When it comes to exploring the world of Chinese cuisine, one dish that often gets overlooked is the humble vegetables soup. However, these soups are a staple in many Chinese households and offer a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day. From spicy Sichuan options to comforting Cantonese classics, there’s a Chinese vegetable soup out there for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through China, sharing 19 flavorful vegetarian soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Chinese food or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to delight. So let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of Chinese vegetables soups!
Hot and Sour Chinese Vegetable Soup
This savory and spicy soup is a popular Chinese dish that combines the flavors of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables with a tangy and sour broth. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms)
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the mixed vegetables, tofu, vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a splash of water until smooth. Stir into the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Sichuan Bok Choy Soup
This hearty soup is a twist on traditional Chinese cooking, combining the flavors of Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes with tender bok choy. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 bunches bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until bok choy is tender.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cantonese Winter Melon Soup
Winter melon soup is a comforting and nutritious Cantonese classic, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This recipe uses fresh winter melon to create a sweet and savory broth that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups winter melon chunks (about 1 small to medium-sized melon)
– 4 cups chicken or pork broth
– 1/4 cup dried white fungus, rehydrated in water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the rehydrated white fungus and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Add the winter melon chunks and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they’re tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shanghai Bok Choy and Tofu Soup
This comforting soup is a staple of Shanghai cuisine, with its bold flavors and tender vegetables. In this recipe, we’ll combine bok choy, silken tofu, and aromatics for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and separated into leaves and stems
– 1/2 block silken tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and onion; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the bok choy stems; cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the leaves and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the bok choy is tender.
6. Stir in tofu, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Chinese Napa Cabbage and Mushroom Soup
This hearty soup combines the sweetness of napa cabbage with the earthiness of mushrooms, creating a savory and comforting meal perfect for a chilly evening. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized Napa cabbage, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped cabbage and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Wonton Soup with Greens
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and nutritious vegetarian wonton soup. This recipe is a twist on the classic Chinese dish, featuring a clear broth filled with tender wontons and fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of vegetarian wontons (about 20-25 wontons)
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 2 cups of mixed greens (such as kale, spinach, and collard greens)
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Carefully add the wontons to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. Stir in the mixed greens and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Spinach and Egg Drop Soup
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a soothing remedy when feeling under the weather. With its velvety texture and delicate spinach flavor, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup while stirring constantly to create thin egg strands.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Clear Soup with Chinese Broccoli
This refreshing and flavorful soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, perfect for a light and nourishing meal. With the added crunch of Chinese broccoli, this recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bunch Chinese broccoli (gai lan), cut into florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, onion, and garlic. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add Chinese broccoli and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional Chinese broccoli if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Cabbage and Ginger Soup
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, perfect for a chilly day or a quick lunch. The combination of crunchy cabbage, spicy ginger, and savory broth will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
– 4 cups Chinese cabbage (bok choy), chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the ginger; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cabbage and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lotus Root and Vegetable Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of Asian flavors and textures, featuring the nutty sweetness of lotus root, tender vegetables, and a rich broth. A delicious and healthy meal option for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 large lotus root, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lotus root, broth, and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lotus root is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chinese Mustard Greens and Tofu Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, made with tender mustard greens, firm tofu, and a savory broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mustard greens (chopped)
– 1 block firm tofu (cut into small cubes)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 onion (chopped)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and mustard greens. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until greens are tender.
5. Stir in the tofu cubes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Dumpling Soup with Bok Choy
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful Vegetable Dumpling Soup, featuring tender bok choy and savory homemade dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cups bok choy, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, mixing until dough forms. Knead for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble dumplings by placing a small spoonful of dough in the center of each wonton wrapper; fold into triangles or squares.
7. Add cooked dumplings to the soup pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
8. Stir in soy sauce and bok choy. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Chinese Watercress and Corn Soup
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn and peppery watercress, with a hint of Asian spices. Serve it as an appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh watercress leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, corn kernels, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add chopped watercress leaves, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Corn and Chinese Vegetable Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory goodness of Chinese vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed Chinese vegetables (bean sprouts, bok choy, snow peas)
– 1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: cooked noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed Chinese vegetables, frozen sweet corn, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy over cooked noodles or rice if preferred.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and noodles. Perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms, snow peas, and carrots; cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Add tofu, broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Bamboo Shoot and Chinese Greens Soup
This traditional Asian-inspired soup is a hearty and comforting blend of tender bamboo shoots, crisp Chinese greens, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried bamboo shoots, rehydrated and sliced
– 2 cups Chinese greens (such as gai lan or bok choy), chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
2. Add rehydrated bamboo shoots, vegetable broth, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add chopped Chinese greens; cook until wilted (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Tomato and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is a staple in many Chinese households, packed with the flavors of tomatoes, bell peppers, and a variety of vegetables. With its comforting warmth and simplicity, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and green beans)
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetarian Hot Pot Soup with Mixed Greens
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch option. With a medley of colorful vegetables and leafy greens, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as kale, spinach, and collard greens)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: tofu or other protein sources for added nutrition
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and celery; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the mixed greens and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Chinese Bitter Melon and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup combines the natural bitterness of Chinese bitter melon with a medley of colorful vegetables, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized Chinese bitter melon (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers)
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Add broth, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm up your taste buds with these 19 delicious Chinese vegetables soup recipes! From spicy Sichuan soups to comforting Cantonese winter melon soups, there’s something for everyone. Try making Hot and Sour Chinese Vegetable Soup, Spicy Sichuan Bok Choy Soup, or even Vegetarian Wonton Soup with Greens. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, these recipes are sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
