Delight in the simplicity and nourishment of Chinese Cucumber Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light meal or as a soothing starter. This easy-to-make recipe features tender slices of cucumber infused with the aromatic notes of ginger and garlic, all simmered to perfection in a savory chicken or vegetable broth. A splash of sesame oil and light soy sauce enhances the umami flavors, while scallions and optional cilantro add a fresh, vibrant finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome soup is both refreshing and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or a detox-friendly dish. Pair it with steamed rice or enjoy it on its own for a taste of healthy Chinese home cooking.
Wash and peel the cucumbers, leaving some of the skin on if you'd like a bit of texture. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds with a spoon, and slice them into thin half-moons.
In a medium pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the sliced cucumbers to the pot, reduce the heat to low-medium, and let simmer for 10 minutes until the cucumbers are tender but still slightly crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Remove the soup from heat and garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro, if using.
Serve hot as a light and soothing soup, accompanied by steamed rice or on its own.
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.1 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5567 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g | ||
| Protein | 13.6 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 209 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 1578 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.