Recreating a comforting bowl of restaurant-style Chinese soup might seem daunting, but these recipes make it a breeze. Each soup combines key Chinese ingredients to create the ideal homemade dish.
CHINESE CABBAGE AND GINGER SOUP
It doesn’t get simpler than this three-ingredient Chinese soup! Just combine chicken broth, napa cabbage, and ginger in a pot, then let it simmer. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is, yet you can easily enhance it with additional spices if desired. So cozy up with a bowl and enjoy every sip!
HOT AND SOUR COCONUT NOODLE SOUP
This hot and sour soup offers a Chinese twist on the classic tom yum. The vibrant flavor of lemongrass combined with a creamy coconut base creates a perfect harmony. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer bird’s eye chilis.
RED BEAN SOUP
Make sure to save room for dessert because you won’t want to miss out on this red bean soup. While it might sound simple, I promise the flavors are truly dazzling. Adzuki beans are blended to form a thick base, while sugar adds sweetness and orange zest elevates the flavor. Add some tapioca pearls, and you have a delightful Chinese dessert!
GINGER GARLIC NOODLE SOUP WITH BOK CHOY
This foolproof recipe is my definition of happiness on a cold, blustery day. The combination of star anise, ginger, and red chili flakes adds a warming kick, while bok choy, cremini mushrooms, and rice noodles create a comforting balance. Feel free to choose your favorite protein or keep it light with just veggies. If I’m in the mood for something special, I love to add gently poached shrimp!
SNOW FUNGUS SOUP
Snow fungus might have an unusual name, but this earthy soup is incredibly satisfying. Tong sui, or dessert soup, is a traditional Chinese treat enjoyed after a hearty meal. This recipe showcases snow fungus, which has a mild flavor and a gelatinous texture, complemented by dates, lotus berries, dried longan, and lotus seeds.
With its sweet flavor, snow fungus soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
GINGER AND SPRING ONION EGG DROP SOUP
This version of egg drop soup brings a refreshing twist to the classic recipe. It combines whisked eggs with chopped spring onions and mushrooms for a burst of freshness, and the addition of minced ginger adds a spicy kick. To prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery, be sure to use some cornstarch or arrowroot in the broth. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
CHINESE WATERCRESS SOUP
Chinese watercress soup is an absolute delight and a refreshing comfort food staple in Cantonese cuisine. Blanched pork ribs create a hearty base, while generous handfuls of watercress float in a simple, gingery broth. This soup is perfect for when you’re craving a soothing and authentic Cantonese experience!
HOT AND SOUR SOUP
Hot and sour soup is a beloved dish on Chinese menus across America, and this version is my favorite. The spiciness of Asian chili paste beautifully complements the tangy rice vinegar, mild tofu, and a variety of fresh vegetables. A touch of sugar helps to balance the flavors. The result is a vegan soup that delivers a flavorful punch!
YUNNAN RICE NOODLE SOUP
Yunnan, a province in China renowned for its noodles, serves as the inspiration for this delectable recipe. With just one chopstick-full, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Each personal-sized pot combines tangy and spicy flavors for a blissful bowl that truly satisfies your savory cravings. To give you a hint of the deliciousness, marinated ground pork is stir-fried in a wok with fragrant garlic and chilis, then added to a piping hot stock filled with chewy rice noodles, pickled cabbage, and fresh scallions.
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is!
MUSHROOM NOODLE SOUP
Here’s another one of my favorite Chinese noodle recipes, packed with fresh umami flavor. This dish is abundant in mushrooms and features a blend of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a handful of green onions for a burst of freshness.
You can easily add more vegetables, like bok choy or broccoli, and I love to toss in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for an extra spicy kick. No need to hit up a restaurant—this soup is far better than takeout!
