Introduction
This ginger garlic noodle soup with bok choy is a fast, flavorful, and comforting bowl made with fresh ingredients. It’s designed for those moments when you need something warm and healing without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with bold aromatics and vibrant greens, it’s the kind of recipe that’s as wholesome as it is quick to make.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a steamy, soothing meal that’s gentle on the stomach and bursting with savory flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Garlic and ginger create a fragrant, health-boosting broth
– Rice noodles make it naturally gluten-free and fast to prepare
– Bok choy adds a crisp texture and loads of vitamins
– Fully customizable to suit vegan, vegetarian, or protein-rich preferences
– Only one pot is needed and cleanup is a breeze
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its fresh, clean ingredients that work together to create depth and warmth.
Olive Oil
Used as the base to sauté your aromatics, adding richness and flavor.
Shallots
Their subtle sweetness builds a gentle foundation for the broth.
Green Onions
Split into white and green parts, the whites go in early for flavor and the greens finish the soup for freshness.
Garlic
Essential for flavor and well-known for its immune-supporting qualities.
Ginger
Provides a warming kick and supports digestion, making the broth even more comforting.
Low-Sodium Broth
Serves as the heart of the soup. Chicken broth adds body, while vegetable broth keeps it plant-based.
Star Anise
Adds a mild, sweet licorice note that gives the broth unexpected depth.
Soy Sauce or Tamari
Brings umami flavor and balances the soup’s natural sweetness.
Crimini Mushrooms
Earthy and satisfying, they give the soup a meaty texture without any meat.
Rice Noodles
Cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully. A perfect fit for fast, slurp-worthy soup.
Bok Choy
Tender greens that cook quickly and add a slightly sweet, crunchy bite.
Sesame Seeds & Red Pepper Flakes
Optional toppings that add flavor, texture, and a hint of heat.
How to Make Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
The process is easy. You begin by sautéing a mix of aromatic vegetables in olive oil, then simmer everything in broth. Toward the end, mushrooms, noodles, and bok choy are added, ensuring every ingredient is perfectly cooked and infused with the broth’s flavor.
The soup is ready in minutes and filled with nourishing warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Shallots
Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add diced shallots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Onion Whites
Chop the green onions and separate the white and green parts. Add the whites to the pot with the garlic and ginger. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the broth and stir in star anise and soy sauce. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can develop.
Step 4: Remove the Star Anise
Uncover the pot and carefully take out the star anise pods to avoid overpowering the broth.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Noodles
Add sliced mushrooms, dry rice noodles, and chopped bok choy to the simmering broth. Let it cook uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes until the noodles are tender and the bok choy is just wilted.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Spoon the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onion tops, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
– Add bok choy at the end to prevent it from overcooking
– Use tongs to stir the noodles into the broth for even cooking
– Simmering the broth longer will create a stronger flavor
– For more heat, mix in a small spoonful of chili paste or drizzle chili oil over each serving
– If storing, keep noodles and broth in separate containers to avoid soggy texture
Details
Flavor: Bold and warming with savory broth, fresh greens, and a touch of sweetness
Texture: A mix of soft noodles, crisp-tender bok choy, and chewy mushrooms
Occasion: Great for quick lunches, light dinners, or cozy evenings
Prep/Cook Time: 5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook, 20 minutes total
Notes and Variations
– Use tamari and vegetable broth for a fully vegan and gluten-free dish
– No star anise? Try a small piece of cinnamon stick for a different note
– Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
– A squeeze of lemon or lime before serving adds brightness to the broth
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 647 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 110 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1781 mg |
| Potassium | 3055 mg |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Vitamin A | 28270 IU |
| Vitamin C | 290.6 mg |
| Calcium | 768 mg |
| Iron | 9.1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of noodles work best in ginger garlic noodle soup?
Rice noodles are ideal. They cook quickly, soak up flavor well, and are naturally gluten-free.
When should bok choy be added to noodle soup to keep it tender?
Add bok choy in the final minutes of cooking so it stays vibrant and doesn’t become mushy.
Is ginger garlic noodle soup good for colds or digestion?
Yes, both ginger and garlic are widely known for their soothing and digestive benefits, making this soup perfect when you’re not feeling your best.
Can ginger garlic noodle soup be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable broth and tamari instead of chicken broth and soy sauce for a plant-based and gluten-free version.
Storage Instructions
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep broth and noodles separate in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain texture. If you plan to freeze it, omit the noodles and bok choy until reheating, so they remain fresh and firm.
Print
Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy | Quick, Nourishing Comfort in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A fast and comforting noodle soup with bold garlic and ginger flavor, tender bok choy, and soft rice noodles simmered in a savory broth. Done in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 shallots, diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped (whites and greens divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
5.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 whole star anise
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
6 oz rice noodles
1.5 heads bok choy, roughly chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced shallots and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
2. Add chopped white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth. Add star anise and soy sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove star anise. Add mushrooms, rice noodles, and bok choy to the pot.
5. Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes until noodles are tender and bok choy is just cooked.
6. Serve hot, topped with green onion greens, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use tamari and vegetable broth to keep it vegan and gluten-free.
Swap star anise for a small piece of cinnamon if needed.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Keep noodles and broth separate when storing to maintain the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 647
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1781mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
This ginger garlic noodle soup with bok choy is a fast and flavorful way to feel nourished and refreshed. It’s flexible, comforting, and packed with ingredients that fuel your body and support your well-being. Whether you’re in need of a quick dinner or something to help you feel better, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.