If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor, this Chinese Corn Soup recipe vegetarian is exactly what you need. This delightful soup captures the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine with its subtly sweet corn base and delicate seasonings, while being entirely plant-based.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add a wholesome meal to your rotation, this soup is an easy-to-make, satisfying option that will brighten your day.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a light yet filling meal, this soup combines the natural sweetness of corn with the umami of mushrooms and the freshness of green onions. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters! Let’s dive into why this recipe is a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian Chinese corn soup has so many reasons to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Healthy and nourishing: Loaded with fresh corn, mushrooms, and tofu, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant protein.
- Easy and quick: Ready in under half an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Comfort in a bowl: Its smooth texture and subtle flavors provide a soothing experience reminiscent of classic Chinese restaurants.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it versatile and fun to experiment with.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: This recipe uses no animal products but still delivers deep flavor and satisfying richness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup silken tofu, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (shiitake or button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: A pinch of white pepper for authentic flavor
- Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl for cornstarch slurry
- Whisk or fork (for mixing slurry)
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Start by washing and slicing the mushrooms thinly. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts.
- Sauté aromatics. Heat the sesame oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add mushrooms and corn. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then add the corn kernels and stir well to combine with the aromatics.
- Pour in vegetable broth and season. Carefully add the 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the soup. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Add tofu. Gently fold in the cubed silken tofu, being careful not to break it. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the soup. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup while stirring continuously. The soup will start to thicken within a minute or two. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or slurry if needed.
- Final seasoning. Taste the soup and add salt, black pepper, and optional white pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the chopped green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot in bowls.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier texture, you can blend half of the soup before adding tofu, then mix it back in.”
- Use fresh corn: If you have access to fresh corn, it imparts a naturally sweet flavor that elevates the soup.
- Mushroom variety: Shiitake mushrooms add a richer umami taste, but button or cremini work well too.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Protein boost: For extra protein, add cooked edamame or white beans along with tofu.
- Vegan egg drop effect: Whisk a tablespoon of chickpea flour with water and drizzle it slowly into the hot soup to mimic egg drop soup texture without eggs.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese corn soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a starter or alongside:
- Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe – a flavorful vegetable side that complements the soup perfectly.
- Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe – add a spicy, tangy contrast to the mild soup.
- Pecan Crackers Recipe – crunchy and nutty crackers to enjoy alongside your soup.
Conclusion
This Chinese Corn Soup recipe vegetarian is a true celebration of simplicity and flavor. It’s a light yet hearty dish that can be enjoyed year-round, whether as a comforting meal on its own or as part of a larger spread.
The natural sweetness of corn combined with earthy mushrooms and silky tofu creates a balanced and nourishing bowl that’s sure to satisfy.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease. It’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels and can be adapted to suit your pantry or preferences.
If you love exploring vegetarian Asian-inspired dishes, this soup is a must-try. Plus, it’s a great way to add more plant-based meals to your diet without compromising on taste.
Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes like Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for hearty meals or Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a sweet treat after your soup. Happy cooking and enjoy your bowl of warmth!
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Corn Soup Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A comforting and flavorful vegetarian Chinese corn soup made with sweet corn, tofu, and vegetables. Perfect as a light starter or a healthy meal option.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable broth in a pot over medium heat.
- Add corn kernels, diced carrots, and grated ginger; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Stir in tofu and soy sauce into the broth.
- Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring until soup thickens.
- Season with white pepper and salt to taste.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 18 g
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