Name: Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 shallots, diced; 1 bunch green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; 5.5 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan); 2 whole star anise; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Tamari for a Gluten Free option); 10 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced; 6 oz rice noodles; 1.5 heads bok choy, roughly chopped; Sesame seeds, for topping; Green parts of green onions, for topping; Red pepper flakes, for topping (optional)

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If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl that’s packed with vibrant greens and hearty flavors, then this Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s an easy, quick-to-make soup that brings together tender bok choy, earthy mushrooms, and silky rice noodles in a fragrant broth infused with ginger, garlic, and star anise. Whether you’re feeding two or just treating yourself, this recipe bursts with freshness and umami in every slurp, perfect for whenever you need a nourishing yet simple meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a white bowl filled with a clear golden broth, showing some light bubbles on the surface. Inside the broth, there are several layers of fresh green bok choy with pale white stems, arranged evenly in the bowl. Scattered among the bok choy are thin slices of brown shiitake mushrooms with a slightly curved shape, floating gently in the broth. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this soup is in its straightforward, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and giving you that perfect balance of texture and aroma. From the gentle sweetness of shallots to the punchy warmth of star anise, these ingredients turn a humble noodle soup into a bowl of comfort.

Olive oil: Adds a mild fruitiness and helps sauté shallots and aromatics to deepen flavor.
Shallots (3, diced): Bring a subtle sweetness and soften beautifully in the broth base.
Green onions (1 bunch, chopped): White parts add sharpness to the broth; green tops garnish fresh brightness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with its famous aroma and gentle heat.
Fresh ginger (2 tablespoons, minced): Offers a zesty warmth that refreshes the palate.
Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (5.5 cups): The soul of the soup, providing richness without overpowering.
Star anise (2 whole): Adds a subtle licorice note that elevates the broth to something special.
Soy sauce or Tamari (2 tablespoons): Enhances umami while keeping the soup balanced and savory.
Crimini mushrooms (10 oz, sliced): Contribute earthiness and meaty texture.
Rice noodles (6 oz): These delicate noodles soak up flavors and bring softness to the dish.
Bok choy (1.5 heads, roughly chopped): The star green adds crunch and freshness with every bite.
Sesame seeds (for topping): Provide a toasty pop and a subtle nutty finish.
Red pepper flakes (for topping, optional): For those who like their soup with a touch of heat and extra personality.

How to Make Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe

Step 1: Start with a Flavorful Base

Begin by heating olive oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Toss in the diced shallots and soften them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often until they become translucent and fragrant. This gentle sauté is crucial— it unlocks the sweetness of the shallots which forms the cozy foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Build Aromatics

Prepare your green onions by separating the white parts from the green tops. Add the whites along with minced garlic and ginger to the shallots. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic and ginger fill the kitchen with their inviting aroma. This step enchants the broth with warmth and a hint of spice.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Carefully pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Add in your star anise for that subtle, complex licorice depth and soy sauce to deepen the savory notes. Let the broth gently bubble with the lid on for 10 minutes so all those wonderful flavors intertwine beautifully.

Step 4: Infuse and Adjust

After simmering, remove the star anise pods from the pot—they’ve done their job but aren’t meant to be eaten. Now, add your sliced crimini mushrooms, uncooked rice noodles, and chopped bok choy directly into the broth. Continue simmering until the noodles turn tender and the bok choy softens but still retains its crunch, about 5 to 8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the tops generously with toasted sesame seeds, the fresh green parts of the green onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire a little kick. This final touch gives your soup just the right balance of texture and flavor contrast to make every spoonful exciting.

How to Serve Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe

A white spoon rests on the top left inside a white bowl filled with light brown broth. Thin white noodles sit in the center, topped with sliced green onions and red chili flakes. Bright green bok choy leaves and stems are placed around the noodles, with several brown mushrooms scattered on the right side. The broth has a clear, slightly oily texture, and there are small white sesame seeds sprinkled over everything. The bowl sits on a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes take this soup from everyday to exceptional. The green onion tops bring a fresh bite that lightens the rich broth, while sesame seeds offer a toasty crunch that delights the palate. For a bit of heat and color, red pepper flakes are fantastic, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer your soup more mellow.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a crunchy Asian slaw. A crisp cucumber salad can introduce a refreshing coolness that balances the warm bowl, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or just to impress, serve this noodle soup with bok choy in pretty ceramic bowls and add a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lime on the side. You can also scatter fresh cilantro or Thai basil over each bowl to amp up the herbal freshness and add a vibrant pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover noodle soup with bok choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate and fresh so you can add them just before serving. This helps maintain the textures and flavors without the toppings getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, leave out the noodles and bok choy, which don’t freeze well. Freeze the broth and mushrooms separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw completely, reheat gently, and freshly cook and stir in your noodles and bok choy for that lovely tender-crisp finish.

Reheating

Reheat the stored soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the broth has thickened or reduced, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Add fresh noodles and bok choy if you didn’t freeze the ones from the original batch. Finish off with fresh garnishes to revive all the delicious flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth and use Tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The mushrooms and bok choy keep the soup hearty and flavorful even without any meat.

What type of noodles work best?

Rice noodles are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb the broth’s flavor without overpowering it. If you prefer, you can use other thin noodles like vermicelli or even wheat-based noodles for a different texture.

How spicy is the soup?

The soup itself is mild, but the red pepper flakes topping adds a gentle heat that you can control. You can omit or increase them according to your spice preference to make it exactly how you like.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the broth and aromatics ahead, but it’s best to add the noodles and bok choy right before serving to keep their texture intact. This way, your noodle soup with bok choy recipe remains fresh and vibrant.

Is star anise necessary?

While star anise adds a nice subtle depth to the broth, you can leave it out if it’s hard to find. A small cinnamon stick or a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder can provide a similar warm note as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of homemade noodle soup, especially when it’s bursting with fresh bok choy and layers of comforting flavor. This Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe is not only quick and simple but also wonderfully adaptable to your tastes. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as soothing and satisfying as I do on a busy day or whenever you want a little hug in a bowl.