Seared Bok Choy Broth with Noodles is a delicate, lightly flavored soup made with ginger, garlic, bok choy, mushrooms, shallots and rice noodles. Add tofu or beans for a more filling meal. Vegan and gluten-free.
Silence can mean so much more than just the absence of sound. To me, silence is a feeling as much as it is something we hear.
And that feeling can be spurred by other senses, too. Sights can be loud or quiet, as any fan of minimalist design knows.
When it comes to taste, food can definitely be loud, which is exciting but isn't always what's best for us. As is the case when food companies and restaurants use excess fat, salt, sugar, and additives to get us hooked on their products... but that's a topic for another day!
Sometimes it's nice to savor and appreciate quiet flavors, which brings me to this soup, Seared Bok Choy Broth with Noodles. The flavors and textures are delicate. Nothing about this soup is spicy, pungent, thick, fatty, acidic, crunchy, dense, or zesty.
It's subtle, lightly savory, and faintly complex. And though there are times we want food that knocks our socks off with flavor, I really do believe it's important to stay acquainted with the subtle flavors of our vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Bok choy is such a beautiful green, don't you think? You can use regular or baby bok choy for this soup.
With mushrooms, shallots, bok choy, ginger, and garlic, this brothy soup is wonderful for times when you're feeling a little under the weather (or you're cooking for someone who is), or when you're just trying to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
The hint of licorice from star anise is mild, but if that's a flavor you don't particularly enjoy, feel free to leave it out. You could experiment with a dash of ground turmeric, cinnamon, or nutmeg, or garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds to add flavor.
If you want a more filling meal, simply add cooked beans or diced tofu while the soup simmers.
I hope you enjoy this bok choy broth as much as we do. If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe. You can also tag a photo with @myquietkitchen on Instagram to show off your soup!
Cheers to health (and quiet moments).
You might also like:
- Quick Tahini Noodles
- Szechuan Tofu With Vegetables
- Vegan Sesame Noodles
- Spicy Vegan Chorizo Potato Soup
- Spicy Thai Soup with Soy Curls
📖 Recipe
Seared Bok Choy Broth with Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 bunch bok choy, chopped
- 2 tsp grapeseed or other neutral oil, optional - Sub broth for oil-free diets.
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 5 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inch piece ginger root, peeled and minced
- 8 cups water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 star anise
- 8 ounces rice noodles, or noodle of choice
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a soup pot or large/deep saute pan over medium heat. Add the oil, if using, and bok choy and cook undisturbed for 1 minute. Stir and cook for another minute, or until dark green, wilted, and slightly seared. Transfer bok choy to a plate.
- Add the shallots and mushrooms to the pot. Stirring occasionally, cook 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the water, soy sauce, and star anise. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.
- Add the noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions (increase heat to maintain a simmer). Once noodles are tender, return bok choy to the pot. Remove the star anise before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and serve.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.
Amelia
Would anise seed work instead of an star anise? I only have the seed. If it does work, would I need to find a way to take the seed out when I would otherwise take the star out?
Lori
Hi Amelia,
Yes, you can use a tiny pinch of anise seed instead. No need to remove. The flavor is similar to star anise but might taste a bit more licorice-y, so you definitely don't want to overdo it. 😀 Hope you enjoy!
Dina Sibley
Made this today and it was good. I think I will substitute vegetable broth for the water next time. I also added celery and carrots.
Lori
Broth is a great idea for bumping up the flavor. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the shallots for a bit of heat (if you like spiciness). Thanks, Dina!
Heather McDaniel
Made this today. My entire family loved it. So comforting and nourishing on a cold winter day.
Lori
So glad to hear it. 🙂 Thank you, Heather!