The vibrant blend of flavors in this Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup will warm you up from the inside out. It features soft, juicy vegan dumplings nestled among chewy noodles, all swimming in a rich, aromatic broth that hits every note from tangy to spicy. With ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili oil, this soup delivers bold flavors without being overwhelming. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand swap in your favorite greens or mushrooms, or adjust the spice level to taste. This soup is a must-try for any fan of Asian comfort food with a vegan twist.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp neutral oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
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1 small red chili, sliced (optional for extra heat)
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4 cups vegetable broth
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp chili oil
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
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1 tbsp sugar
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1/2 tsp ground white pepper
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150g dried noodles (ramen, wheat, or rice noodles)
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12–15 vegan dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
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1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
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1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
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1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
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Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and red chili. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper.
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Add mushrooms and tofu. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
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Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the broth to thicken slightly.
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Add chopped napa cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook noodles and dumplings in a separate pot according to package instructions.
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Drain and divide noodles and dumplings among serving bowls.
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Ladle the hot and sour broth over the noodles and dumplings.
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Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
A Deep Dive Into Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup
Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is more than just a warming bowl of comfort it’s a culinary experience steeped in Asian tradition and bursting with flavor. Combining spicy, sour, and umami-rich elements, this soup brings together some of the most beloved components in East and Southeast Asian cooking: dumplings, noodles, and a rich, layered broth.
This dish is not only delicious, but also deeply nourishing and highly customizable, making it a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re craving something satisfying after a long day or need a feel-good recipe for a chilly evening, this soup delivers both flavor and heart.
Origins and Cultural Relevance
Hot and sour soup is a staple in many East Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese. Its hallmark flavors sour vinegar and spicy chili have been cherished for centuries, believed to stimulate appetite and boost circulation. Traditionally, the soup includes mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, thickened with cornstarch and sometimes finished with a drizzle of sesame oil.
The addition of dumplings and noodles transforms this classic into a complete, meal-worthy bowl. Dumplings are a cultural icon in Chinese cuisine, often made for special occasions like Lunar New Year. Noodles, meanwhile, are a symbol of longevity and are present in many celebratory dishes. By marrying these elements into one dish, this soup becomes both a modern adaptation and a nod to its historical roots.
The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Taste
What sets this soup apart is its complexity of flavor. It strikes a balance between the heat of chili oil and fresh red chilies, and the tangy brightness of rice vinegar. Layered over a savory vegetable broth infused with garlic and ginger, the result is a bold and invigorating base.
The dumplings, often filled with a mixture of vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms, bring richness and texture. The noodles provide chewiness and bulk, making the soup incredibly satisfying. Toppings like scallions, cilantro, or even a splash of lime juice can add extra freshness and dimension.
If you’re someone who loves food with a kick and can’t resist a dish with depth, this is your ideal soup.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is its versatility. While the base version is entirely vegan, it’s easy to tweak depending on dietary needs, available ingredients, or flavor preferences.
Protein Alternatives:
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Tofu: Firm tofu holds up well in broth and adds a creamy contrast.
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Tempeh: Adds nuttiness and a hearty bite.
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Seitan or soy curls: Great for those looking for a meatier texture.
Veggie Swaps:
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Use bok choy, spinach, or kale in place of napa cabbage.
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Try oyster or enoki mushrooms instead of shiitake.
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Carrots, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts can also be tossed in for added crunch.
Heat and Acidity Levels:
Adjust the chili oil, red chilies, or vinegar to make the soup milder or more intense. You can also use different types of vinegar like black vinegar for a deeper flavor or white vinegar for a brighter zing.
Dumpling Options:
If you’re in a hurry, store-bought vegan dumplings work great. However, making your own dumplings can be a fun and rewarding process, allowing for endless creativity in fillings.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, especially when packed with tofu, mushrooms, leafy greens, and whole grain noodles. It offers:
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Protein: From tofu and dumplings, which often include legumes or soy.
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Fiber: Thanks to veggies and whole grain or rice noodles.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Leafy greens provide iron and calcium, while mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins.
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Low in Saturated Fats: Being vegan, the soup avoids heavy cream or animal fats.
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Immune Boosting Properties: Garlic, ginger, and chili are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In short, you’re not just eating something delicious you’re doing your body a favor too.
Tips for the Best Bowl Every Time
1. Use Fresh Aromatics
Ginger, garlic, and chili should be fresh and finely chopped to extract maximum flavor. They are the soul of the broth.
2. Don’t Overcook the Dumplings
If using pre-made dumplings, follow the exact cooking time to ensure they stay intact and don’t fall apart in the soup.
3. Thicken with Care
A cornstarch slurry should be mixed thoroughly and added slowly while stirring to avoid clumps and achieve the perfect broth consistency.
4. Cook Noodles Separately
Always cook noodles separately and add them to the bowls before ladling in the broth. This keeps them from getting mushy and soaking up too much soup.
5. Finish with Oils
A final drizzle of chili oil and sesame oil just before serving enhances aroma and adds richness. Don’t skip this step!
Serving Suggestions
This soup is best served hot and fresh from the stove. For a complete meal experience:
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Pair it with a light cucumber salad or edamame.
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Serve it alongside steamed buns or crispy spring rolls.
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Offer extra chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce at the table for custom seasoning.
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For a fun dinner party, serve the soup in individual bowls with a DIY dumpling bar where guests can choose their fillings.
Why This Soup Stands Out
Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is a masterclass in balancing bold flavors with comforting textures. It offers everything one could ask for in a bowl: spiciness, tanginess, umami depth, chewiness from noodles, and softness from dumplings.
It’s also deeply inclusive whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s quick enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough for leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any!).
Conclusion:
Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup isn’t just another recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culture. It brings together ingredients that soothe the body and excite the palate. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh produce, you can transform an ordinary evening into something special.
Its adaptability makes it suitable for various dietary needs, and its bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.