Chinese soup has a rich culinary history, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients that make each soup unique and comforting. From hearty broths to light, soothing dishes, Chinese soups can be both a delightful appetizer and a standalone meal.
Exploring these 18 Chinese soup recipes can bring a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. You will discover recipes that range from simple and quick to those requiring more preparation, ensuring there’s something for every cook’s skill level and palate. Whether you’re a fan of savory broths or enjoy soups with bold, aromatic spices, there is a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings.
1) Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that balances spicy and tangy flavors. The ingredients typically include mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and sometimes pork or chicken. These components create a rich, hearty soup that is both flavorful and satisfying.
To start, you will need to rehydrate wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms add a unique texture and earthy taste. Soaking them in warm water for about 20 minutes should do the trick.
Next, prepare fresh ingredients like julienned pork, minced fresh ginger, and finely sliced bamboo shoots. The combination of these adds depth and variety to the soup.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help to thicken the soup. Add this slurry slowly to your simmering soup to get just the right consistency.
Pour in apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to achieve the hot and sour flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring the balance between spicy and sour is perfect.
Your hot and sour soup is now ready to enjoy. Serve it hot, and savor the blend of textures and flavors.
2) Wonton Soup
Wonton soup is a tasty and comforting dish that many people love. It combines delicate wontons filled with seasoned pork or shrimp in a flavorful broth. You can easily make it at home with a few simple steps.
First, prepare your wontons. Mix ground pork or finely chopped shrimp with soy sauce, green onions, and ginger. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Moisten the edges with water and fold into a triangle. Seal tightly.
For the broth, you have a few options. A clear chicken broth works well, or you can make a more complex broth with ginger, garlic, and scallions. Simmer these ingredients to bring out the flavors, then strain them out.
Finally, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your wontons and cook until they float, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the wontons to the broth and serve hot. You can add leafy green vegetables like bok choy for extra nutrition and color. Enjoy your homemade wonton soup!
3) Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup is a simple yet flavorful Chinese dish that’s ready in just minutes.
Start by bringing chicken broth to a boil. For extra flavor, you can add ginger, scallion whites, and light soy sauce.
Next, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this into the simmering broth while stirring. This will thicken the soup slightly.
The most important step is adding the eggs. Beat the eggs lightly, then slowly drizzle them into the hot broth while stirring in a circular motion. This creates the signature “egg flowers.”
Season the soup with salt, white pepper, and a touch of sesame oil. Optionally, you can add a few drops of food coloring to give it a rich yellow hue. Stir well and serve hot.
4) Sweet Corn Chicken Soup
Sweet Corn Chicken Soup is a classic dish enjoyed by many. It combines the sweetness of corn with tender chicken, creating a comforting and flavorful experience.
To start, bring chicken broth to a simmer in a pot. While the broth is heating, poach chicken cutlets over low heat until they are cooked through and tender. Once done, remove the chicken and let it cool before shredding.
In another saucepan, mix vegetable oil with garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for a few minutes until fragrant. Add sweet corn and soy sauce to the mixture and stir well.
Next, pour the heated chicken broth into the saucepan with the corn mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken to the soup.
To thicken the soup, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Drizzle it into the simmering soup while continuously stirring. This will help achieve a smooth and slightly thick texture.
Finally, beat a couple of eggs and slowly pour them into the soup while stirring to form delicate egg ribbons. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Sweet Corn Chicken Soup is now ready to serve. Enjoy this savory and sweet delight at any mealtime.
5) Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is a famous Chinese soup known for its rich flavors and high-quality ingredients. It has a long history and is often served on special occasions.
This soup includes a variety of luxury ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, scallops, and dried mushrooms. You also need pork, chicken, and sometimes duck.
Cooking this soup requires time and patience. Start by simmering the chicken stock with all the ingredients. This helps extract all the flavors.
Using a slow cooker can make the process easier. You need to cook it for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to blend.
Some recipes suggest using a pressure cooker. If you choose this method, cook the ingredients for about 59 minutes on the soup setting.
This soup is not only tasty but also nourishing. The mix of seafood and meats provides a lot of protein and other nutrients. It is a great dish to enjoy and share with family.
6) Bird’s Nest Soup
Bird’s Nest Soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Made from the nests of swiftlets, it is prized for its texture and nutritional benefits.
To make this soup, soak the bird’s nest in water for several hours or overnight. This softens the nest, making it ready for cooking.
Drain the soaked bird’s nest and rinse it to remove any impurities. Place it in a pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add ingredients like rock sugar, goji berries, or jujubes for extra flavor. Keep the heat low to avoid breaking the delicate nest strands.
Simmer the soup until the bird’s nest is soft, which can take up to two hours. Serve hot for the best experience. This soup is believed to promote health and vitality.
7) Dumpling Soup
Dumpling soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is easy to prepare. Start by heating sesame oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for about three minutes until fragrant.
Next, pour in chicken stock and add soy sauce, green onions, and carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, drop your dumplings (potstickers) into the pot. Let them cook for about four minutes.
If you’d like, you can add shao hsing wine and dark soy sauce for a richer flavor. Simmer the soup on low for about ten minutes to let the flavors meld together. Remember to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
For a more traditional approach, you can make your own dumpling wrappers. Combine flour and salt, slowly adding hot water while stirring, and then cold water until the dough forms. This homemade touch can make your dumpling soup extra special.
Dumpling soup is versatile. Feel free to add mushrooms, bok choy, or other vegetables to suit your taste. This soup makes a great meal for any season and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
8) Tofu and Mushroom Soup
Tofu and Mushroom Soup is an easy and nutritious dish you can make at home. You’ll need tofu, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and vegetable stock.
Start by soaking your dried mushrooms in hot water for about 30 minutes. This helps soften them for cooking. Strain them if needed to remove any grit.
In a large pot, heat some olive oil. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Then add the mushrooms and let them cook for a few minutes to release their flavors.
Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the pot with the vegetable stock. Season with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
You can also add fresh mushrooms, like shiitake or enoki, for more texture. For extra greens, add some bok choy or napa cabbage towards the end of cooking.
Serve hot, and enjoy the soothing flavors of this simple yet delicious soup.
9) Sichuan Hot Pot Broth
Sichuan Hot Pot Broth is a flavorful and spicy dish from China’s Sichuan province. It’s known for its deep, rich taste and numbing heat from Sichuan peppercorns. You can make it at home with a few key ingredients and some simple steps.
Start by heating oil in a wok or heavy pot. Add sliced ginger and cook until it turns golden. This adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the broth.
Next, add garlic cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. These spices create a unique, fragrant base. Cook them for a couple of minutes until they release their aromas.
For the spicy kick, dried chilies are essential. Soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes, then blend them into a paste. You can adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds before blending.
Combine the chili paste with the spices in the pot. Add chicken or pork bones, along with water, to create a rich stock. Simmer the broth for at least 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Your Sichuan Hot Pot Broth is now ready to serve with your choice of meats, vegetables, and noodles. Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine right at home.
10) Beef Noodle Soup
Beef Noodle Soup is a comforting and savory dish. It’s popular in many Chinese households.
Start by searing scallions until lightly browned. Add beef and cook for about five minutes while stirring. Pour in Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. Stir well to coat the beef.
While doing this, heat oil in another pot and add peppercorns. Cook until fragrant.
In an Instant Pot or stovetop pot, sauté ginger, garlic, scallions, and onions in oil. Add seasoned beef and then sherry. Cook briefly until the sherry reduces a little. Cover with beef stock, adding star anise, five-spice powder, and cinnamon.
Next, make the broth by placing beef chunks in your Instant Pot. Add water, fish sauce, coconut aminos, and kosher salt. Drop in dried shiitake mushrooms, sliced ginger, and garlic cloves. Add three pieces of scallions.
Let it simmer until the beef becomes tender. Serve this savory broth with your choice of noodles and garnish with fresh vegetables.
11) Seaweed and Tofu Soup
Seaweed and tofu soup is a classic Chinese dish. It’s light, nutritious, and easy to make. This soup combines the umami flavor of seaweed and the smooth texture of tofu.
To start, toast dried seaweed in a clean, dry wok for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step brings out a rich, savory taste.
Next, cut the seaweed into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a pot, bring water and miso to a gentle simmer. Whisk the mixture until the miso dissolves completely.
Add the seaweed and diced tofu into the broth. Let the soup cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Feel free to season the soup with salt, sesame oil, or white pepper according to your taste. Stir everything well and remove the pot from the heat.
Serve the soup hot. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish to your meal. Enjoy the delicate balance of flavors and the nourishing qualities of this traditional Chinese soup.
12) Ginseng Chicken Soup
Ginseng Chicken Soup is a classic Chinese recipe cherished for its health benefits and unique flavor. This nourishing soup combines the medicinal properties of ginseng with tender chicken, creating a comforting and restorative dish.
To prepare Ginseng Chicken Soup, start by blanching the chicken in boiling water for a few minutes. This helps remove impurities. Rinse the chicken in cold water to clean it thoroughly.
Next, place the chicken in a pot along with ginseng, jujubes (Chinese red dates), and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for about 2.5 to 3 hours.
You can also add other ingredients like goji berries or garlic for added flavor. These ingredients complement the bitterness of the ginseng. Some recipes suggest adding rice inside the chicken for extra texture and nourishment.
This soup is often served to people needing extra care, like the elderly, pregnant women, or those recovering from illness. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors meld together, making each bowl rich and delicious. Enjoy this beautiful and healthy soup on special occasions or when you need a bit more energy.
13) Winter Melon Soup
Winter Melon Soup is a simple and refreshing dish perfect for any season. This soup often features ingredients like winter melon, dried shrimp, ginger, and chicken broth. The mellow flavor of winter melon makes it a great base for various seasonings.
You start by peeling the thick skin of the winter melon and cutting it into bite-size pieces. Once cut, it can be combined with stock ingredients like chicken broth and water. Ginger and dried shrimp add an extra layer of flavor.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the melon becomes tender and translucent. This cooking method helps to meld the flavors together.
Some recipes recommend adding minced meat or meatballs to the soup. You can use a spoon to carefully lower these into the boiling soup. Meatballs introduce a hearty element that makes the soup more filling.
Season the soup with salt and white pepper to taste. You can also add scallions or cilantro as a garnish. Winter Melon Soup is versatile, allowing you to make slight adjustments based on your preferences. Serve hot and enjoy this classic Chinese dish.
14) Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup, also known as Tom Yum Goong when made with shrimp, is a famous Thai soup that has also found its way into Chinese cuisine. This spicy and sour soup is a favorite for its vibrant flavors and aromatic broth.
To make Tom Yum Soup, you start with a flavorful broth. You can use chicken stock, veggie broth, or shrimp stock made from shrimp shells and heads. This soup features ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and bird’s eye chilies.
Lemongrass adds a citrusy note, while kaffir lime leaves provide a unique fragrance. Galangal, a relative of ginger, gives the soup its distinctive flavor. Bird’s eye chilies contribute a spicy kick.
Mushrooms, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like cilantro are also added to the soup. The mushrooms add an earthy element, while tomatoes contribute to the tangy flavor.
To finish the soup, add lime juice for sourness and fish sauce for umami. If using shrimp, add them at the end to avoid overcooking. The shrimp should only need a couple of minutes to turn pink and tender. Enjoy the complex and balanced flavors of Tom Yum Soup!
15) Peking Duck Soup
Peking Duck Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that uses the leftovers from a Peking Duck meal.
Start by splitting the duck carcass in half. Place the duck, ginger, and onion in a large pot. Add about 3 quarts of water and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. The stock should become rich and tasty.
Next, add Napa cabbage to the pot. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cabbage turns tender but not mushy.
You can further enhance the soup by adding other ingredients like vermicelli noodles. Season with salt, pepper, or chicken powder according to your preference.
Strain the broth to remove any solids before serving. This ensures a smooth and clear soup.
Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the perfect blend of duck flavor with vegetables and optional noodles.
16) Black Chicken Herbal Soup
Black Chicken Herbal Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish. It uses a special kind of chicken called Silkie, known for its black skin and bones.
To make this soup, start by soaking herbs like red dates, goji berries, and honey dates. This helps release their flavors.
Next, blanch the cut-up chicken pieces in boiling water with ginger. This removes impurities.
Add the soaked herbs and the blanched chicken to a soup pot. Pour enough water to cover everything. Bring it to a boil, then simmer on low heat for a couple of hours until the chicken gets tender.
Finally, add goji berries and salt during the last few minutes of cooking.
Your tasty and healthy Black Chicken Herbal Soup is ready to serve.
17) Lotus Root and Peanut Soup
Lotus Root and Peanut Soup is a traditional Chinese soup known for its nutritious ingredients and rich flavors. You start by cleaning and cutting the lotus root into slices.
Blanch pork ribs or chicken pieces in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then rinse and set aside. Soak peanuts in hot water for 30 minutes to soften.
In a large pot, add water, blanched meat, soaked peanuts, sliced lotus root, red dates, and any additional ingredients like dried squid for extra flavor. Bring to a boil. After it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes the ingredients tender. Serve the soup hot.
The combination of lotus root and peanuts not only tastes great but also offers various health benefits. The lotus root is crunchy and slightly sweet, while the peanuts add a nutty flavor. This soup is perfect for a comforting meal.
18) Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup is a classic Chinese dessert soup. It’s made with adzuki beans, which are often used in Asian cuisine. The beans give the soup a sweet and earthy flavor.
To prepare this soup, start by rinsing and soaking the red beans overnight. This helps soften them, making them easier to cook.
After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a pot. Add fresh water, typically about five times the volume of the beans. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
As the beans cook, add water if necessary. Cook until the beans are tender, usually about one and a half hours. For added flavor, you can include orange zest or rock sugar.
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a smoother texture, mash some of the beans, leaving a few whole for texture. Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Red bean soup is often served as a dessert. It’s a comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Enjoy it as a sweet treat after your meal.
This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious. Red beans are high in protein and fiber, making this a healthy choice.
Health Benefits of Chinese Soups
Chinese soups offer numerous health benefits, from providing essential nutrients to following age-old medicinal principles. They can support your immune system and aid in overall well-being.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Chinese soups often use fresh vegetables, lean meats, and herbs. Vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms are common and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Lean meats, like chicken and pork bones, add protein and collagen, which are good for skin and bone health. Herbs like ginger, garlic, and ginseng help improve digestion and boost energy levels. Combining these ingredients results in a soup loaded with nutrients, providing a balanced and healthy meal.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes balance and harmony in the body. Chinese soups are often made following TCM principles, using ingredients that balance yin and yang energies.
Herbs like Chinese yam and lotus seeds are common in soups to help replenish the body’s energy levels and maintain internal balance. Eating these soups can help regulate your body’s functions and promote overall health according to TCM practices.
Boosting Immunity
One of the key benefits of Chinese soups is their ability to boost your immune system. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties.
These soups often contain herbs that have been used in TCM for centuries to prevent illnesses and strengthen the body’s defenses. By incorporating these soups into your diet, you can help protect yourself against colds and other common ailments.
Common Ingredients in Chinese Soups
Chinese soups are rich and varied, featuring a blend of unique ingredients. Common components include herbs and spices, vegetables, proteins, and broths and stocks.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices bring depth and complexity to Chinese soups. Ginger is widely used for its warm, spicy flavor. It also has medicinal qualities, aiding in digestion. Garlic adds pungency, while green onions offer a mild sharpness that balances other flavors.
Star anise and cinnamon are often used in broths to add a sweet, aromatic note. White pepper is a popular choice to provide a subtle heat without overpowering other ingredients. Cilantro is frequently used as a garnish, adding a fresh, citrusy finish.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a cornerstone of Chinese soups, adding both flavor and nutrition. Bok choy is favored for its tender leaves and crisp stems, perfect in clear broths. Watercress introduces a peppery taste and is highly nutritious. Lotus root provides a slightly sweet crunch and is often paired with pork.
Carrots and mushrooms like shiitake and enoki contribute earthy undertones. Daikon radish is another popular addition, offering a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. These vegetables not only enhance the taste but also bring essential vitamins and minerals to the soups.
Proteins
Protein elements in Chinese soups vary from meat to tofu. Pork ribs are common in hearty soups, adding rich flavor and tenderness. Chicken is another staple, often used in light, clear broths. Beef can be found in robust soups, paired with strong flavors like star anise and cinnamon.
Seafood like shrimp and fish bring a delicate, sweet taste. For those preferring plant-based options, tofu serves as an excellent protein source. It absorbs the flavors of the broth while providing a soft, comforting texture.
Broths and Stocks
The foundation of any good soup is its broth or stock. Chicken broth is mild and versatile, suitable for a wide range of soups. Pork broth is rich and hearty, often used in combination with robust ingredients like ginger and garlic. Beef broth is deep and flavorful, ideal for sustaining soups.
Vegetable stock is light but full of flavor, perfect for those wanting a vegetarian option. For a unique taste, seafood stock made from shrimp shells or fish bones adds a delicate, briny depth. These broths often simmer for hours to extract maximum flavor, creating a truly satisfying soup base.
Tips for Making Authentic Chinese Soups
When making authentic Chinese soups, focus on using fresh ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and balancing flavors. These elements are key to achieving a rich and satisfying soup.
Selecting Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are crucial for authentic Chinese soups. Vegetables like bok choy, spinach, and mushrooms bring vibrant flavors. Ensure they are crisp and free from blemishes.
For proteins, fresh fish, chicken, or pork are often used. Freshness impacts the texture and taste. For fish, look for clear eyes and bright skin. For chicken or pork, the meat should be firm and have a clean smell.
Herbs and spices are essential. Use fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions. Their natural oils add depth to your soup. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the aroma.
Using high-quality broth sets the foundation. Homemade chicken or vegetable broth is best. If using store-bought, choose low-sodium options to control the saltiness.
Traditional Cooking Techniques
Different cooking techniques can affect your soup’s texture and flavor. Slow-cooking is common for Chinese soups. It allows the ingredients to release their flavors gradually. Use a slow cooker or simmer on low heat for hours.
Another technique is blanching. Blanch vegetables and meats briefly in boiling water to remove impurities and lock in color. This keeps your soup clear and bright.
Steaming is useful for delicate ingredients like fish. It preserves nutrients and keeps the texture tender. Use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer insert for this method.
Stir-frying ingredients before adding them to soup can enhance flavor. Sauté aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions in a bit of oil to release their oils before combining them with the broth.
Balancing Flavors
Balancing flavors is key to a great Chinese soup. You need a mix of savory, sweet, and umami tastes. Soy sauce and fish sauce add saltiness and umami. Be careful not to use too much to avoid overpowering the soup.
Use rock sugar or a bit of honey to add sweetness. This balances the saltiness and adds depth. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Black peppercorns and star anise are common spices that add warmth. Adjust the amount to your liking, but keep it balanced to avoid bitterness.
Vinegar like rice vinegar can add a touch of acidity. This can brighten the soup and balance rich flavors. Add just a splash at a time and taste as you go.
Tasting as you cook is essential. Adjust the seasoning until all flavors are well-balanced. Don’t rush this process; a carefully balanced soup is very rewarding.
