If you are searching for a comforting and revitalizing dish that warms you from the inside out, you have got to try this Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe. It’s a brilliant blend of pungent garlic, zesty ginger, nourishing tofu, and silky noodles swimming in a flavorful broth that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need an immunity boost. This soup is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re battling cold symptoms or just craving something hearty and healthful, this recipe brings both comfort and flavor straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe plays a vital role. Whether it’s the sharp zing of fresh ginger or the smooth texture of tofu, each component enhances the taste, texture, or color, making the soup truly special. Simple pantry staples come together here to create something spectacularly nourishing.
- Canola or vegetable oil (½ tablespoon): Helps sauté the vegetables gently, enhancing flavor without overpowering the soup.
- Diced onion (½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Thinly sliced carrots (2 ribs): Contributes a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Thinly sliced celery (2 ribs): Delivers mild bitterness and crunch to balance the flavor profile.
- Grated or finely chopped ginger (⅓ cup): The star ingredient for that warming, spicy kick that defines this soup.
- Garlic cloves (8, peeled and halved): Infuses the broth with incredible aroma and immune-boosting properties.
- Water and vegetable bouillon cubes (5 cups + 2½ cubes) or vegetable broth: Forms the comforting and savory base of the soup.
- Lemon juice (4-5 tablespoons): Brightens the taste with fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- Extra-firm tofu (14-ounce block, pressed and cubed): Adds protein and silky texture, making the soup satisfying and hearty.
- Hot sauce (⅓ cup): Brings a lively heat that wakes up all the flavors.
- Rice noodles (8-ounce package): Soft and delicate, they soak up the broth beautifully for a comforting bite.
How to Make Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
Begin by heating your oil or water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Then toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, grated ginger, and halved garlic cloves. Let these cook gently for about 10 minutes until the onions become tender and translucent. This step draws out their natural sweetness and develops the foundation of your soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Add the Broth, Tofu, and Seasonings
Pour in the water along with your vegetable bouillon cubes, or simply add ready-made vegetable broth if you prefer. Stir in the lemon juice, cubed tofu, and hot sauce. The tofu will absorb the vibrant flavors, while the lemon adds a refreshing tang to the savory goodness of the broth.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Finally, add your rice noodles directly into the pot and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, they’ll need just a few minutes to become perfectly tender and infused with all the lovely soup flavors. This final cooking step brings the dish together for a cohesive, soothing meal.
How to Serve Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving with fresh garnishes such as chopped green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro leaves. These add visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some warm crusty bread to soak up the richly flavored broth for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in colorful bowls with a swirl of coconut cream or a drizzle of chili oil on top. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or scatter some crushed peanuts for extra texture and a kick of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze any remaining soup, it’s best to omit the noodles initially. Freeze the soup base separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Rewarm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the broth has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Add noodles at the end if frozen separately to keep them tender and not mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and great for soaking up the broth, you can swap in soba, udon, or even whole-wheat noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, this Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe is naturally vegan when using vegetable broth and tofu. Just double-check your bouillon cubes or broth to ensure they don’t contain animal products.
How spicy is the soup? Can I adjust the heat level?
The soup gets its heat from the hot sauce, so you have full control here. Feel free to reduce or omit the hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor or increase it for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to peel fresh ginger?
Using a spoon to gently scrape off the ginger skin is quick and wastes less of the root compared to peeling with a knife or peeler. It’s a handy trick that makes prep super easy.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by tossing in mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, or any veggies you love. They will add extra nutrients and flavors, making the soup even more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe is such a gem to have in your cooking arsenal. It’s simple yet packed with flavor and nourishing ingredients that make it a perfect go-to for any day you want something warm, comforting, and healthful. I encourage you to make a pot and experience the cozy goodness that only this soup can deliver. Trust me, you’ll want to make it a regular feature on your table!
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Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting garlic ginger soup with tofu and noodles is a nourishing, immune-boosting recipe perfect for cold and flu season. It features a flavorful broth infused with garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables, combined with tender tofu and delicate rice noodles for a warming and hearty meal that feeds both body and mind.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- ½ tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (or 3 tablespoons water)
- ½ cup diced red, white, or yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup grated or finely chopped ginger
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
Broth & Tofu
- 5 cups water and 2 ½ vegetable bouillon cubes or 5 cups vegetable broth
- 4–5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on your sourness preference)
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup hot sauce
Noodles
- 1 (8-ounce) package rice noodles
Instructions
- Heat the Base: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the canola or vegetable oil (or 3 tablespoons water for oil-free version) until hot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, thinly sliced carrots, celery, grated ginger, and halved garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent and flavors meld together.
- Add Broth and Tofu: Pour in 5 cups of water with 2½ vegetable bouillon cubes or use 5 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in the lemon juice, tofu cubes, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add the rice noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, generally about 7-10 minutes, until noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Final Touches: Stir the soup, adjust seasoning if needed by adding more lemon juice or hot sauce, then remove from heat and serve warm, garnished if desired.
Notes
- For an oil-free version: Use ¼ cup vegetable broth instead of oil to sauté vegetables.
- For extra flavor: Lightly broil the ginger and garlic until they are lightly charred before adding to the soup to add depth to the broth.
- To easily peel ginger, use the edge of a spoon to scrape away the skin.
- This garlic ginger noodle soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
