Craving a cozy night in? Then it’s time to ditch the takeout menus.
I’ve scoured the culinary landscape to bring you 17 ridiculously simple Chinese soup recipes perfect for warming you up.
From classic comfort to exotic desserts, get ready to explore a world of flavor one bowl at a time!
1. Yunnan Rice Noodle Soup
Yunnan, a province in China, takes noodles seriously, and after one taste, it’s clear why.
Each bowl is a personal portion of perfection blending tangy notes with spicy goodness, speaking directly to your tastebuds. Marinated ground pork gets a wok-fueled stir-fry with fragrant garlic and chilis to launch this experience. Then, it’s added to a hot stock with chewy rice noodles, pickled cabbage, and fresh scallions.
2. Chinese Watercress Soup
Pure delight awaits with this Chinese watercress soup. This Cantonese classic is refreshingly comforting, making it a go-to for any day.
Hearty blanched pork ribs form the savory foundation of this recipe. Handfuls of watercress then swim in a gingery broth. I think this recipe will be a winner for anyone desiring a soothing and authentic Cantonese soup.
3. Wonton Soup
Nothing beats a tender, savory wonton. Transforming your soup game has never been easier!
Wonton soup stands tall as a Chinese culinary staple, and I consider it a must for any at-home recipe collection.
The soup features doughy pockets stuffed with a truly satiating ground pork filling. You get all this yumminess dropped into a clear broth with an enhanced umami profile. The result? Simply divine.
4. Chinese Rice Cake Soup
Here’s a soup with a heritage both in China and Korea.
Rice cake soup (niángāo tāng) is a staple during lunar new year celebrations.Rice cakes deliver a delightfully light and chewy texture in every spoonful.
While I recommend store-bought rice cakes, you can make your own if you want.
You’ll want to marinate pork or chicken in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine to enhance the flavor profile.Then, stir in fresh veggies like scallions, napa cabbage, and carrots.
5. Chinese Noodle Soup
You’ll get a nourishing, rich bowl from this Chinese noodle soup that satisfies any hunger. The soup features tender ramen noodles, shredded chicken, blanched bok choy, and scallions that swim in a perfectly seasoned broth.
Incorporate key Chinese ingredients for takeout-level deliciousness. This includes sesame oil, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine.
6. Chinese Cabbage and Ginger Soup
Nothing’s easier than this three-ingredient Chinese soup!
You just toss chicken broth, napa cabbage, and ginger in a pot. Then, you let it simmer, and the soup is ready.
I particularly enjoy the ease of this recipe. However, you can enrich it with more spices to your liking. With this recipe, you can curl up with a comforting bowl after a hard day.
7. Snow Fungus Soup
While snow fungus sounds odd, this earthy soup is wildly satisfying. As a tong sui, or dessert soup, you’ll enjoy this dish as an authentic end to a large Chinese meal. The recipe includes snow fungus, lending it a mild flavor and gelatinous texture.
The fungus blends perfectly with dates, lotus berries, lotus seed, and dried longan. I find that snow fungus soup offers a delightfully sweet flavor and anti-inflammatory properties to boot.
8. Red Bean Soup
Be sure to save room for this red bean soup! Its flavors are sure to please, even if it sounds simple.
The base includes adzuki beans blended to perfection for maximum flavor and texture. Sugar adds to the symphony of sweet notes, while orange zest takes the taste to the next level. Tapioca pearls complete the recipe.
You’ll find it hard to beat this dessert!
9. Chinese Vegetable Soup
This Chinese vegetable soup proves that you can make clean eating taste heavenly. This detoxifying soup remains low in calories yet mighty in fresh veggies, so it’s one of my top picks.
Boil vegetable broth in a large pot, then toss in mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, garlic, and ginger. Be sure to add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for authentic flair!
10. Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
The recipe’s foolproof and warming—everything I crave on a cold and blustery day.
Thanks to the ginger, star anise, and red chili flakes, this dish brings a subtle kick. At the same time, rice noodles, cremini mushrooms, and bok choy mellow everything out.
You can choose a preferred protein or stick with the simple veggies. If I want a treat, I’ll add gently poached shrimp.
11. Chinese Pear Dessert Soup
Few things look or taste as good as pear dessert soup, a popular Chinese delight. Steam your spiced pears until tender, then add honey and Chinese dates to sweeten.
I recommend doling out one pear per bowl, not forgetting the sweet broth too!
12. Ginger and Spring Onion Egg Drop Soup
Here is another riff on the classic egg drop soup that adds a truly refreshing twist. The soup features whisked eggs stirred together with sliced spring onions and mushrooms, delivering a pop of freshness with each mouthful. Minced ginger lends a spicy touch to boot.
I recommend using cornstarch or arrowroot for the broth to avoid unpalatable rubbery eggs. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did!
13. Hot and Sour Soup
With hot and sour soup topping the charts on Chinese menus in America, it only made sense to include it here. While variations exist, this is my top pick.
The spicy Asian chili paste makes perfect partners with the tangy rice vinegar, mild tofu, and fresh veggies. To really bring it home, throw in a bit of sugar to round it out, so you have a vegan soup that really packs a flavorful punch!
14. Mushroom Noodle Soup
This is another one of my go-to Chinese noodle soups because I adore the umami flavor. The soup is full of fresh mushrooms, oyster sauce, and light and dark soy sauce. Top it all off with some green onions for a bit of freshness!
Don’t hesitate to pile on the veggies with broccoli or bok choy. I like to add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to spice things up, since this homemade creation is far superior to takeout!