Replicating a warming bowl of restaurant quality soup often feels impossible. Luckily for us, these 17 Chinese soup recipes make it incredibly easy.
Each bowl melds essential ingredients to build the perfect homemade meal. You can find everything from classic egg drop to sweet dessert soups on this list.
Forget the takeout menu because we are dining in tonight.
1. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup appears on almost every Chinese menu in America. This specific variation happens to be my absolute favorite. The heat of Asian chili paste pairs wonderfully with tangy rice vinegar.
Mild tofu joins a handful of fresh veggies in the pot. You just need a little sugar to round out the flavors. The result is a punchy vegan soup.
2. Wonton Soup
Biting into savory wontons makes me feel giddy inside. Add them to a soup for a match made in heaven. This staple of Chinese cuisine is a must for your homemade rotation.
Doughy pockets hold a satiating ground pork filling. Drop them into a clear broth for pure yumminess.
3. Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
This foolproof recipe is my idea of happiness on a blustery day. Ginger and star anise give it a warming kick. Rice noodles and cremini mushrooms mellow out the bowl.
You can choose your favorite protein or keep it simple with veggies. I like to add gently poached shrimp when I feel fancy.
4. Yunnan Rice Noodle Soup
Yunnan is a province in China famous for noodles. You will see why after just one chopstick full of this recipe. Tang blends with spice for a blissful bowl that speaks to your soul.
Marinated ground pork gets stir fried in a wok with garlic. Add that to a hot stock full of rice noodles and pickled cabbage.
5. Chinese Vegetable Soup
This vegetable soup proves clean eating can taste great. It is low in calories but big on fresh veggies.
Boil vegetable broth in a large pot with mushrooms and carrots. Add garlic and ginger for flavor. Do not forget a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil.
6. Ginger and Spring Onion Egg Drop Soup
This take on egg drop soup adds a refreshing twist. It melds whisked eggs with chopped spring onions. Mushrooms add a pop of freshness.
Minced ginger provides a spicy kick. Use arrowroot or cornstarch in the broth to avoid rubbery eggs.
7. Hot and Sour Coconut Noodle Soup
This hot and sour soup gives a Chinese twist to a Thai classic. It is a fun take on tom yum. The bright kick from lemongrass pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut base.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Just use more or fewer bird’s eye chilis.
8. Snow Fungus Soup
Snow fungus sounds funky but this earthy soup is wildly satisfying. This authentic Chinese dessert is served after a large meal. Snow fungus has a mild flavor and gelatinous texture.
It gets paired with dates and lotus berries. This sweet soup is full of health benefits.
9. Chinese Rice Cake Soup
Rice cake soup is popular in both Korea and China. People commonly eat it during the Lunar New Year. The rice cakes have a light and chewy texture.
You can use store bought cakes or make your own. Marinate chicken or pork in Shaoxing wine before adding it to the broth.
10. Red Bean Soup
Save room for dessert because you do not want to skip this red bean soup. It sounds basic but the flavors are dazzling.
Adzuki beans are blended to create a thick base. Sugar adds a sweet touch while orange zest enhances the taste. Throw in some tapioca pearls for a delicious treat.
11. Mushroom Noodle Soup
This is one of my favorite Chinese noodle recipes. It is loaded with fresh umami flavor. The broth is rich in mushrooms and oyster sauce.
I like to add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick. This soup is way better than takeout.
12. Chinese Pear Dessert Soup
This popular Chinese dessert soup features juicy pear. It tastes even better than it looks.
Spiced pears are steamed until perfectly tender. A drizzle of honey sweetens the deal. Ladle one pear per bowl and enjoy the sweet broth.
13. Chinese Noodle Soup
You get a nutrient rich bowl that satisfies a hungry belly with this recipe. Tender ramen noodles cook in a perfectly seasoned broth. Add blanched bok choy and shredded chicken to the mix.
You will want to incorporate essential ingredients like sesame oil and soy sauce. This recipe is beyond easy.
14. Coconut Mango Sago Dessert Soup
End your meal on a tropical note with this coconut mango sago. The sago in this dish is just tapioca pearls. Combine that with fresh mango and coconut milk.
It makes for a lovely sweet treat. This is fantastic when you want sweetness without a heavy dessert.
15. Chinese Watercress Soup
Chinese watercress soup is a true delight. This Cantonese staple is refreshingly comforting. Blanched pork ribs serve as the hearty base.
Handfuls of watercress swim in a simple gingery broth. Make this when you want soothing and authentic flavors.
16. Chinese Cabbage and Ginger Soup
It does not get any easier than this three ingredient soup. Add chicken broth and napa cabbage to a pot. Throw in the ginger and let it simmer.
I love the simplicity of this recipe. You can doctor it up with spices if you like.