Soup Recipes
From Wonton to Hot and Sour: 3 Chinese Soup Favorites
From classic wonton soup to hot and sour soup and ginger chicken broth, these Chinese style recipes are comforting, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
- Shira Davush (Cohen)
- | Updated
Chinese cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, comforting broths, and clever balance of textures. From delicate wontons to warming ginger infused soups, these dishes have become favorites around the world.
If you're looking to expand your soup repertoire, these three Chinese inspired soups are flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
1. Classic Wonton Soup
A beloved Chinese restaurant favorite, wonton soup combines tender dumplings with a light yet flavorful broth. The result is a comforting meal that feels both elegant and nourishing.
Ingredients
- Wontons filled with a chicken mixture
- High quality chicken broth
- A handful of fresh spinach leaves or bok choy, thoroughly cleaned
- Finely chopped scallions
- A few thin slices of fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring the chicken broth and ginger to a gentle boil.
Add the wontons and reduce the heat. Allow them to cook until they float to the surface, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the spinach or bok choy and the chopped scallions during the final minute of cooking.
Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
2. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is known for its unique combination of gentle heat and tangy flavor. It is a classic comfort food that can be adjusted to suit your personal preference, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
Ingredients
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Tofu, cut into small cubes
- Sliced shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms
- Rice vinegar or another mild vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch mixed with water
- 1 beaten egg (optional)
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring the broth to a boil and add the mushrooms and tofu.
Season with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance of flavors as needed.
While stirring continuously, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
If using the egg, slowly drizzle it into the boiling soup while stirring gently. This will create the classic silky egg ribbons.
Serve hot.
3. Chicken Soup With Ginger and Scallions
Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, this soup highlights the classic pairing of fresh ginger and scallions. It's especially welcome on chilly days or whenever you're craving something warm and soothing.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks
- Fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- Scallions, chopped
- Garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water or chicken broth
Instructions
Place the chicken, ginger, and salt in a large pot. Add water or broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
If desired, remove the chicken, shred the meat, discard the bones, and return the meat to the pot.
Add the scallions and garlic and cook for another few minutes.
Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
For a heartier meal, you can also add rice noodles or egg noodles before serving.
A Taste of Chinese Comfort Food
Whether you prefer delicate wontons, bold hot and sour flavors, or the soothing simplicity of chicken and ginger, these soups offer a delicious introduction to Chinese inspired home cooking.
Each one brings something different to the table, but they all share the same appeal: a warm bowl of comfort that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy evening at home.
