This flavorful recipe for Chinese Mushroom Noodle Soup is a quick and easy soup with an Asian twist that’ll win over family and friends!
I love dishes that take less than a half-hour to cook, so Chinese noodle soup dishes fit the bill. I adore noodle soups but I am never satisfied with the ones with bloated noodles that you get with Chinese takeout. The vegetables are waterlogged and the broth is always flat and tasteless. I’d much rather make it myself.
So I came up with this recipe and I couldn’t be happier with the results. If you’re a fan of Chinese Noodle dishes, you will enjoy this soup, and if you love homemade Chinese food in general, why not try my Perfect Chinese Noodles (Lo Mein) or Chicken with Chinese Mushrooms.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cooking the noodles in the stock adds a deep flavor that can’t be beat.
- Using dried as well as fresh mushrooms gives a richer umami taste and add texture to the soup.
- The soy sauce and oyster sauce give it an authentic flavor profile.
Ingredient Notes
- Dried Mushrooms – You can find Chinese dried mushrooms in specialty stores, but you can use any dried mushrooms you find at the grocery store.
- Fresh Mushrooms – I use cremini mushrooms, but baby bella (aka chestnut mushrooms), or white mushrooms work just as well.
- Stock – I use homemade stock for the best flavor profile, but you can use store-bought if that’s what you prefer.
- Noodles – I’ve made this recipe using anything from ramen, dried egg noodles, rice noodles, or fresh noodles. Use whatever you like best.
- Dark Soy Sauce – good quality dark soy sauce should be used for color and a little flavor it should not have salt in it. Be sure to check the bottle and omit it if it contains salt.
- Soy Sauce – I use low sodium soy sauce, but you can use whatever you like best. If you use regular soy sauce, add a tablespoon at a time and taste in between to season to your taste.
- Oyster Sauce – a lot of people are scared off by oyster sauce. I think it adds a really nice umami flavor. If it’s not your thing you can substitute it with fish sauce (although it’s salty so be careful) or Hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Extras – I’ve added bok choy (aka pak choi), choy sum, green onions, chili peppers, snow peas, water chestnuts, and broccoli to this soup. You can add what you like or make it just as the recipe states.
How to Soak Dried Mushrooms
Put the mushrooms in a heatproof bowl pour 2-3 cups of boiling water over them use just use enough water to completely submerge them. Soak the mushrooms until plumped and softened (20-30 minutes).
Once ready, transfer the mushrooms to a cutting board with a slotted spoon and remove and discard any tough stems. The liquid that’s leftover can be used as mushroom stock (just be sure to discard any grit that may be at the bottom of the bowl).
How to Make Chinese Mushroom Noodle Soup
- Soak the dried mushrooms.
- Chop the fresh mushrooms.
- Heat the chicken stock.
- Add the green onions, vegetables, and sauces to the pan with the noodles. Return to the boil.
- Simmer until noodles are just cooked.
- Serve and enjoy!
Step by Step Instructions
Soak the dried mushrooms as instructed above.
Chop the fresh mushrooms
Heat the stock and add the vegetables and sauces.
Add noodles and return to a boil, then simmer until noodles are cooked.
Serve and enjoy!
Erren’s Top Tips
- Make this a vegetarian option by omitting the oyster sauce.
- To make ahead, make the soup without the noodles and then cook the noodles in the soup before serving.
Better than Takeout Dishes You’ll Love
FAQs
Chinese noodle soup is traditionally called “mami”
Yes, you can put raw noodles in soup. However, be careful not to leave them in too long or they will become slimy and gelatinous.
You can store your noodle soup in suitable containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, however, it is best to keep the noodles separate as they will soak up the broth.
Did you make this?
Stay Updated
Receive new recipes & dinner ideas straight to your inbox!
Let’s Make Chinese Mushroom Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dried morel, porcini or Chinese mushrooms
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 green onions finely sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon low sodium Dark Soy Sauce
- 4 ounces Chinese noodles of your choice quick cook – no longer than 5 minutes
Instructions
- Soak the mushrooms in 2-3 cups of hot water for 20-30 minutes (until plump), then remove the mushrooms from the water with a slotted spoon and reserve 1 cup of the liquid.
- Slice the fresh mushrooms and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add the green onions, soy sauces, oyster sauce, mushrooms, mushroom liquid, and the noodles. Return to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and cook according to noodle package instructions (just until tender).
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
This recipe was originally published in 2014 but was republished with new photos and information in 2021.
Caroline Cynova says
I’m so glad I came across this quick and easy recipe tonight! So filling and wholesome! Someone had just given me some vegetables – sliced mushrooms, fresh broccoli, and red bell pepper, as well as a mirepoix mix. Didn’t have oyster sauce so I just added a dash of fish sauce along with gluten-free soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar. And I had a package of Thai rice noodles in the pantry. I was able to throw it together so fast! Delicious! Satisfying! And so nourishing as well! My husband craves Asian food, and he will be thrilled to find a soup thermos full of this wonderful soup to take to work with him in the morning.
Erren Hart says
Thank you for sharing your experience with this recipe! It’s great to hear that you were able to use the vegetables you had on hand and make substitutions based on what you had available. That’s the beauty of cooking at home – being creative and resourceful while making a delicious and nourishing meal. Keep up the great cooking!
Steph says
Hi Erren,
I love to make my own homemade stock. I’ve tried several recipes and a couple have been really good. Would you mind posting your recipe for homemade stock? I’m sure it’s delicious!
Erren Hart says
That’s so funny you mention it Steph, I’m working on a post right now! It will be up soon!