Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal to warm your soul? Look no further! Chinese vegetables soups are a staple in many Asian cultures, and for good reason. These hearty soups are packed with nutrients, flavor, and texture, making them the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a quick lunch on-the-go.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different Chinese vegetable soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From spicy Sichuan noodle soups to comforting cabbage and tofu soups, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a healthy meal option, these recipes are perfect for satisfying your cravings.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these 18 recipes, exploring the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to make them shine.
Hot and Sour Chinese Vegetable Soup
This classic Chinese soup is a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, with a medley of colorful vegetables. This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed Chinese cabbage, bok choy, and scallions (white and green parts)
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Chinese Cabbage and Tofu Soup
This comforting soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, featuring tender tofu and crisp cabbage in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a soothing remedy on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of Chinese cabbage, chopped
– 1 block of firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Add the cabbage and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sichuan Vegetable Noodle Soup
This spicy and savory soup is a staple of Sichuan cuisine, with a perfect balance of numbing heat from Sichuan peppercorns and spicy kick from chili oil. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, potatoes)
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup chili oil
– 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and onion; stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Pour in broth, Sichuan peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and chili oil. Bring to a boil.
5. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve soup hot, topped with noodles and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Winter Melon and Mushroom Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine during the winter months, when the cold weather calls for a comforting and nourishing meal. The combination of tender winter melon and earthy mushrooms in a savory broth is sure to warm your belly and soothe your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 small winter melon (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), sliced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the winter melon, broth, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the melon is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Simple Bok Choy and Ginger Soup
This recipe yields a light, comforting soup that showcases the delicate flavor of bok choy and the warmth of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 bunches of bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the bok choy, ginger, broth, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the bok choy is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Season with soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or grated ginger if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Spinach and Corn Egg Drop Soup
This hearty and comforting soup is a twist on the classic egg drop soup, adding nutritious spinach and sweet corn for added flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a soothing remedy when feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in the corn kernels.
5. In a small bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
6. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the boiling soup while stirring constantly.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Wonton Soup with Clear Broth
A delicate and comforting soup that showcases the flavors of tender vegetables and springy wontons, all wrapped up in a crystal-clear broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 20-24 wontons (homemade or store-bought)
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the wontons according to package instructions (or cook from scratch if making homemade). Add them to the soup pot; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Tomato and Egg Flower Soup
This comforting soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the beaten eggs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Lotus Root and Peanut Soup
This creamy soup is a delightful combination of the delicate flavor of lotus root and the richness of peanuts, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium lotus roots, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup peanuts
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add sliced lotus root and peanuts. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lotus root is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chinese Mustard Greens and Tofu Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, made with the slightly bitter mustard greens and silky tofu. It’s a comforting and nutritious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens (about 2 cups), cleaned and chopped
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tofu and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mustard greens, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the greens are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Corn and Carrot Chinese Soup
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender corn and carrots in a light and flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, corn kernels, and carrot.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.
3. Add garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Watercress and Pork Rib Soup (Vegetable Version)
This hearty soup is a twist on the classic Chinese comfort food, substituting pork ribs with tender vegetables for a vegetarian take.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of watercress, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add watercress, vegetable broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot with noodles or rice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bamboo Shoot and Seaweed Soup
A soothing and nourishing soup that combines the natural sweetness of bamboo shoots with the savory flavor of seaweed.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups bamboo shoots, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup dried wakame seaweed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the bamboo shoots, seaweed, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Stir well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chinese Pumpkin and Red Bean Soup
This traditional Chinese soup is a staple during the fall season, made with roasted pumpkin, red beans, and aromatic spices. The result is a comforting and nourishing soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the pumpkin cubes for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large pot, combine red beans, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, cinnamon, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until beans are tender.
3. Add roasted pumpkin to the pot and puree the mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of heavy cream or coconut cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Snow Pea and Mushroom Clear Soup
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of springtime flavors, with tender snow peas and mushrooms floating in a light and savory broth. It’s a great way to start a meal or serve as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, snow peas, and mushrooms.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chinese Bitter Melon and Pork Soup (Vegetable Adaptation)
This vegetable adaptation of the classic Chinese soup is a flavorful and nutritious twist, perfect for those looking to reduce meat intake. The bitter melon adds a unique depth of flavor, while the pork broth provides richness and comfort.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1 cup diced bitter melon
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables, bitter melon, and ginger; cook until tender (5-7 minutes).
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Silken Tofu Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of healthy spinach and silky smooth silken tofu, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.
Ingredients:
– 1 package silken tofu (14 oz), drained and crumbled
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the vegetable broth, crumbled tofu, and spinach leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chinese Radish and Ginger Soup
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, made with the bold flavors of ginger and radish. This recipe is perfect for a quick and nourishing meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 large Chinese radish (Daikon), peeled and diced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the radish, ginger, chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the radish is tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and a dollop of soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm up with these deliciously comforting Chinese vegetable soup recipes! From classic combinations like Hot and Sour Chinese Vegetable Soup to innovative twists like Spicy Sichuan Vegetable Noodle Soup, there’s something for everyone. Discover hearty options like Chinese Cabbage and Tofu Soup or Sweet Corn and Carrot Chinese Soup. Plus, explore unique ingredients like lotus root and peanut in the Lotus Root and Peanut Soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl to cozy up with, these 18 recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.