Chinese Noodle Soup Recipes Vegetarian and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chinese noodle soup is a beloved comfort food across the globe, known for its fragrant broth, silky noodles, and wholesome ingredients. For vegetarians, it offers a delicious and nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant flavors.

Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or something to warm you up on a chilly day, vegetarian Chinese noodle soup recipes are versatile and easy to customize. From shiitake mushrooms to fresh bok choy, these soups highlight the best of plant-based cooking while staying true to authentic Chinese flavors.

In this post, we’ll explore several vegetarian Chinese noodle soup recipes that are simple to make and incredibly tasty. You’ll find recipes that cater to different tastes and ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store or Asian market.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you make these soups your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian Chinese noodle soups are a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal without meat. The broth is rich and aromatic, made with a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms that create deep umami flavors.

The noodles add a wonderful texture, while vibrant vegetables provide nutrients and color. Plus, these recipes are quick to prepare, perfect for busy days when you crave something warm and homemade.

What’s more, these soups are highly customizable—you can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand. They’re also naturally gluten-free if you use rice noodles, and can easily be made vegan by skipping any egg noodles.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 200g dried rice noodles or egg noodles
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • Optional: 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium bowl for soaking noodles (if needed)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Soup bowls
  • Optional: fine mesh strainer

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Egg noodles can be cooked separately according to package directions.
  2. Make the broth base: In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add mushrooms: Stir in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth: Add the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Season the broth: Stir in the soy sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  6. Add vegetables: Add the chopped bok choy and julienned carrots to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  7. Add tofu (optional): If using tofu, gently add the cubed tofu and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Combine with noodles: Place the prepared noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the noodles.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For a more robust broth, add dried seaweed or kombu while simmering the broth, then remove before serving.

Try other vegetables like baby corn, snap peas, or spinach for variety.

To add heat, include sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil.

You can easily make this soup gluten-free by choosing rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. For added protein, edamame or tempeh are excellent plant-based options.

Experiment with different mushrooms like enoki or oyster mushrooms to change the flavor profile. If you love a thicker broth, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup to thicken slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Fat 5 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 700 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Chinese noodle soup pairs beautifully with light side dishes such as steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For a heartier meal, serve alongside vegetable spring rolls or crispy tofu bites.

A cup of jasmine tea complements the delicate flavors perfectly and rounds out the meal.

If you’re interested in exploring more comforting vegetarian dishes, try our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a flavorful side or the Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a delightful sweet finish. For a protein-packed snack, the Pecan Crackers Recipe is a wonderful choice.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Chinese noodle soups are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors and textures of traditional Chinese cuisine without meat. These recipes are not only nourishing and satisfying but also incredibly adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples.

From the umami-packed mushroom broth to the fresh, crisp vegetables and silky noodles, every bowl is a celebration of wholesome, comforting food.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are straightforward and quick enough for any busy day. They also serve as a wonderful introduction to cooking with fresh Asian ingredients.

So, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of vegetarian Chinese noodle soup that will brighten up your meal routine and nourish your body and soul.

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup

Description: A comforting and flavorful vegetarian noodle soup made with fresh vegetables and savory broth. Perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g rice noodles
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add mushrooms, carrot, and snap peas; cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Add bok choy and soaked noodles; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in soy sauce and chili flakes if using.
  8. Serve hot garnished with green onions.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 38 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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