12 Asian Soup Recipes

Food is a cornerstone of any culture, and soup is a staple in many Asian cuisines. From the steaming bowls of noodles to the savory flavors of spices, Asian soups have captivated the taste buds of people around the world. With a rich diversity of ingredients and techniques, Asian soups offer endless possibilities for experimentation and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, this article will guide you through 12 authentic Asian soup recipes, each with its unique flavor profile and cooking method.

Asian soups are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They evoke feelings of comfort, warmth, and community, reminding us of the power of food to bring people together. From Japan’s hearty Ramen to Thailand’s spicy Tom Yum, each soup has its own personality and flavor story to tell. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Asian soups, exploring the classic recipes that have become an integral part of our culinary heritage.

Chicken Pho

Pho is Vietnam’s national dish, a comforting and flavorful soup made with chicken or beef broth, rice noodles, and various toppings. This popular street food has gained worldwide recognition, and for good reason – its rich, savory broth and springy noodles make for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups water
* 1 tablespoon fish sauce
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 star anise
* 2 cloves ginger
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup rice noodles
* Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs for garnish

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, star anise, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it’s tender and the broth is flavorful, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. To assemble the Pho, place some noodles in a bowl, then add slices of cooked chicken and your choice of toppings.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Miso Soup

Miso is a traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste, dashi (a broth made from seaweed and dried fish), and various ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and scallions. This comforting soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served as a starter or side dish.

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons miso paste
* 4 cups dashi broth
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 2 soft-boiled eggs
* 2 teaspoons grated ginger
* 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
* 1/4 cup wakame seaweed

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the dashi broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the soft-boiled eggs, grated ginger, and chopped scallions to the pot. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the miso paste until it’s dissolved.
4. Divide the soup into bowls, then top with wakame seaweed and a sprinkle of sugar.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum is a spicy and sour soup from Thailand, made with shrimp or chicken broth, lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies. This flavorful soup is a staple in Thai cuisine, often served as a starter or appetizer.

Ingredients

* 2 cups chicken or shrimp broth
* 1 lemongrass stalk
* 2 lime leaves
* 1/2 cup mixed mushrooms
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1/4 cup chopped chilies
* 1/4 cup fish sauce
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 tablespoon palm sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 1/4 cup shrimp or chicken

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, lemongrass, lime leaves, mushrooms, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the shrimp or chicken to the pot and cook until it’s tender and flavorful, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Ramen Soup

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup made with pork or chicken broth, wheat noodles, and various toppings such as pork slices, boiled eggs, and green onions. This hearty soup is a popular comfort food in Japan and around the world.

Ingredients

* 2 cups pork or chicken broth
* 2 cups water
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sake
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 cups wheat noodles
* 1 cup boiled pork slices
* 1 cup boiled eggs
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, water, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the wheat noodles to the pot and cook until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Divide the soup into bowls, then top with boiled pork slices, boiled eggs, and chopped green onions.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a Chinese soup made with a variety of ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, and seafood. This savory soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, often served as a starter or side dish.

Ingredients

* 2 cups chicken or pork broth
* 1 cup water
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons vinegar
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1/2 cup diced tofu
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced tofu to the pot. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Wonton Soup

Wonton Soup is a Cantonese soup made with dumplings called wontons, pork or shrimp broth, and various toppings such as green onions and soy sauce.

Ingredients

* 2 cups pork or shrimp broth
* 2 cups water
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* 1 package wonton wrappers
* 1/4 cup ground pork or shrimp filling

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the wonton filling and assemble the wontons according to the package instructions.
3. Add the wontons to the pot and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Laksa Soup

Laksa is a spicy and sour soup from Malaysia and Singapore, made with shrimp or chicken broth, laksa noodles, and various toppings such as shrimp, boiled eggs, and sambal chili paste.

Ingredients

* 2 cups shrimp or chicken broth
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon laksa paste
* 1 tablespoon sambal chili paste
* 1 cup laksa noodles
* 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, water, soy sauce, laksa paste, and sambal chili paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the laksa noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Divide the soup into bowls, then top with cooked shrimp or chicken, chopped scallions, and lime wedges.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is a simple and comforting Chinese soup made with chicken or pork broth, beaten eggs, and various toppings such as green onions and soy sauce.

Ingredients

* 2 cups chicken or pork broth
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions
* Salty flavor

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the beaten egg to the pot and stir gently with a spoon to create thin, egg-drop-like strings.
3. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Korean Kimchi Soup

Korean Kimchi Soup is a spicy and savory soup made with kimchi, pork or chicken broth, and various toppings such as tofu and green onions.

Ingredients

* 2 cups pork or chicken broth
* 1 cup kimchi
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Gochujang
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* 1/4 cup diced tofu
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, kimchi, soy sauce, Gochujang, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the diced tofu and chopped scallions to the pot and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors are fully incorporated.
3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison

Udon Soup

Udon Soup is a Japanese soup made with udon noodles, pork or chicken broth, and various toppings such as pork slices, boiled eggs, and green onions.

Ingredients

* 2 cups pork or chicken broth
* 2 cups water
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sake
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 cups udon noodles
* 1 cup boiled pork slices
* 1 cup boiled eggs
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instruction

1. In a large pot, combine the broth, water, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Add the udon noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Divide the soup into bowls, then top with boiled pork slices, boiled eggs, and chopped scallions.

Calories and Nutrition Comparison