Cozy up with a warm bowl of noodle soup on a cold night – it’s the ultimate comfort food! Noodle soups from around the world offer a delicious and satisfying solution to a chilly evening. From spicy Thai coconut noodles to classic Vietnamese pho, Japanese ramen, Chinese beef noodles, Korean kimchi noodles, and many more, there’s a flavorful option for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 20 comforting noodle soup recipes that are sure to become your new go-to cold-weather meals.
Spicy Thai Coconut Noodle Soup
This creamy and spicy soup is a twist on traditional Thai noodle soups, with the added warmth of coconut milk and the kick of chili peppers. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup rice noodles
– 1-2 Thai chili peppers, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
6. Add chili peppers to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Simmer soup for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
8. Serve with cooked noodles and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Vietnamese Pho
Pho, Vietnam’s national dish, is a flavorful and comforting noodle soup made with rare beef, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rare steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, beef broth, onion, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add the sliced rare steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble bowls by placing noodles at the bottom, followed by sliced beef and bean sprouts. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Japanese Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg
A comforting and flavorful bowl of noodles that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 2 cups of chicken or pork broth, heated
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1 soft-boiled egg, sliced
– Green onions and bean sprouts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or wok, combine the heated broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Arrange the sliced soft-boiled egg on top of the noodles.
5. Garnish with green onions and bean sprouts if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this Chinese Beef Noodle Soup is a classic dish made with tender beef, flavorful broth, and springy noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
– 8 ounces thin noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles)
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, onion, broth, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Serve hot soup with cooked noodles and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Korean Kimchi Noodle Soup
Warm up with this vibrant and spicy kimchi noodle soup, a staple of Korean comfort food. This recipe combines the bold flavors of kimchi with tender noodles and savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups kimchi (homemade or store-bought), chopped
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 cup dried noodles (such as naengmyeon or udon)
– 1 teaspoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced pork, tofu, or boiled egg for added protein
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add kimchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kimchi starts to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Stir in Gochujang; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine cooked noodles and soup in bowls. Garnish with additional kimchi and desired protein, if using.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup
A classic Thai dish that combines the flavors of lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies with tender noodles. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1/2 cup rice noodles
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
4. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
6. Combine broth mixture with noodle and mushroom mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup originating from Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. This spicy and savory dish is a staple in many Vietnamese households and street food stalls.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (preferably oxtail or beef neck bones)
– 2 pounds beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh cilantro leaves and bean sprouts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, beef brisket or chuck, and enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours.
2. Strain the broth and discard solids. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cumin, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for another 30 minutes.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the soup by placing beef slices, noodles, and bean sprouts in bowls. Ladle hot broth over the ingredients. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including simmering time)
Japanese Udon Soup with Tempura
Savor the rich flavors of Japan’s iconic udon soup, paired with crispy tempura bits for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Japanese udon noodles (about 8 oz)
– 4 cups of dashi broth (see note)
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1/4 cup of tempura bits (store-bought or homemade, see recipe below)
– Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the cooked udon noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Arrange tempura bits on top of the soup and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tempura Bits Recipe:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1/2 cup of ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Gradually add soda water to form a thick batter. Fry small pieces of your favorite vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini) or seafood until crispy.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (including tempura preparation)
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Japanese Udon Soup with Tempura!
Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Broth
This timeless recipe is a staple of any warm and cozy meal. Made with fresh ingredients and a rich homemade broth, this chicken noodle soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken bones (you can use leftover bones from roasted chickens)
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast chicken bones in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
4. Add roasted chicken bones, water, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
7. Shred cooked chicken and add it to the soup with noodles.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Spicy Szechuan Noodle Soup
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with the comforting warmth of a hearty noodle soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and spicy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup chili flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, onion, garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Boat Noodle Soup
This classic Thai soup, known as “Kuay Teow Reua,” is a staple of street food markets and boat vendors along the Chao Phraya River. With its rich broth and tender noodles, this comforting dish is sure to warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups beef or pork bones (preferably using a combination of both)
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 pound rice noodles
– 1/4 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup sliced scallions
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine bones, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids.
4. Add bean sprouts and scallions to the broth. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot with noodles, lime wedges, and your choice of protein (such as beef balls or sliced pork). Enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup
This classic Vietnamese soup, known as Bún Mực, is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines fresh crab meat with tender noodles and a savory broth. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Vietnam in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound rice noodles
– 1/4 cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
– 2 cups fish stock
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Chopped scallions and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine fish stock, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
3. Add crab meat, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve hot noodles in bowls and ladle the soup over them. Garnish with scallions and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Soba Noodle Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Japanese-inspired soba noodle soup, packed with the flavors of dashi broth, soft noodles, and savory vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soba noodles
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons dashi powder (or homemade dashi broth)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, and bok choy)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine water, dashi powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the broth. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are tender.
5. Add the cooked soba noodles to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Malaysian Laksa Noodle Soup
A flavorful and comforting noodle soup originating from Malaysia, this recipe combines rich coconut milk with a variety of spices and noodles to create a deliciously aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of laksa noodles (available at Asian grocery stores)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 inches ginger, sliced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook laksa noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
3. Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let soup cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves and laksa noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Wonton Noodle Soup
This recipe for Wonton Noodle Soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine, featuring delicate wontons filled with pork and served in a savory broth with soft noodles. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 package thin noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges together to seal.
4. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add vegetable oil and wontons. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until wontons float to the surface.
6. Serve wontons and noodles in bowls, ladling hot broth over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Jjajang Noodle Soup
This hearty and flavorful Korean noodle soup is a staple comfort food dish that combines the richness of black bean sauce with springy noodles, tender vegetables, and savory meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jajang (black bean) paste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound pork or beef, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup noodles (such as kalguksu or ramyeon)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add sliced meat; cook until browned.
3. Pour in jajang paste and stir well. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken broth, water, and noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until noodles are cooked through.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Glass Noodle Soup with Seafood
This refreshing and flavorful soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, featuring glass noodles, succulent seafood, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 package glass noodles (350g)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook glass noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add seafood; cook until pink and cooked through (2-3 minutes).
4. Pour in fish stock, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cooked glass noodles and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Duck Noodle Soup
A comforting and flavorful Vietnamese classic, this duck noodle soup is a staple of the country’s cuisine. Rich in broth and packed with tender noodles, vegetables, and savory duck, this dish is sure to warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound duck bones (or substitute with chicken or beef)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups duck broth (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the duck bones, broth, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, cinnamon, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Strain the soup broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the soup. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Japanese Miso Ramen
This hearty and comforting bowl of ramen noodles is infused with the rich flavors of Japan. With a perfect balance of savory miso broth, springy noodles, and tender pork, this recipe is sure to warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 2 cups of chicken or pork broth
– 2 tablespoons of white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sake (optional)
– 1/4 cup of sliced pork loin or shoulder, cooked and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, combine broth, miso paste, soy sauce, and sake (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add sliced pork and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Strain the broth and discard any solids.
5. Divide cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle hot broth over the noodles and garnish with green onions.
6. Serve immediately, drizzled with sesame oil.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetarian Mushroom Noodle Soup
Cozy up with this comforting and flavorful vegetarian soup, packed with sautéed mushrooms, vegetables, and tender noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup noodles (such as eggless or rice-based)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these 20 comforting noodle soup recipes perfect for cold nights. From spicy Thai coconut noodle soup to classic Vietnamese pho, and Japanese ramen with soft-boiled egg, there’s something for everyone. Explore a range of international flavors, including Chinese beef noodle soup, Korean kimchi noodle soup, and Malaysian laksa noodle soup. Or, opt for a comforting classic like chicken noodle soup with homemade broth or vegetarian mushroom noodle soup. Whatever your taste, these recipes will warm your belly and your heart.
