Name: Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 shallots, diced; 1 bunch green onions (white and green parts separated and chopped); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced; 5.5 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan option); 2 whole star anise; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option); 10 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced; 6 oz rice noodles; 1.5 heads bok choy, roughly chopped; Sesame seeds (for topping); Red pepper flakes (optional, for topping); Green parts of green onions (reserved for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 59 reviews

There is something incredibly soothing and satisfying about a warm bowl of noodle soup, and this Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe hits every comfort food note perfectly. It’s a delightful harmony of bright ginger and garlic flavors, tender bok choy, and silky noodles swimming in a fragrant broth that feels both nourishing and refreshing. Whether you’re craving something quick for a cozy night or a wholesome lunch that lifts your spirits, this recipe is just the ticket. With minimal ingredients yet packed with layers of flavor and texture, it’s one of those dishes that you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A blue bowl filled with a clear broth at the bottom, topped with pale thin noodles piled in the center, bright green baby bok choy leaves placed around the edges, light brown sliced mushrooms scattered throughout, and a generous amount of chopped green onions sprinkled on top along with white sesame seeds and small red chili flakes. The textures range from the soft noodles to the crisp bok choy and smooth mushrooms, all resting in a golden broth, with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe keeps things simple and fresh, letting each ingredient shine on its own while coming together to create a perfectly balanced dish. From the fragrant aromatics to the vibrant greens and hearty noodles, every element adds a special touch to the soup’s character.

Olive oil: Use 1 tablespoon to gently sauté the aromatics and build depth in your broth.
Shallots: Three diced shallots bring a sweet, mild onion flavor that softens beautifully when cooked.
Green onions: Chop the bunch and divide white and green parts; the white adds savory essence, the green provides a fresh garnish.
Garlic: Four minced cloves give a punch of warmth and aromatic intensity.
Fresh ginger: Two tablespoons minced ginger add that signature zing and a subtle heat that awakens the palate.
Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: About 5.5 cups form the flavorful base while keeping the soup light and nourishing.
Star anise: Two whole pieces infuse a subtle, sweet licorice note that adds sophistication.
Soy sauce or Tamari: Two tablespoons round out the broth with umami richness and seasoning, making it gluten free if preferred.
Crimini mushrooms: Ten ounces sliced mushrooms add an earthy, meaty texture that complements the fresh veggies.
Rice noodles: Six ounces of noodles soak up all the delicious broth flavors, delivering a tender bite.
Bok choy: Roughly one and a half heads chopped for a crisp, bright green crunch and mild cabbage flavor.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle for topping adds nuttiness and a subtle crunch.
Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended, to sprinkle on top for a hint of heat and color contrast.

How to Make Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized stockpot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced shallots and stir them for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they turn translucent and begin to soften. This step really brings out their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Prep and Add Green Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

While the shallots are cooking, chop your green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. Once the shallots are ready, toss in the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic and ginger become wonderfully fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add in the two whole star anise pods and the soy sauce, then cover the pot. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 10 minutes so that the spices deeply infuse the broth with their distinct, warm flavors.

Step 4: Remove Star Anise and Add Mushrooms, Noodles, and Bok Choy

After simmering, uncover the pot and carefully fish out the star anise pods—these have done their job and should be discarded. Now add the sliced crimini mushrooms, rice noodles, and chopped bok choy straight into the broth. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 8 minutes until the noodles are tender and the bok choy has softened but still retains a vibrant green color.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or an extra splash of soy sauce if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to add those finishing touches.

How to Serve Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe

A blue bowl filled with clear broth holds several layers starting with light-colored thin noodles curled in the center. Around the noodles are green leaves of baby bok choy, green onion slices scattered all over, and sliced brown mushrooms placed evenly around the edges. The dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small red chili flakes, adding texture on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds and the green parts of the chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy texture and an appealing pop of color. If you enjoy a little kick, scatter on some red pepper flakes—they complement the ginger and garlic perfectly without overpowering the subtle broth flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup is a wholesome meal on its own, but if you want to stretch the experience, it pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or even simple spring rolls. These options add contrast while keeping the Asian-inspired theme intact.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe in rustic ceramic bowls to accentuate its comforting vibe. You can also set a small platter of extra garnishes beside the bowls so everyone can customize their spice levels and toppings. For a stunning visual, garnish with a few fresh cilantro sprigs for an herbal brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, you can lightly undercook them at first or store them separately and combine when reheating.

Freezing

This Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the broth and veggies separately from the noodles to preserve texture. Freeze the broth and bok choy mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, thaw the broth in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a pot on low to medium heat, adding freshly cooked rice noodles or reheated pre-cooked noodles to maintain that perfect tender bite. Add garnishes just before serving to preserve their fresh crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for a vegetable broth and use Tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten free, and you have a deliciously vegan, full-flavored soup.

What type of noodles work best in this soup?

Rice noodles are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and soak up the broth nicely, but you can also use soba noodles or even thin egg noodles depending on your preference.

How spicy is this soup?

The soup itself is quite mild since the heat comes from optional red pepper flakes added as a garnish. You can easily control the spice level to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! The broth and veggies can be prepped and kept in the fridge. Cook the noodles fresh when ready to serve to avoid them getting soggy.

Is there a substitute for star anise?

Star anise adds a subtle sweet-licorice note that’s unique, but if you don’t have it on hand, a small piece of cinnamon stick or a few cloves can provide warmth, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy Recipe is a heartwarming bowl of goodness that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Its fragrant broth, fresh greens, and tender noodles make it a perfect meal for any day you need a little extra comfort and nourishment. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to soup for cozy evenings and bright lunches alike!