Pak Choi & Mushroom Noodle Soup
A comforting and quick noodle soup featuring tender pak choi, earthy mushrooms, and springy noodles in a savory, aromatic broth, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
For 2 servings
Wash and chop the baby pak choi, separating the white stems from the green leaves. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Slice the spring onions for garnish.
In a medium pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced mushrooms and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the mushroom flavors to meld with the broth.
While the broth simmers, cook the ramen or soba noodles according to package directions. This usually involves boiling in a separate pot of water for 2-4 minutes, then draining well.
Divide the cooked and drained noodles evenly into two serving bowls. Ladle the hot mushroom broth over the noodles.
Immediately add the chopped pak choi (both stems and leaves) on top of the hot broth in each bowl. The residual heat will perfectly wilt the pak choi in about 1-2 minutes, leaving it tender-crisp.
Drizzle each bowl with a touch of toasted sesame oil and garnish with sliced spring onions. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Noodle Texture: Cook noodles separately to prevent them from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
- 2Broth Depth: For an even richer broth, consider adding a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) while simmering, removing it before serving.
- 3Custom Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or chili oil at the end for personalized heat.
- 4Freshness is Key: Use fresh, firm pak choi and mushrooms for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Sauté thinly sliced chicken breast or pan-fried tofu cubes with the aromatics for added protein.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like thinly sliced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of broth simmering.
Spicy MisoSpicy Miso
Stir in a tablespoon of spicy miso paste into the broth at the end for a deeper, more complex umami and heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Nutrient-Rich Vegetables
Pak choi is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and K, while mushrooms provide B vitamins and essential minerals.
Light and Hydrating
This soup is generally low in calories and high in water content from the broth, promoting hydration and satiety.
Supports Digestion
The fiber in pak choi and mushrooms aids in healthy digestion, and ginger is known for its digestive benefits.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served fresh. While the broth can be made a day in advance, cook the noodles and add the pak choi just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
