Gingery Watercress Soup with Chicken Meatballs (and Rice Noodles)

Gingery Watercress Soup with Chicken Meatballs & Rice Noodles

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 400g ground chicken

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp chopped spring onions

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for softness)

• 1 egg white (optional, for tenderness)

For the Soup:

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced or grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cups fresh watercress, roughly chopped

• 1–2 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)

• ½ tsp white pepper or black pepper

• Salt to taste

For the Noodles:

• 120–150g rice noodles

• Hot water for soaking

Optional Toppings:

• Spring onions

• Chili oil

• Sesame seeds

• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Chicken Meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until combined.

2. Form into small bite-sized balls.

3. Set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Soup Base

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Add ginger, garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth.

4. Bring to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs

1. Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering broth.

2. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and floating.

4️⃣ Add Noodles & Watercress

1. Soak rice noodles in hot water for 5–7 minutes, then drain.

2. Add noodles to the soup.

3. Add chopped watercress.

4. Simmer for 1–2 minutes (just until wilted).

5️⃣ Final Seasoning

• Add soy sauce, pepper, and salt as needed.

• Taste and adjust.

6️⃣ Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with spring onions, chili oil, and sesame seeds.

❓ Q & A

Q: What does watercress taste like?

A: It has a fresh, peppery flavor—similar to arugula but milder when cooked.

Q: Can I replace watercress?

A: Yes! Use:

• Spinach

• Bok choy

• Kale

• Pak choi

Q: Can I make this soup spicy?

A: Absolutely! Add:

• Chili oil

• Red pepper flakes

• Fresh chopped chilies

• Sriracha

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Add noodles fresh when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Freeze the broth and meatballs only. Add fresh noodles and greens later.

Q: Is this soup healthy?

A: Yes! It’s:

• High in protein

• Low in fat

• Light and soothing

• Great for immunity

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?

A: Yes, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.