Replicating warming restaurant-style bowls at home often feels like a daunting task. Fortunately, this collection of 16 Chinese soup recipes makes the process incredibly simple.
You will find everything from savory classics to sweet dessert options on this list. Skip the delivery fees and get ready to cook a delicious meal in your own kitchen.
1. Red Bean Soup
Make sure you leave space for sweets because you need to try this treat. It might seem simple, but I promise the taste is spectacular.
You blend adzuki beans to form a dense foundation. A bit of sugar provides sweetness, and orange zest boosts the flavor profile.
Add tapioca pearls to finish this delightful Chinese dessert.
2. Wonton Soup
Eating tender and savory dumplings always brings me so much joy. Put them in a warm broth to create the perfect pairing.
This dish is a classic staple for any home cook exploring Chinese food. Soft wrappers contain a filling of hearty ground pork.
You drop them into a clear liquid packed with umami notes. It results in absolute deliciousness.
3. Chinese Watercress Soup
This bowl offers a genuinely delightful experience. It is a standard Cantonese dish that feels both refreshing and cozy.
You use blanched pork ribs to build a robust foundation. Plenty of greens float in a straightforward liquid infused with ginger.
Make this whenever you crave a calming and traditional meal.
4. Chinese Vegetable Soup
You will find that eating clean can actually be delicious with this bowl. It helps detoxify your body while keeping the calorie count low and the vegetable content high.
Get a big pot and boil some veggie stock before tossing in mushrooms, garlic, carrots, ginger, and bok choy. Remember to include a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Coconut Mango Sago Dessert Soup
Finish your authentic feast with a tropical touch by serving this fruity bowl. The sago starch in this recipe comes from tapioca pearls.
You mix those with sugar, coconut milk, and fresh mango for a sugary delight. It works perfectly when you desire something sweet but want to avoid a heavy course.
6. Hot and Sour Soup
You see this dish on almost every Chinese menu across the country. I prefer this specific version over the many others out there.
Spicy chili paste works beautifully with mild tofu and tangy rice vinegar. A bit of sugar balances the savory vegetables perfectly.
This plant-based meal delivers intense flavor in every spoonful.
7. Snow Fungus Soup
The name might seem odd, but I find this earthy bowl incredibly satisfying. Tong sui is a traditional sweet soup often enjoyed after dinner.
This specific version uses snow fungus for its gelatinous texture and subtle taste. You combine it with lotus seeds, dates, dried longan, and lotus berries.
It tastes sweet and offers health perks like anti-inflammatory effects.
8. Chinese Noodle Soup
This nutrient-dense meal will rapidly fill an empty stomach. You cook shredded chicken, tender ramen, scallions, and blanched bok choy in a savory liquid.
The method is incredibly simple, but you must use key pantry items. Make sure to have soy sauce, sesame oil, and cooking wine on hand.
9. Chinese Pear Dessert Soup
This fruit-forward sweet soup is another favorite treat. It highlights juicy pears that taste superior to their appearance.
You steam the spiced fruit until it becomes perfectly soft. Add Chinese dates and a bit of honey to boost the sweetness.
Place one piece of fruit in each dish and pour the sugary liquid over it.
10. Mushroom Noodle Soup
I absolutely love this noodle dish packed with savory umami notes. It features plenty of mushrooms along with oyster sauce, green onions, and two types of soy sauce.
Feel free to include extra vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. I usually mix in a teaspoon of chili garlic paste for some heat.
You can skip the restaurant because this homemade version beats takeout.
11. Chinese Cabbage and Ginger Soup
Cooking does not get simpler than this three-ingredient meal. You just put napa cabbage, ginger, and chicken stock into a pot.
Allow it to simmer until done. I adore how straightforward this method is.
You can also enhance it with extra spices if you prefer. Grab a bowl and get cozy while you sip.
12. Yunnan Rice Noodle Soup
This Chinese province is renowned for its noodle dishes. You will understand the fame after a single bite.
Every serving combines tangy notes and spicy heat for a soul-satisfying experience. You stir-fry marinated ground pork with chilis and garlic in a wok.
Then you add it to hot broth containing scallions, pickled cabbage, and chewy rice noodles. I bet you are craving this right now because I certainly am.
13. Ginger and Spring Onion Egg Drop Soup
You will enjoy the refreshing changes in this version of a classic. It combines chopped scallions, mushrooms, and whisked eggs to create a bright flavor profile.
The recipe also calls for minced ginger to provide a spicy element. Use arrowroot or cornstarch in the liquid to prevent the texture from becoming rubbery.
I promise that step makes a huge difference.
14. Chinese Rice Cake Soup
Many people associate this dish with Korea, but it is popular in China as well. People often enjoy the light, chewy texture of these cakes during the Lunar New Year.
You can use store-bought versions or make your own from scratch. Marinate chicken or pork in soy sauce and Shaoxing wine for the protein.
Finish the broth by adding scallions, carrots, and napa cabbage.
15. Hot and Sour Coconut Noodle Soup
This dish offers a Chinese spin on the classic Thai tom yum. You get a perfect harmony between the creamy coconut foundation and the bright notes of lemongrass.
It allows you to control the heat by adding varying amounts of bird’s eye chilis.
16. Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
I find true happiness in this foolproof dish during cold weather. Red chili flakes, ginger, and star anise provide a comforting heat.
Rice noodles, cremini mushrooms, and bok choy help balance the flavors. You can add your preferred meat or stick to vegetables.
I often toss in poached shrimp when I want something special.