Prepare to transform your kitchen into a haven of comforting aromas! This asian bone broth soup recipe delivers a rich, deeply nourishing experience right into your bowl. Packed with incredible flavor and gut-healing properties, it’s a wholesome meal that tastes amazing. We’ll guide you step-by-step to create a truly restorative and delicious soup, perfect for any day.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Bone Broth Soup Recipe
This incredible asian bone broth soup offers so much more than just a meal. You will fall in love with its comforting nature and robust flavors.
- Flavorful & Aromatic: Each spoonful bursts with savory depth, thanks to a careful blend of bones and fragrant Asian spices.
- Nutrient-Packed: Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, it supports gut health, skin, and joints. The benefits of collagen for overall wellness, including joint and skin health, are widely recognized.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the noodles, vegetables, and protein to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Deeply Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this soup to soothe your soul on a chilly evening or when you need a pick-me-up.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch of broth, then assemble individual portions throughout the week for quick, healthy meals.
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect asian bone broth soup starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to build a flavorful foundation and satisfying additions.
- 2 kg beef bones (marrow and/or knuckles)
- 1 large carrot, roughly chopped (for broth)
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered (for broth)
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 15 g fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Fish sauce, to taste
- 300 g pho noodles (or any Asian noodles)
- 200 g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced (for soup)
- Fresh spinach, to taste
- Green onions/scallions, sliced (for garnish)
- Water, for simmering
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right bones is key for a collagen-rich broth; marrow and knuckle bones are ideal. For a different aromatic profile, try adding galangal or lemongrass to the broth. If pho noodles aren’t available, rice vermicelli, ramen, or even egg noodles work wonderfully. Boost your soup with protein by adding thinly sliced chicken, pork, or even soft-boiled eggs during assembly. Feel free to swap spinach for bok choy, or add other vegetables like corn or bean sprouts.
Equipment
You don’t need many specialized tools to make this incredible asian bone broth soup. Here are the basics that will help you prepare and enjoy your culinary creation.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 8-quart capacity)
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Serving bowls
- Small pot for cooking noodles
Instructions
Making a truly nourishing asian bone broth soup takes time, but the steps are straightforward and rewarding. Follow these instructions for a perfect broth and a delightful meal.
Prepare the Bones
Start by searing the beef bones. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil. Add the bones and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. This crucial step develops a deep, rich flavor that will elevate your broth. Remove the bones from the pot temporarily.
Build the Broth Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the roughly chopped carrot, onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and whole black peppercorns to the pot. Sauté for about a minute, allowing the aromatics to become fragrant. Return the seared bones to the pot. Pour in the chili oil, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Stir everything gently to combine the flavors.
Long Simmer
Cover all ingredients completely with water, ensuring the bones are submerged by at least an inch or two. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to very low. Cover the pot and let the broth simmer for a minimum of 24 hours, up to 72 hours. Check the water level periodically and add more hot water if it gets too low, always keeping the bones covered.
Strain the Broth
Once your simmering time is complete, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully discard the bones and large aromatics. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or a sieve lined with cheesecloth into another clean pot or heatproof container. This step ensures a clear, pure broth, free from any sediment.
Prepare Soup Toppings
While the broth is simmering, you can prepare your toppings. Soak the pho noodles in cold water for 60 minutes to soften them; this makes them quicker to cook later. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the sliced shiitake mushrooms and thinly sliced carrots with a light spray of oil and a pinch of salt. Roast them for about 15 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Alternatively, sauté them in a wok until tender.
Cook Noodles
Just before serving, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Drain the soaked pho noodles and add them to the boiling water. Cook for only 1 minute, as they are already softened and cook very quickly. Drain them thoroughly.
Assemble the Soup
Warm your serving bowls. You can do this by filling them with the boiling water used for the noodles, then emptying them, or by placing them in the oven for a few minutes after roasting vegetables. Place a portion of the cooked noodles into each warm bowl. Arrange the roasted carrots and shiitake mushrooms over the noodles.
Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot asian bone broth soup over the noodles and toppings. Garnish generously with fresh spinach and sliced green onions (scallions). For those who enjoy extra heat, offer additional chili oil, or hot peppers on the side. Provide soy sauce or fish sauce at the table for guests to adjust the saltiness to their personal preference. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving a crystal-clear broth requires a slow, gentle simmer and avoiding a rolling boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first few hours of simmering. To enhance flavor depth, roast your bones before simmering, and don’t rush the simmering time; longer is better. Adjust seasoning perfectly by tasting the broth periodically; a pinch of salt or a splash of fish sauce can make a huge difference. If your broth turns cloudy, it usually means it simmered too vigorously; next time, keep the heat very low. For freezing broth, allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This asian bone broth soup is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to best enjoy, store, and customize it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your heartwarming soup with a side of fresh cilantro or basil for an added aromatic touch. A wedge of lime squeezed over the top brightens the flavors beautifully. Offer extra chili oil, sriracha, or a side of soy sauce for those who prefer more heat or salt. For a complete meal, pair it with a light, crisp cucumber salad.
Storage Instructions
Properly stored, your homemade broth can last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For extended use, freeze the cooled broth in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 6 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm on the stovetop. If preparing for meal prep, store the cooked noodles, vegetables, and broth separately and combine just before serving.
Flavor Variations
Explore different flavor profiles for your asian bone broth soup. For a spicy Sichuan-style broth, add dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns during the simmering stage. Introduce different proteins such as thinly sliced beef, shredded chicken, poached eggs, or firm tofu. Experiment with other vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or bamboo shoots. Don’t be afraid to try other spices like cardamom pods or white pepper for unique aromatic twists.
Nutrition Information
(Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, broth only. Excludes additional toppings/sauces.)
Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This asian bone broth soup is celebrated for its significant health benefits. Research suggests bone broth’s components may fortify the intestinal barrier integrity in health and disease. It’s an excellent source of collagen, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and a healthy gut lining. It also provides essential amino acids and minerals, contributing to overall wellness and a robust immune system.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 |
| Protein | 10-15g |
| Fat | 5-8g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-8g |
| Sodium | 300-400mg |
| Collagen | High |
| Amino Acids | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is perfect for the long, low simmer required for a rich asian bone broth soup. Simply combine all broth ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 24-48 hours.
What bones are best for bone broth?
Marrow bones, knuckle bones, and oxtail are ideal for making bone broth. They release plenty of collagen, gelatin, and minerals, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and nutrient-dense broth.
How long does homemade bone broth last?
Homemade bone broth lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months in airtight containers, making it perfect for convenient future meals.
Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time. You can achieve a gelatinous broth in 3-4 hours on high pressure. Follow your pressure cooker’s specific instructions for bone broth.
Why is my bone broth cloudy?
Cloudy bone broth usually means it simmered too vigorously, or you didn’t skim off impurities early on. To prevent this, always maintain a very low, gentle simmer and skim off any foam that appears in the first few hours.
Conclusion
Creating your own heartwarming asian bone broth soup is a rewarding culinary journey. This deeply nourishing and incredibly flavorful dish offers comfort and vital nutrients in every spoonful. From its gut-healing properties to its versatility in customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit often. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delicious benefits for yourself. Don’t forget to share your creations and comments below!
Heartwarming Asian Bone Broth Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot. Sear bones until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add carrot, onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and peppercorns to pot. Sauté until fragrant.
- Return bones to pot. Add chili oil, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Stir gently.
- Cover with water. Bring to simmer, then lower heat. Simmer gently for 24–72 hours.
- Strain broth through fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard solids.
- Toss sliced mushrooms and carrots with oil and salt. Roast at 180°C (350°F) for 15 mins or sauté until tender.
- Soak pho noodles in cold water for 60 mins. Then boil for 1 minute and drain.
- Warm serving bowls. Place noodles and roasted veggies into each bowl.
- Ladle hot broth over contents. Garnish with spinach and green onions. Add chili oil or fish sauce to taste.
Notes
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
