Are you looking for a deliciously comforting bowl of goodness to warm your soul? Look no further than these 18 hearty bok choy soup recipes! Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can add a burst of flavor and nutrients to any dish. When combined with a variety of ingredients, from garlic and ginger to coconut milk and miso, the possibilities are endless.
From classic chicken noodle soups to spicy Szechuan beef stews, these recipes showcase the versatility and depth of bok choy as an ingredient. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and exotic, there’s a bok choy soup recipe on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these 18 recipes, exploring the ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors that make them so special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, there’s something for everyone here.
Spicy Garlic Bok Choy and Tofu Soup
This hearty soup combines the creaminess of tofu with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, all wrapped up in a nutritious package. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add tofu and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add bok choy, vegetable broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the greens are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Creamy Coconut Bok Choy Soup with Lemongrass
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of creamy coconut, sweet lemongrass, and tender bok choy. A comforting and flavorful meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 4 cups bok choy, chopped
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add lemongrass stalks and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add bok choy and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and broth; stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Classic Chicken and Bok Choy Noodle Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this Chinese-inspired soup, packed with juicy chicken, crunchy bok choy, and tender noodles. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups bok choy, chopped
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bok choy, water, and noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ginger Miso Bok Choy Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Warm up with this comforting and savory soup that combines the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms, the sweetness of bok choy, and the spicy kick of ginger and miso.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
– 2 bunches bok choy, chopped
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bok choy and ginger; cook until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in miso paste and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-12 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Bok Choy Hot Pot Soup
This hearty and comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, crisp bok choy, and savory broth, all cooked to perfection in a hot pot. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or shank, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups bok choy, cleaned and separated into leaves and stalks
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the bok choy leaves and stalks to the pot. Cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Return the beef to the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegan Bok Choy and Sweet Potato Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with the added nutritional benefits of bok choy and sweet potatoes. This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 2 bunches bok choy, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the diced sweet potato, chopped bok choy, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai-Inspired Bok Choy and Coconut Milk Soup
Thai-Inspired Bok Choy and Coconut Milk Soup
Experience the warm, comforting flavors of Thailand with this easy-to-make soup recipe. This fragrant and nutritious dish combines tender bok choy with creamy coconut milk, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
• 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 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 cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add bok choy, coconut milk, broth, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 10-12 minutes or until the greens are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Simple Garlic Bok Choy Clear Soup
A light and refreshing soup that highlights the delicate flavors of bok choy and garlic, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped (about 4 cups)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and cook until it starts to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bok choy is tender.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Bok Choy and Pork Wonton Soup
This comforting soup combines the tender sweetness of bok choy with the savory flavor of pork wontons, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 4 wonton wrappers
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center. Fold into a triangle, pressing edges together. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add chopped bok choy and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Add the wontons to the pot, stirring gently. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until wontons float to the surface.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Szechuan Bok Choy and Beef Soup
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this spicy and savory soup, featuring tender beef and crunchy bok choy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 teaspoon Szechuan chili flakes
– 4 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook until softened.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add bok choy and cook until wilted.
4. Add toasted Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Return beef to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemongrass Bok Choy Soup with Rice Noodles
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of Asian flavors, featuring the aromatic sweetness of lemongrass and the crunch of bok choy. Serve it over rice noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooked rice noodles, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic, lemongrass, and bok choy. Cook until the greens are slightly wilted.
3. Pour in broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has reduced slightly.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Bok Choy and Shrimp Dumpling Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup combines the tender sweetness of bok choy with succulent shrimp, wrapped in a delicate dumpling. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, chopped
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the bok choy and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
3. Bring the chicken broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Prepare the dumplings by placing a spoonful of cooked shrimp and bok choy onto the center of each wonton wrapper. Fold and press the edges together to seal.
5. Add the dumplings to the soup pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Golden Turmeric Bok Choy Soup with Chickpeas
This vibrant soup combines the earthy sweetness of bok choy and chickpeas with the warm, sunny flavor of turmeric. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a nutritious meal prep option.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy (about 4 cups), cleaned and chopped
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bok choy, chickpeas, turmeric, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the greens are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bok Choy and Mushroom Udon Soup
A comforting and flavorful Japanese-inspired soup that combines the sweetness of bok choy, earthiness of mushrooms, and springy texture of udon noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, etc.), sliced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 8 oz udon noodles
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bok choy and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sake (or wine). Bring to a simmer.
6. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions.
7. Combine cooked noodles with the soup and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tom Yum Bok Choy Soup with Tofu
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand in this easy-to-make Tom Yum soup, featuring bok choy and silky tofu. This recipe is a perfect blend of spicy and savory.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons Tom Yum paste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine mushrooms, bok choy, tofu, vegetable broth, Tom Yum paste, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bok Choy and Corn Egg Drop Soup
This refreshing and flavorful soup combines the sweetness of corn with the earthy taste of bok choy, all wrapped up in a delicate egg drop broth. Perfect for a light and nourishing meal or as a soothing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup corn kernels
– 1 bunch bok choy, chopped
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, and corn kernels. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add chopped bok choy to the pot and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Beat eggs in a bowl and slowly pour into the soup while stirring in a circular motion. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until egg drops form.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kimchi Bok Choy Soup with Pork Belly
A spicy and savory Korean-inspired soup that combines the bold flavors of kimchi, tender pork belly, and crisp bok choy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 4 cups kimchi liquid (from store-bought or homemade kimchi)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 bunch bok choy, chopped
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork belly and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, kimchi liquid, chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until pork is tender.
3. Stir in chopped bok choy and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bok Choy and White Bean Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of bok choy with the creaminess of cannellini beans, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 bunch bok choy, chopped (white and green parts)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broth, beans, bok choy, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 18 deliciously comforting bok choy soup recipes! From spicy and savory to creamy and mild, there’s something for everyone. Try making Spicy Garlic Bok Choy and Tofu Soup or Creamy Coconut Bok Choy Soup with Lemongrass for a taste of Asia. Or go classic with Chicken and Bok Choy Noodle Soup or Beef and Bok Choy Hot Pot Soup. And don’t miss out on the vegan options, like Vegan Bok Choy and Sweet Potato Soup. With so many recipes to choose from, you’ll be soup-ing up all winter long!