Asian soups offer a world of flavors and textures to explore. From spicy Thai curries to comforting Japanese broths, these recipes showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the continent. You’ll find options for every taste and occasion, whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a hearty meal.
These 25 Asian soup recipes will take you on a tasty journey through the region’s cuisines. You’ll discover classic favorites like Chinese hot and sour soup alongside lesser-known gems from countries like Vietnam and Korea. Many of these soups are packed with vegetables, lean proteins, and aromatic herbs, making them both delicious and nutritious choices for your table.
Pho is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup. You’ll find it’s a comforting dish perfect for any time of year.
The base is a flavorful broth simmered with spices. Rice noodles are added along with your choice of meat, usually beef or chicken.
You can customize your pho with toppings. Popular additions include bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili peppers.
Making pho at home is possible, though traditional recipes take time. Quick versions exist if you’re short on time but still want those warm, comforting flavors.
Try pho for a tasty and satisfying meal that’s packed with Vietnamese flavors.
Tom Yum Goong is a popular Thai soup known for its hot and sour flavors. This tasty dish features shrimp as the main protein.
To make Tom Yum Goong, you’ll need a flavorful broth. Start by simmering lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves in stock. These ingredients give the soup its distinct aroma.
Next, add mushrooms and shrimp to the broth. The shrimp cooks quickly in the hot liquid. You can use either whole shrimp with shells or peeled shrimp, depending on your preference.
The soup gets its tangy taste from lime juice and its heat from Thai chilies. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve Tom Yum Goong hot with a side of rice for a satisfying meal.
Hot and sour soup is a tasty Chinese dish loved by many. It gets its name from its tangy and spicy flavors.
The soup has a mix of ingredients that give it a unique taste. You’ll find tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots in most versions.
The sour flavor comes from vinegar, while white pepper adds heat. Egg ribbons give the soup a silky texture.
To make hot and sour soup, you start by cooking the ingredients in broth. Then you thicken it with cornstarch. The final step is adding beaten eggs in a thin stream.
You can adjust the spiciness and sourness to your liking. Some people add extra vinegar or chili oil at the table.
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Southeast Asia. It blends Chinese and Malay cuisines, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
The base of laksa is a spicy curry coconut milk broth. It’s often made with a homemade laksa paste, which includes ingredients like lemongrass, chilies, and shrimp paste.
You’ll find thick rice noodles or vermicelli in your bowl of laksa. Toppings vary but often include chicken, shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts.
To make laksa at home, start by sautéing the laksa paste. Then add coconut milk and chicken stock to create the broth. Cook your chosen protein and noodles separately before combining everything in a bowl.
Wonton soup is a comforting Chinese dish you can easily make at home. It features delicate dumplings filled with pork or shrimp in a flavorful broth.
To prepare, wrap the filling in thin wonton wrappers. Fold them into small pouches and pinch to seal. Cook the wontons in simmering broth until they float to the surface.
The broth is typically chicken-based, seasoned with soy sauce and other aromatics. You can add noodles and vegetables like bok choy for extra texture and nutrition.
Serve your wonton soup hot, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a light yet satisfying meal.
Kimchi Jjigae is a spicy Korean stew that will warm you up on cold days. This hearty dish combines kimchi, pork, and tofu in a flavorful broth.
To make it, you’ll need aged kimchi, pork belly, and firm tofu. Start by cooking the pork and kimchi together to release their flavors.
Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) for heat and depth. Pour in broth and let everything simmer until the flavors meld.
Just before serving, add cubed tofu and let it heat through. The result is a rich, tangy stew that’s perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.
Sinigang is a popular Filipino soup known for its sour and savory taste. You’ll love this comforting dish, especially on chilly days.
The soup base is made with tamarind, giving it a distinct tangy flavor. Pork is the most common meat used, but beef or fish are tasty alternatives.
You’ll find a variety of vegetables in sinigang, like tomatoes, onions, and green beans. Taro root and daikon radish add heartiness to the soup.
To make sinigang, simmer the meat with aromatics, then add the tamarind and vegetables. The result is a flavorful, warming soup that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Japanese Clear Soup is a light and flavorful broth that’s a staple in Japanese cuisine. You can easily make this soup at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and ginger in a large pot. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
Next, add chicken and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
Strain the broth to remove the vegetables, leaving you with a clear, tasty soup. Serve it hot with thinly sliced mushrooms and chopped green onions on top.
This soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own. You’ll love its simple yet satisfying taste.
Khao Soi is a flavorful coconut curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand. You’ll love its creamy broth and mix of chewy and crispy noodles.
This tasty dish combines egg noodles, a rich coconut curry sauce, and your choice of protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well.
You can make Khao Soi at home in about 20 minutes. The soup has a perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors.
To serve, top your bowl with crispy fried noodles for a satisfying crunch. Khao Soi offers a delicious taste of Northern Thai cuisine that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Samgyetang is a Korean ginseng chicken soup. It’s a popular summer dish that’s said to boost energy and health.
The main ingredient is a small, young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice. Other key components include ginseng root, garlic, and jujube.
To make samgyetang, you simmer the stuffed chicken in a broth. This creates a rich, flavorful soup. The chicken becomes tender and infused with ginseng flavor.
You can enjoy samgyetang as a complete meal. It’s often served boiling hot, even on warm days. Some people like to add salt and pepper to taste.
This soup is not just tasty, but also nutritious. It’s believed to help with stamina and immunity, especially during hot weather.
Birds nest soup is a prized Chinese delicacy. It’s made from the nests of swiftlet birds, which are built using the bird’s saliva. These nests are carefully collected and cleaned before use.
The soup has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a jelly-like texture. It’s often prepared with rock sugar to enhance its flavor. Many people believe it has health benefits, though these claims aren’t scientifically proven.
You’ll find this soup served at special occasions and fancy restaurants. It’s quite expensive due to the difficulty in harvesting the nests. When you try it, you might be surprised by its subtle taste and unique texture.
To make birds nest soup at home, you’ll need to soak the nest in water, then simmer it with sugar. Some recipes add other ingredients like ginger or dates for extra flavor.
Egg drop soup is a quick and easy Chinese dish you can make in just 15 minutes. Start by simmering chicken stock or water in a pot. Add salt, white pepper, and a touch of sesame oil for flavor.
To thicken the soup, stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water. The key step is adding the eggs. Beat them lightly, then slowly pour them into the simmering soup while stirring gently.
This creates delicate, wispy strands of egg throughout the broth. For extra color, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring or turmeric. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Beef noodle soup is a popular Asian dish that combines tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles. You’ll find different versions across the continent, each with its own unique twist.
To make this soup, you’ll need beef (often short ribs or shank), noodles, and a rich broth. The broth is key, typically simmered for hours with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.
Common additions include bok choy, bean sprouts, and green onions. These veggies add freshness and crunch to the soup.
You can customize your beef noodle soup with toppings like chili oil or pickled vegetables. This allows you to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Fish ball soup is a tasty Asian dish loved by many. You can make it with store-bought or homemade fish balls. To prepare, boil water and add ginger for flavor.
Gently put the fish balls in the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. This lets the flavors blend into the broth. Some recipes add dried seaweed for extra taste.
You can serve fish ball soup with noodles or rice. Add sliced fish cakes and ground meat for more variety. Top with green onions, cilantro, and fried shallots for a finishing touch.
This soup is quick to make and perfect for cold days. It’s a comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino stew that will warm your soul. This rich dish features tender oxtail simmered in a creamy peanut sauce.
You’ll find a variety of vegetables in Kare-Kare, like eggplant, string beans, and banana blossoms. The sauce gets its unique flavor from ground peanuts or peanut butter.
To make Kare-Kare, you’ll need to cook the oxtail until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Then add the veggies and peanut sauce. The result is a hearty, flavorful stew.
Serve your Kare-Kare with steaming white rice and a side of shrimp paste for an authentic Filipino meal. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Soto Ayam is a flavorful Indonesian chicken soup that will warm your soul. This comforting dish combines tender shredded chicken with aromatic spices and herbs.
To make Soto Ayam, you’ll simmer chicken in a broth infused with lemongrass, lime leaves, and turmeric. The result is a golden, fragrant soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Serve your Soto Ayam with rice noodles or vermicelli. Top it with boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and fried shallots for added texture. A squeeze of lime juice brings brightness to the dish.
This versatile soup allows for customization. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. Soto Ayam is perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal.
Chinese Cabbage Soup is a simple yet tasty dish you can make with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and comforting.
The main ingredient is Chinese cabbage, also known as napa cabbage. You can add other vegetables like carrots and celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
To make the soup, start by sautéing some garlic and onions. Then add your chopped cabbage and other veggies. Pour in some broth and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender.
For extra protein, you can add small meatballs or tofu. Season with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for that classic Asian flavor. This soup is quick to make and can be on your table in about 20 minutes.
Banh Canh is a hearty Vietnamese soup known for its thick, chewy noodles. These noodles are made from a mix of rice flour and tapioca starch, giving them a unique texture.
The soup’s broth can vary, but it often includes pork or seafood. Some versions feature shrimp, crab, or fish. The broth is typically seasoned with fish sauce, salt, and sugar for a balanced flavor.
To make Banh Canh at home, you’ll need to prepare the broth and cook the noodles separately. The noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
When serving, add the noodles to a bowl and ladle the hot broth over them. You can top your soup with green onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Thai Pumpkin Soup blends sweet pumpkin with aromatic Thai flavors. This creamy soup offers a comforting warmth with a spicy kick.
To make it, sauté onions and garlic in a pot. Add Thai curry paste for a boost of flavor. Mix in pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and broth.
Simmer the soup until the pumpkin is soft. Use a blender to create a smooth texture. For extra taste, squeeze in some lime juice before serving.
You can top your soup with a swirl of coconut milk and fresh herbs. This easy recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, perfect for a quick meal.
Health Benefits of Asian Soups
Asian soups offer many health advantages. They can boost your nutrition, strengthen your immune system, and help your digestion.
Rich in Nutrients
Asian soups pack a nutritional punch. They often contain a mix of veggies, proteins, and herbs.
Many recipes use bone broth as a base. This adds minerals like calcium and magnesium to your diet.
Leafy greens in soups give you vitamins A, C, and K. These support eye health and blood clotting.
Garlic and ginger are common in Asian soups. They provide antioxidants that fight cell damage.
Tofu and lean meats offer protein. This helps build and repair your body tissues.
Boosts Immune System
Asian soups can help you stay healthy and fight off illnesses.
Chicken soup isn’t just for colds. It may reduce inflammation and ease cold symptoms.
Miso soup contains probiotics. These good bacteria support your gut health and immune function.
Spicy soups with chili peppers have capsaicin. This compound may help clear congestion.
Mushrooms in many Asian soups boost your immune cells. They help your body defend against germs.
Seaweed in some recipes gives you iodine. This mineral is key for a healthy thyroid and immune system.
Promotes Digestion
Asian soups can be gentle on your stomach and aid digestion.
Warm broth helps you stay hydrated. This is crucial for good digestion.
Ginger in many recipes can ease nausea and reduce bloating. It may also speed up stomach emptying.
Fermented ingredients like kimchi add probiotics to your gut. These can improve your overall digestive health.
Light, clear soups are easy to digest. They’re a good choice when you’re not feeling well.
Fiber from veggies in soups supports regular bowel movements. This helps keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Common Ingredients in Asian Soups
Asian soups use a variety of flavorful ingredients to create their unique tastes and textures. These components blend together to make comforting and nourishing dishes.
Broths and Stocks
The base of most Asian soups is a flavorful broth or stock. Dashi, a Japanese stock made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes, is common in many recipes. Chinese soups often use chicken or pork bone broth as a foundation.
For vegetarian options, mushroom stock provides a rich umami flavor. Miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, adds depth to Japanese soups.
Thai and Vietnamese soups frequently include coconut milk for a creamy texture. Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves infuse broths with bright, citrusy notes.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs play a big role in Asian soups. Cilantro, Thai basil, and mint add freshness and aroma. Ginger and garlic are staples, providing warmth and complexity to the broth.
Star anise, cinnamon, and cloves give Chinese soups a distinctive taste. Chili peppers, in various forms, bring heat to many recipes.
Turmeric is key in some Indian-inspired soups, offering a golden color and earthy flavor. Sesame oil, often added at the end, gives a nutty finish to Korean and Chinese soups.
Proteins and Vegetables
Tofu is a versatile protein found in many Asian soups. Fish balls and shrimp are popular in seafood-based broths. Thinly sliced beef or pork feature in hearty noodle soups like pho and ramen.
Bok choy, napa cabbage, and mushrooms are common vegetables. Bean sprouts add crunch to many Southeast Asian soups.
Noodles come in many forms – rice noodles, egg noodles, and glass noodles are all popular choices. Dumplings like wontons or gyoza often float in Chinese-style soups.
Seaweed, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts bring unique textures to your bowl. Eggs, either hard-boiled or stirred in, add richness to many recipes.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
