If you love vibrant, nourishing soups that warm you from the inside out, the Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort bowl. This delightful soup perfectly balances the zing of fresh garlic and minced ginger with tender baby bok choy, hearty mushrooms, and savory broth, creating a flavor-packed yet soothing meal. It’s quick to whip up, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights while nourishing your body with wholesome, fresh ingredients you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the deep umami notes of mushrooms to the fresh brightness of scallions—coming together to create a layered, satisfying bowl of soup.
- Cooking Oil (1 tbsp): A neutral oil works perfectly to sauté garlic and ginger without overpowering their aroma.
- Fresh Ginger, minced (2.5 tbsp): This gives the soup its signature warming kick and subtle spice.
- Garlic Cloves, minced (5 cloves): Adds depth and an irresistible savory fragrance to the broth.
- Scallions, diced (3 stalks): Both the white and green parts add freshness and a mild oniony crunch.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (3 tbsp, divided): Pour in stages to enrich the soup with nutty, toasted flavor.
- Coconut Amino (3 tbsp, divided): A delicious soy sauce alternative that imparts a slightly sweet and savory touch.
- Mushrooms (10 oz mixed varieties): Shitake, crimini, portobello, or oyster mushrooms add earthy richness and texture.
- Baby Bok Choy (16 oz, about 4-5 stalks): The star vegetable, providing tender greens and slight crunch.
- Sea Salt (1/2 tsp, plus more): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp, optional): For an extra garlicky boost if desired.
- Pepper (1/4 tsp, plus more): Adds a mild heat that complements the ginger and garlic.
- Red Crushed Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who like a little spicy zing.
- Broth or Bone Broth (6 cups): The soul of the soup that ties everything together with deep savory notes.
- Rice Noodles (6 oz): Light and gluten-free, they add satisfying chewiness.
- Beef Flank Steak (1 lb, thinly sliced or shredded): Optional protein that cooks quickly and blends beautifully into the soup.
- Soft-boiled Egg: The perfect garnish to add richness and silky texture in every bite.
- Toasted Garlic, Sesame Seeds, and Scallion: Garnishes that elevate the soup’s aroma and presentation.
- Cooked Chicken (optional): A great alternative protein or addition for extra heartiness.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the freshly minced ginger and garlic, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant and just golden – this is where the magic starts, releasing those vibrant flavors that build the foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Cook Mushrooms, Scallions, and Beef
Add your mixed mushrooms and diced scallions alongside 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the scallions to soften and the mushrooms to release their earthy goodness. If you’re using shredded beef at this stage, toss it in now and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so those meaty flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in 6 cups of your favorite broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the temperature and simmer for about 5 minutes. This gentle simmer lets the flavors harmonize, creating a warm, inviting base that’s rich yet light.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Enhance the broth by stirring in 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, salt, garlic powder if using, and freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like, adding more coconut amino, salt, or red pepper flakes for a personalized flavor kick.
Step 5: Cook the Rice Noodles
Add the rice noodles to the simmering soup, following package instructions (usually about 5–6 minutes). This step infuses the noodles with the rich broth flavor, giving you that perfect chewy texture that makes this bowl so satisfying.
Step 6: Add Baby Bok Choy
With just a few minutes left on the noodles, add the baby bok choy to the pot. Start by submerging just the root ends for 3 minutes while keeping the leaves out of the liquid. Then, fully submerge the leaves and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This method ensures your bok choy retains a lovely crispness while becoming tender at the base.
Step 7: Final Flavor Boost and Serving
Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of coconut aminos and sesame oil. Give the soup a final taste and tweak seasoning if needed. Pour this soul-soothing broth into bowls and prepare to garnish.
How to Serve Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this soup more than thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkle toasted garlic for crunch, sesame seeds for nuttiness, chopped scallions for fresh color, and a soft-boiled egg to add creamy richness that melts into the broth with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Serving this soup alongside a simple steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian-inspired salad creates a balanced meal that feels special yet effortless. Crispy spring rolls or vegetable dumplings complement the flavors perfectly too, rounding out the experience with delightful textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful bok choy and mushrooms nestled atop the noodles. Or drizzle a little chili oil before serving for added depth and a gorgeous pop of red that catches the eye and the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, but keep any delicate garnishes like soft-boiled eggs separate until you’re ready to enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze the broth and cooked ingredients minus the noodles and garnishes for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and cook fresh noodles to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add fresh noodles or re-cook rice noodles just before serving, then add garnishes for that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef and bone broth for vegetable broth and toss in tofu or extra mushrooms for protein. The coconut aminos and sesame oil still provide plenty of savory flavor.
What type of bok choy works best?
Baby bok choy is ideal because it cooks quickly and offers tender greens with slight crunch. Larger bok choy can be used but may require longer cooking time and chopping into smaller pieces.
Can I prepare this soup without rice noodles?
Yes, you can enjoy it as a lighter broth-based soup or substitute rice noodles with shirataki noodles or gluten-free pasta, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on how much red crushed pepper flakes you add. You can easily omit the flakes for a milder version or sprinkle more if you like heat.
Is it okay to use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?
Definitely! Soy sauce is a great substitute and will give a slightly saltier and familiar umami flavor, perfect if you don’t have coconut aminos on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe that wraps you in warmth and vibrant flavors all at once. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with guests, this recipe offers endless variations while delivering nourishing goodness in every sip. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—your next favorite soup is waiting!
PrintGarlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup Recipe
This comforting Garlic Ginger Bok Choy Soup is a flavorful, nourishing broth packed with fresh ginger, garlic, mushrooms, tender bok choy, and thinly sliced beef. Enhanced with toasted sesame oil and coconut aminos, this easy-to-make soup combines robust umami flavors with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it includes rice noodles for heartiness and is garnished with soft-boiled egg and scallions for added texture and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil of choice
- 2.5 tbsp Fresh Ginger, minced
- 5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3 Scallions, diced (green and white part)
- 3 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil, divided
- 3 tbsp Coconut Amino, divided (can substitute with soy sauce)
- 6 cups Broth or Bone Broth
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder, optional
- 1/4 tsp Pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red Crushed Pepper Flakes, optional
Vegetables and Protein
- 10 oz Mushrooms (variety such as shiitake, crimini, portobello, oyster)
- 16 oz Baby Bok Choy (about 4–5 stalks)
- 1 lb Beef flank steak (or cut of choice), very thinly sliced or shredded
- 6 oz Rice Noodles (ensure gluten-free if necessary)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Soft-boiled egg
- Toasted Garlic
- Sesame Seeds
- Chopped Scallion
- Cooked Chicken (optional addition)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms, Scallions, and Sesame Oil: Incorporate the mushrooms and diced scallions along with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the scallions soften. If using shredded beef, add it now and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of broth, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes). Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Season the Broth: Stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning by adding more coconut aminos, salt, or red crushed pepper flakes to preference.
- Cook Rice Noodles: Add the rice noodles to the pot and cook over medium heat according to package instructions, about 5-6 minutes until tender. If adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now to warm through.
- Add Bok Choy: With a few minutes left on the noodle cooking time, add the baby bok choy. Submerge the root ends in the broth for about 3 minutes while keeping leaves above the liquid. Then, submerge the leaves along with the roots and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Final Seasoning: Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut aminos and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Adjust seasonings as desired for flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with soft-boiled egg halves, toasted garlic, sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of red crushed pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute beef with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use gluten-free rice noodles to keep the soup gluten free.
- Adjust red crushed pepper flakes to control heat level or omit if you prefer milder soup.
- Soft-boiled egg adds richness and additional protein but is optional.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.