Simple Bok Choy Soup Recipe
Searching for a nutritious and filling soup to get you through the cold winter months? This Asian-inspired bok choy soup is perfect! Prepared with baby bok choy and seasoned with soy sauce and garlic, this broth based soup is sure to hit the spot on a cold afternoon. And since it's ready in minutes, it's sure to be your go-to recipe when you need a winter pick-me-up.
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What Do I Need to Make Bok Choy Soup?
Heat up a clean and nourishing broth based soup featuring tender vegetables in just 15 minutes using a handful of supplies. This flavorful bok choy soup is a simple, soothing dish made with these simple ingredients:
- Cooking Oil
- Garlic cloves
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Baby bok choy
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
How Do I Make Bok Choy Soup?
Featuring tender bok choy paired with flavorful garlic and green onions, this soothing soup is sure to hit the spot on a cold day! And the best part about this easy recipe is that it can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Follow these two easy instructions to make your own Asian-inspired soup for lunch or dinner today.
Step One: Prepare the Broth
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for around 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour the broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil to the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer for two to three minutes.
Step Two: Add the Bok Choy
Placed the halved bok choy into the pot with the broth and simmer for two to three minutes, until the vegetable is tender but still bright green. Stir in the green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
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How Do You Store Bok Choy Soup?
You're going to love the light, simple flavor of this broth, so you might not have any left when you're finished eating! But if you do have some leftovers, they should be kept in the refrigerator. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days.
It's not recommended that you freeze the prepared soup. The bok choy will become mushy as it thaws.
To reheat your leftover soup, pour it into a saucepan and cook over medium low heat until the broth is hot. Avoid bringing the soup to a boil, which may cause the bok choy to become mushy.
Bok Choy Soup Recipe Ideas
Now that you know how to make a basic soup using bok choy, you can really have some fun mixing in new flavors and textures! Try these additions and mix-ins to create a delicious Chinese inspired lunch or dinner for your family.
- Mix in some noodles. Give your soup some added texture with the addition of noodles. Use thin rice noodles or dumplings to match the Asian flavors of the dish.
- Add some protein to your soup. While this basic soup recipe is perfect for a vegetarian dish, there's no reason you can't add some meat to your meal! Try adding cooked chicken, pork, eggs, or beef to the broth as you cook your bok choy. And if you want to keep your meal vegetarian, try adding some tofu to the mix!
- Stir in some more vegetables. This brothy soup gets its flavor from the bok choy. But you can also add more veggies to your own recipe if you're looking for a unique flavor profile. There are a variety of delicious vegetables you can mix in, including mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and onions.
How Do You Pick the Best Bok Choy?
Since the bok choy is the star of this recipe, you want to make sure you pick the perfect produce before you start cooking! Luckily, it's easy to spot a delicious head of bok choy if you know what to look for!
- Select baby bok choy for the best flavor. While you can use regular bok choy in a pinch, baby bok choy is the best option for soups. It has the most tender and sweet flavor than other varieties.
- Check out the stem. When picking a bunch at your grocery store, look for bok choy with a firm white stem to ensure the leaves are ready to eat.
- Inspect the leaves. Avoid picking a bundh with limp or wilted leaves. Instead, grab a head of bok choy with vibrant green leaves for the best flavor.
Once you have your fresh bok choy home and you're ready to start cooking, you'll need to take a few minutes to prepare it. Start by cutting your bunch in half lengthwise. Then, rinse each section thoroughly to remove any grit. Pay special attention to the bottom of the head where dirt can hide in the stems.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Bok Choy Soup
Whether you're looking to add protein, texture, or complementary flavors, these pairings will elevate your bok choy soup experience and create a well-rounded dining experience that your family will love.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The most classic pairing for bok choy soup is a bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice. This fragrant, slightly sweet rice provides the perfect neutral base that absorbs the savory broth while adding substantial bulk to make the soup more filling.
- Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers): Crispy-bottomed dumplings make an excellent companion to bok choy soup, offering both protein and satisfying texture. The contrast between the light, brothy soup and the hearty, pan-fried dumplings creates a perfect balance.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles served alongside hot bok choy soup might seem unconventional, but this temperature contrast creates an exciting dining experience. The rich, nutty flavor of sesame complements the soup's soy sauce and sesame oil perfectly, while the chewy noodle texture adds substance to your meal.
- Crispy Tofu Squares: For a vegetarian protein boost, serve golden, crispy tofu squares alongside your bok choy soup. The tofu can be pan-fried until golden and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining silky inside. This adds both protein and a satisfying textural element that makes the meal more substantial.
- Scallion Pancakes: These savory, flaky pancakes are a popular choice in Chinese restaurants and make an excellent pairing with bok choy soup. Scallion pancakes are crispy on the outside with tender, layered interiors infused with the mild onion flavor of scallions.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Prepared with fresh vegetables, vermicelli rice noodles, and pickled cabbage, this simple spring roll recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a light and delicious side served along homemade Bok Choy soup.
Create Your Perfect Bowl
Now that you know these fantastic pairing options, it's time to experiment and find your favorite combinations. Start with our simple bok choy soup recipe using oil, garlic, broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, baby bok choy, and green onions, then try different accompaniments to discover what satisfies your taste buds most. Whether you prefer the comfort of jasmine rice or the excitement of crispy dumplings, these pairings will help you create memorable meals that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table all winter long.
Simple Bok Choy Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil 0.5 fl. oz | 15 ml
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 32 fl. oz | 950 ml
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 baby bok choy halved (about 5 oz | 140 g)
- 2 green onions sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
- In a pot, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Bok Choy
- Add halved bok choy to the pot. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Stir in green onions.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Light and savory with a hint of garlic and soy. The bok choy is tender with a slight crunch, floating in a clear, comforting broth. Cooking Tips
Use low-sodium broth if controlling salt. Add sliced mushrooms or tofu for extra protein and body. Don’t overcook bok choy — it’s best slightly crisp. Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing: Not recommended, as bok choy becomes mushy when thawed. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove until hot. Avoid boiling again.
