I used to think that making restaurant style Chinese soup at home was some kind of impossible magic trick. Turns out, it couldn’t be easier. I’ve rounded up 17 simple Chinese soup recipes that bring those cozy, soul filling flavors straight to your kitchen.
1. Wonton Soup
I genuinely get giddy biting into a tender, savory wonton. Drop those little dumplings into a steaming bowl and it’s pure magic.
Wonton soup is a cornerstone of Chinese cooking, and once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Every doughy pocket is stuffed with a deeply
2. Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
This foolproof recipe is my idea of happiness on a cold, blustery day. Star anise, ginger, and red chili flakes give it a warming kick.
While bok choy, cremini mushrooms, and rice noodles mellow out the bowl. Choose your favorite protein or keep it simple with veggies. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add in some gently poached shrimp.
3. Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a Chinese classic you can easily whip up at home. Simply combine store-bought chicken, diced tomatoes, and a couple of eggs into a pot.
Simmer for a few minutes, and this soup is ready to go. This quick recipe takes about 15 minutes and tastes sensational.
4. Red Bean Soup
Save room for dessert because you won’t want to skip out on this red bean soup. While it may sound pretty basic, I guarantee the flavors are dazzling.
Adzuki beans are blended to create a thick base. Sugar adds a sweet touch while orange zest enhances the taste.
5. Snow Fungus Soup
Snow fungus may sound funky, but this earthy soup is wildly satisfying. Tong sui, or dessert soup, is an authentic Chinese dessert that’s served after a large meal.
This recipe features snow fungus which has a mild flavor and gelatinous texture. It’s paired with dates, lotus berries, dried longan, and lotus seed.
6. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is one of the most popular dishes on Chinese menus in America. While there are numerous variations, this one is my favorite.
The heat of Asian chili paste pairs wonderfully with tangy rice vinegar, mild tofu, and a handful of fresh veggies. Throw in a little sugar to round out the flavors. The result is a vegan soup that packs a flavorful punch!
7. Hot and Sour Coconut Noodle Soup
A take on tom yum, this hot and sour soup gives a Chinese twist to a Thai classic. The bright kick from the lemongrass and creamy coconut base is a harmonious blend of perfection. Adjust the spice level to your liking by using more or less bird’s eye chilis.
8. Chinese Cabbage and Ginger Soup
It doesn’t get any easier than this three-ingredient Chinese soup! Add chicken broth, napa cabbage, and ginger to a pot.
Then let it simmer away. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. However, you can doctor it up with more spices if you like.
9. Chinese Noodle Soup
This Chinese noodle soup is my go to when I need a big, comforting bowl that fills me up fast. Tender ramen noodles, blanched bok choy, shredded chicken, and scallions come together in a broth that’s beautifully seasoned. It’s shockingly easy to make, but to really nail it, you’ll want a few key Chinese pantry staples on hand.
10. Coconut Mango Sago Dessert Soup
After a big meal of your favorite authentic Chinese recipes, end on a tropical note with this coconut mango sago. The sago, or starch, in this dish is tapioca pearls.
Combine that with fresh mango, coconut milk, and sugar for a sweet treat. This is a fantastic soup when you want a hint of sweetness minus the heavy dessert.
11. Chinese Vegetable Soup
Chinese vegetable soup is living proof that clean eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s light, low in calories, and absolutely loaded with fresh vegetables.
Start by bringing vegetable broth to a boil, then toss in mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, garlic, and ginger. A little splash of sesame oil and soy sauce at the end makes all the difference.
12. Chinese Watercress Soup
Chinese watercress soup is a true delight. It’s a Cantonese staple that’s refreshingly comforting.
Blanched pork ribs serve as the hearty base. Meanwhile, handfuls of watercress swim in a simple, gingery broth. This is a great soup to make when you want a soothing, authentic Cantonese soup.
13. Chinese Pear Dessert Soup
Another popular Chinese dessert soup is pear dessert soup. It features juicy pear that tastes even better than it looks.
Spiced pears are steamed until perfectly tender. A drizzle of honey and Chinese dates are added to sweeten the deal.
Ladle one pear per bowl and serve. Don’t forget to ladle some of the sweet broth on top, too!
14. Ginger and Spring Onion Egg Drop Soup
This take on egg drop soup adds a refreshing twist. It melds whisked eggs with chopped spring onions and mushrooms for a pop of freshness.
It even includes minced ginger for a spicy kick. To avoid unpalatable rubbery eggs, use some cornstarch or arrowroot in the broth. Trust me, it’ll do the trick.
15. Mushroom Noodle Soup
Here's another one of my favorite Chinese noodle recipes, and it's loaded with fresh umami flavor. It’s rich in mushrooms, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and a handful of green onions for freshness.
You can even opt for more veggies and toss in bok choy or broccoli. I like to add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
16. Yunnan Rice Noodle Soup
Yunnan is a province in China that’s famous for its noodles. One chopstick full of this recipe and you’ll easily see why.
Each personal-sized pot blends tang with spice for a blissful bowl that speaks to your savory soul. Just to give you a taste, marinated ground pork is stir-fried in a wok with fragrant garlic and chilis.
17. Chinese Rice Cake Soup
A lot of people think rice cake soup, or niángāo tāng, is strictly Korean, but it’s seriously popular in China, too. Especially around Lunar New Year, when those light, chewy rice cakes feel like the coziest thing ever. This recipe uses store bought rice cakes to keep things simple, but if you have homemade, by all means, use them.