Chinese vegetable soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asia right to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a wholesome meal, this soup is packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and subtle seasoning to create a delicious broth that warms your soul.
It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a nutritious bowl of goodness. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet authentic Chinese veg soup recipe, complete with a helpful video guide to make cooking even easier.
This recipe is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add tofu for extra protein.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful soup that’ll soon become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chinese vegetable soup recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to make, requiring just about 30 minutes from prep to table, which is ideal for busy cooks.
The fresh vegetables provide a rich mix of textures and nutrients, while the light broth is both soothing and flavorful.
Unlike heavier soups, this one is low in calories but still satisfying, making it great for weight-conscious eaters or those looking for a healthy detox meal. It’s naturally vegan and can easily be adjusted for gluten-free diets by choosing the right soy sauce or alternatives.
Plus, the recipe video makes it easy to follow along, ensuring great results every time!
Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Grater (for ginger)
- Soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Chop the Napa cabbage and bok choy into bite-sized pieces. Julienne the carrot, slice the shiitake mushrooms, and trim the snow peas. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the fresh ginger.
- Heat the sesame oil: In your large soup pot, warm the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil: Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring it to a boil.
- Add the vegetables: Once boiling, add the Napa cabbage, bok choy, carrot, shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season the soup: Stir in the soy sauce and white pepper. Taste and add salt if necessary. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
For a heartier soup, you can add cubes of firm tofu or cooked noodles such as rice vermicelli.
Try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a few drops of chili oil for a tangy or spicy twist.
Using homemade vegetable broth enhances the flavor considerably, but store-bought low sodium broth works fine for convenience.
Experiment with other vegetables like baby corn, water chestnuts, or bell peppers to customize the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Fiber | 4g |
Fat | 3g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of crispy spring rolls to create a balanced meal. For a low-carb option, serve alongside sautéed greens or a fresh Asian cucumber salad.
For an authentic touch, provide small dishes of soy sauce, chili paste, or hoisin sauce on the side so everyone can customize their bowls. This soup also works well as a starter for a larger Chinese-inspired dinner, perhaps accompanied by dishes like stir-fried tofu or vegetable fried rice.
If you want some more delicious recipes to try, don’t miss these favorites: Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Conclusion
Making a warm, flavorful bowl of Chinese vegetable soup at home is both easy and rewarding. This recipe highlights fresh vegetables and simple seasoning, delivering a nourishing dish that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or a seasoned foodie, this soup is a versatile staple that fits any meal plan or occasion.
With a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up this healthy, comforting soup in under 30 minutes. Plus, the included tips and variations allow you to personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Be sure to bookmark this recipe and watch the accompanying video to master the technique. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Veg Soup
Description: A light and flavorful Chinese vegetable soup packed with fresh veggies and aromatic spices. Perfect for a healthy appetizer or a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and snow peas; cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add soy sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and drizzle sesame oil.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 12 g
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