Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tangy, savory broth infused with tamarind paste and fresh bamboo shoots, featuring tender chicken pieces. This lao-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, tamarind paste, bamboo shoots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Lao cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim chicken thighs of excess skin and cut into 1-inch pieces. Dice 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add 10 oz drained bamboo shoots and 1 tbsp fish sauce.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup coconut milk, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh cilantro just before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tamarind Chicken Soup with Bamboo Shoots?

Lao soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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