There’s something truly comforting about a warm, steaming bowl of noodle soup on a cold night. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy and exotic or classic and familiar, there’s a noodle soup recipe out there to suit your taste. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 comforting noodle soup recipes from around the world that are sure to become new favorites. From the creamy coconut-based broths of Southeast Asia to the rich, meaty stocks of East Asia, each dish is a masterclass in comfort food.
Spicy Thai Coconut Noodle Soup
Warm up with this aromatic and spicy soup that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the bold flavors of Thailand.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, water, ginger, and curry paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Classic Vietnamese Pho
Pho is Vietnam’s national dish, a comforting and flavorful noodle soup that warms the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This recipe brings together the essential ingredients to create a rich and aromatic broth, served with springy noodles, tender beef or chicken, and an array of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (or oxtail)
– 2 pounds beef brisket or chuck, sliced
– 4 cups beef stock
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
– Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2. Pour in beef stock and water, then bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Add sliced beef and cook until tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
6. Assemble pho by placing noodles into bowls, followed by slices of beef and garnishes.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (including simmer time)
Japanese Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg
A comforting bowl of Japanese Ramen is a staple dish that never goes out of style. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork broth, springy noodles, and tender vegetables with the creamy delight of a soft-boiled egg.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 2 cups of pork bone broth (or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup of sliced scallions
– 1/4 cup of diced bok choy
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine pork bone broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add sliced scallions and diced bok choy to the broth. Simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add to the pot with the broth.
5. Place halved soft-boiled egg on top of the noodles. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chinese Beef Noodle Soup, filled with tender beef, soft noodles, and a rich broth. This classic recipe is a staple of Chinese cuisine and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in broth, water, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
4. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Serve beef and noodle mixture hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Korean Kimchi Noodle Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup combines the spicy kick of kimchi with the comforting warmth of noodles, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kimchi (store-bought or homemade), chopped
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 8 oz Korean-style noodles (such as naengmyeon or ramyeon)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: sliced pork or tofu for added protein
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine kimchi, chicken broth, water, Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
4. Add cooked noodles and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a dash of chili flakes (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup
A classic Thai dish that is both comforting and flavorful, this Tom Yum noodle soup recipe combines the perfect balance of spicy and sour notes with a clear broth. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons tom yum paste (or homemade spice blend)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup cooked rice noodles or egg noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, coconut milk, tom yum paste, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and bell peppers to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve soup with cooked noodles and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue
This recipe serves as a guide to creating the iconic Vietnamese dish, Bun Bo Hue, which is known for its rich and spicy broth, tender beef, and springy noodles. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to recreate this flavorful and comforting soup at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (preferably oxtail or beef neck bones)
– 2 pounds beef brisket or shank, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, beef brisket or shank, beef broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice (if desired).
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Japanese Udon Soup with Tempura
This hearty udon soup recipe combines the rich flavors of dashi broth, savory tempura bits, and springy udon noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package udon noodles
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tempura bits (store-bought or homemade)
– Scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine dashi broth, water, soy sauce, sake (if using), sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Fry tempura bits in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Add cooked udon noodles to the pot with the broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and top with fried tempura bits. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Broth
Warm up with a comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, made with a rich and flavorful broth from scratch. This classic recipe is perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups water
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, carrots, celery, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup pot.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Thai Boat Noodle Soup
This classic Thai soup is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s easy to make. Inspired by the street food vendors who sell it from boats along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups beef or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound beef or pork, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup noodles (preferably boat-shaped)
– 1/4 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the beef or pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the broth, noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, tamarind paste, and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Malaysian Laksa Curry Noodle Soup
A rich and aromatic noodle soup originating from Malaysia, this dish is a staple in many households. This recipe combines the bold flavors of curry paste with tender noodles and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon curry paste (adjust to taste)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
– 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles
– 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, curry paste, onion, garlic, and potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Stir in coconut milk (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves and accompanied by cooked noodles.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Canh Bun with Crab Meat
Canh Bun is a popular Vietnamese soup made with crab meat, noodles, and a variety of vegetables. This recipe adds an extra layer of flavor with the use of fish sauce and lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of fresh or frozen crab meat
– 2 cups of water
– 1/4 cup of dried bun noodles (or rice noodles)
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and green beans)
– 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon of lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine water, onion, garlic, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the crab meat and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in fish sauce and lime juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Szechuan Noodle Soup
This Spicy Szechuan Noodle Soup recipe is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional Chinese noodle soups, featuring Szechuan peppercorns and chili flakes to add depth and heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups Szechuan noodles (or substitute with rice noodles or egg noodles)
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and onion; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Add noodles, broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Japanese Soba Noodle Soup with Mushrooms
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the nutty taste of soba noodles with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a savory dashi broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 package soba noodles
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shimeji, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cooked soba noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Season with black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Glass Noodle Soup with Seafood
Thai Glass Noodle Soup with Seafood: A flavorful and refreshing soup that combines the sweetness of glass noodles with the brininess of seafood, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz glass noodles
– 2 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, squid)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mixed seafood; cook until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in fish stock, water, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add cooked glass noodles to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Mi Quang Noodle Soup
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Vietnam’s Mi Quang noodle soup, a popular dish originating from Hoi An. This spicy and savory broth is made with a rich pork stock, topped with crispy pork, boiled eggs, and an assortment of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork bones
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 4 cups pork stock
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1/2 cup crispy fried pork (see note)
– 2 boiled eggs, sliced
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
2. Add pork bones, stock, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the soup by placing noodles in a bowl, topping with crispy pork, boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and shredded cabbage. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Chinese Wonton Noodle Soup
Wontons are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and when served in a savory broth with noodles, it’s a comforting and delicious meal. This recipe combines the simplicity of wontons with the richness of a chicken-based broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 8 ounces rice noodles
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the wonton.
3. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. In a large pot, combine chicken broth and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add wontons to the broth and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
6. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
7. Serve wontons and noodles in hot bowls, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Jjampong Seafood Noodle Soup
Jjampong is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle soup dish that combines the flavors of seafood, noodles, and spicy gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 200g pork bone broth or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (clams, mussels, shrimp, squid)
– 1/2 cup Korean noodles (jjajangmyeon)
– 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
2. Add seafood and cook until it’s opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
3. Pour in broth, noodles, gochugaru, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Hiyashi Chuka Cold Noodle Soup
A refreshing and comforting Japanese soup perfect for hot summer days, Hiyashi Chuka is a cold noodle soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz soba or udon noodles
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken/vegetable broth as substitute)
– 1 cup diced green onions
– 1 cup sliced bok choy or bean sprouts
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice cubes for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine dashi broth, green onions, bok choy or bean sprouts, and cooked chicken or tofu. Stir until well combined.
3. Add soy sauce, sake, mirin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir until dissolved.
4. Chill soup in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve chilled noodles in bowls and ladle the cold noodle soup over the top. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Thai Khao Soi Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
This popular northern Thai dish is a flavorful and comforting noodle soup made with a rich coconut curry broth, chewy boiled egg noodles, and an assortment of vegetables and meat. With its bold flavors and aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons curry paste
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup boiled egg noodles
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, coconut milk, curry paste, onion, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until cooked through.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Stir in bean sprouts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Warm up on cold nights with these 20 comforting noodle soup recipes from around the world! From spicy Thai Tom Yum to classic Vietnamese Pho, and from Japanese Ramen to Korean Kimchi Noodle Soup, there’s something for everyone. Discover new flavors and ingredients, such as coconut milk in Spicy Thai Coconut Noodle Soup or tempura in Japanese Udon Soup with Tempura. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup or a spicy kick, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings on even the chilliest of nights.
