The Best Chinese Soups for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, and when it comes to weeknight dinners, soups offer the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal. Here are some of the best Chinese soups that are not only easy to prepare but will also delight your family with their taste.

1. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a classic that combines the spicy with the tangy. Made with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, this soup is both hearty and refreshing. To make it, start by sautéing garlic and ginger, then add chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Thicken it with cornstarch for that perfect texture.

2. Wonton Soup

This comforting dish features delicate dumplings filled with meat or seafood, floating in a flavorful broth. Wontons can be prepared ahead of time, making this soup a fantastic weeknight option. Simply boil wontons in chicken or pork broth, add scallions and bok choy for freshness, and serve hot.

3. Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for a quick meal. To prepare, bring chicken broth to a boil, then slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring. Add ingredients like peas and corn for added texture, and finish with a sprinkle of white pepper and green onions.

4. Corn Soup with Crab

This sweet and savory soup combines corn's natural sweetness with the savory flavor of crab. Start with fresh or canned corn, blend it until smooth, then heat with crab meat and a splash of cream. This soup is both luxurious and easy to make, perfect for impressing family at dinner.

5. Noodle Soup with Bok Choy

A bowl of noodle soup is always comforting and filling. Use any type of noodles you prefer and add bok choy along with your choice of protein—chicken, pork, or tofu. Flavor your broth with ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for an excellent dinner choice that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

6. Spicy Szechuan Noodle Soup

If you enjoy a little heat, try a spicy Szechuan noodle soup. Prepare a broth with Szechuan peppercorns, garlic, and chili oil, then add your choice of noodles and vegetables. Finish with fresh cilantro and lime for a vibrant dinner that’s sure to be a hit.

7. Chinese Chicken Soup

Chinese chicken soup is comforting and nourishing, perfect for chilly evenings. Use bone-in chicken pieces simmered with ginger, garlic, and goji berries for sweetness. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender, then serve with jasmine rice for a wholesome meal.

8. Miso Soup with Tofu and Seaweed

While technically Japanese, miso soup has become a beloved dish in many Chinese households. Made with dashi broth, miso paste, tofu, and seaweed, it’s packed with umami flavors. This quick soup can be made in minutes and pairs well with any meal.

9. Chinese Vegetable Soup

For a light and healthy option, a Chinese vegetable soup is perfect. Use a mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, simmered in vegetable broth. Add some tofu or noodles for protein and substance.

10. Lamb and Daikon Soup

This hearty soup combines tender lamb with the light sweetness of daikon radish. Slow-cook lamb shanks with daikon and ginger in a broth for a comforting and filling dinner option. It's perfect served with rice or crusty bread.

These Chinese soups are not only simple to prepare but also provide a burst of flavors that can easily turn a regular weeknight into a special occasion. Incorporating these recipes into your weekly meal plan ensures that you enjoy delicious homemade dinners without the hassle.