Comfort in a Bowl: Miso Soup with Baby Bok Choy

Written by Sarah Gardner

There’s something about a warm bowl of miso soup that feels like an instant hug—comforting, light, and deeply nourishing. This version features tender baby bok choy, giving the classic Japanese soup a gentle crunch and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the savory miso broth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough to be part of your regular rotation of healthy sides. Whether you're exploring asian soup recipes or just looking for a simple way to use up leftover asian vegetables, this miso soup delivers balanced flavor with minimal fuss.

Miso Soup with Baby Bok Choy

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or soup pot You’ll want enough room to simmer everything without crowding.
  • Fine mesh strainer Handy for dissolving miso paste without clumps.
  • Ladle and soup bowls For serving up that cozy goodness.

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or dashi for traditional flavor
  • 2 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 baby bok choy also called pak choi, halved lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup firm tofu cubed
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1 stalk celery thinly sliced – adds a nice crunch and ties into other celery recipes
  • Toasted sesame seeds or chili oil for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Sauté aromatics

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Build your broth

  1. Add the vegetable broth and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add mushrooms and tofu

  1. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

Miso magic

  1. Scoop a bit of hot broth into a small bowl. Stir in the miso paste until smooth, then return it to the pot. Don’t boil once miso is added—keep it just under a simmer to preserve its nutrients and delicate flavor.

Toss in bok choy and celery

  1. Let them soften slightly—about 2-3 minutes. You want the bok choy to be bright green and just tender.

Garnish and serve

  1. Ladle into bowls, top with green onions, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or a dash of chili oil if you like a little heat.

Perfect Pairings

This miso soup is a cozy starter or a light main when paired with steamed jasmine rice and grilled teriyaki salmon. You can also serve it with veggie side dishes like roasted eggplant or sautéed snap peas. It makes an ideal addition to asian cabbage recipes or any spread of asian veggie sides. For a more filling meal, consider adding soba noodles or dumplings on the side.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of bok choy?

Absolutely. Regular bok choy or even Shanghai bok choy works well. Just chop into smaller pieces for even cooking. This recipe also fits perfectly among boo choy recipes or pakchoi recipe collections.

2. Is baby bok choy the same as pak choi?

Yes! They’re essentially the same veggie—one just happens to be more tender and delicate. Whether you call it pak choi, bok choy, or choy, it’s a staple in many asian vegetable recipes and chinese cooking.

3. Can I swap out tofu?

You can skip it or replace it with cooked chicken or shrimp. It’s flexible and still keeps the soup in the realm of healthy sides and balanced meals.

4. What else can I add?

You can bulk it up with rice noodles, carrots, or even spinach. If you're into exploring japanese vegetable recipes or chinese recipes, this is a great base to play around with different asian vegetables.

5. How long does it keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently without boiling to keep the miso flavor intact.

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