Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup is a light and comforting dish perfect for any season. With tender napa cabbage and a flavorful broth, it’s a simple soup that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 3 large leaves napa cabbage (sliced into 2-inch pieces, about 0.5 lb/250 g)
• 1 medium carrot (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat about a tablespoon of neutral oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced napa cabbage, carrot, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
3. Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if needed. Serve the soup warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, try adding tofu cubes or cooked shredded chicken before simmering.
• Use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock for a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid boiling again to keep the vegetables tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute napa cabbage with other varieties like green cabbage or savoy cabbage, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Is shaoxing wine necessary for this recipe?

Shaoxing wine adds authenticity and depth to the soup, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry or simply omit it.

Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This comforting Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup is a light, flavorful broth-based dish featuring tender napa cabbage, carrots, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a hint of sesame oil, it’s a perfect easy-to-make soup ideal for a healthy meal or starter.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large leaves napa cabbage, sliced into 2-inch pieces (about 0.5 lb / 250 g)
• 1 medium carrot, sliced

Liquids & Sauces

• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare garlic: Heat about a tablespoon of neutral oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown to keep a delicate flavor.
2. Add vegetables and broth: Add the sliced napa cabbage and carrot to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and have softened beautifully.
4. Finish and season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce if desired to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a starter for a multi-course meal.

Notes

• Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or a mild rice wine if unavailable.
• For a non-vegetarian version, substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock.
• Adjust soy sauce according to your desired saltiness.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.
• This soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup, Chinese soup, napa cabbage soup, vegetarian soup, easy Chinese recipe, healthy soup