes, or as a standalone meal when something light and nourishing is desired. Its simplicity and balance make it a beloved comfort food, reflecting the versatility and warmth of Thai cuisine.
Recipe Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
- 2 Tbsp (2 g) finely chopped cilantro stems
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce, more to taste
- ¼ tsp (0.75 g) ground white pepper, more to taste
- 6 cups (1,420 ml) chicken broth
- 8 oz (227 g) tofu, cubed
- 4 oz (113 g) glass noodles
- Chopped green onions, as needed for garnish
- Chopped cilantro leaves, as needed for garnish
- Lime wedges, as needed for serving
Directions
- Place glass noodles in a bowl, add water to cover, and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Place ground chicken, cilantro stems, garlic, soy sauce, and white pepper in a large bowl, mixing until well combined.
- Roll meat mixture into small balls and chill in the refrigerator until needed.
- Pour chicken broth into a pot and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add meatballs to the boiling broth and cook for about 5 minutes until they all float to the top.
- Add tofu and drained glass noodles, cooking on a low boil for about 2 minutes.
- Taste soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce and/or white pepper if desired.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and sprinkle each with green onions and cilantro.
- Serve soup hot with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Rice vermicelli may be used in place of glass noodles.
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