Chinese onion soup, also known as cong you bing, is a popular Chinese soup made with onions, chicken broth, and other ingredients. It has a delicious savory and sweet flavor that comes from slowly caramelizing the onions. While recipes can vary, Chinese onion soup is typically made with some key ingredients.
Onions
The star of the show in Chinese onion soup is obviously onions! You’ll need at least a pound or two of yellow, white or red onions to make a pot of soup. The onions are sliced and then slowly caramelized in oil over low heat for 30-60 minutes until they are browned and jammy. This long cooking time develops the rich, sweet flavor.
Soup Stock
Chinese onion soup gets its savory broth base from chicken stock. You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth. Some cooks also like to add Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the broth for added flavor. Beef broth is sometimes used too.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce brings saltiness and umami flavor to the soup. Chinese dark soy sauce is commonly used. Oyster sauce is also a popular ingredient to add some extra richness.
Sugar
A bit of sugar balances out the salty soy sauce and enhances the sweetness of the caramelized onions. White granulated sugar is most often used.
Star Anise
Whole star anise adds a licorice-like aroma to Chinese onion soup. You just need 1 or 2 stars for a whole pot.
Cinnamon Stick
Like star anise, a cinnamon stick adds warmth and spice flavor. 1 stick is sufficient for most recipes.
Garlic
Minced or crushed garlic provides aromatic flavor to the broth. A few cloves does the trick.
Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a little zing to the soup. It is typically minced or sliced before being cooked in oil.
Scallions
Scallions are usually used as a garnish on top of the finished soup. They add fresh onion flavor and green color.
Vinegar
Rice vinegar or black Chinese vinegar are often swirled into the soup when serving. This adds a bright acidic tang.
Cooking Oil
A neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola or peanut oil is used to cook the aromatics and onions. Sesame oil may also be used for added flavor.
Noodles or Bread
For a heartier soup, Chinese wheat noodles, rice noodles, or small bread cubes may be added to the broth.
Key Steps to Making Chinese Onion Soup
Now that we’ve looked at the key ingredients, let’s go through the basic steps of putting it all together:
- Slice the onions and mince the garlic, ginger, and other aromatics.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the aromatics and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and browned, 30-60 minutes.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon.
- Simmer the soup uncovered for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add vinegar right before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with scallions, croutons or noodles.
Be sure to cook the onions slowly to get them jammy and caramelized – this builds the most flavor. The longer you can simmer the soup, the better it will taste.
Variations
There are many variations on basic Chinese onion soup using different ingredients:
- Mushrooms – Dried shiitake, oyster or fresh button mushrooms enhance the umami.
- Tofu – Soft silken or fried cubed tofu can be added for protein.
- Eggs – Beaten eggs may be drizzled into the simmering soup to make egg flower soup.
- Bok choy – Baby bok choy adds crunch and color.
- Chinese broccoli – For extra veggies, chopped Chinese broccoli can be cooked in the soup.
- Beef – Thinly sliced beef may be cooked quickly in the soup for a heartier version.
- Napa cabbage – Shredded napa cabbage contributes texture and mild flavor.
- Wontons – For wonton soup, add pork or vegetable filled wontons.
- Chilies – Dried red chilies or chili oil can add spice and heat.
The possibilities are endless! Adapt the soup to your tastes by picking your favorite add-ins.
Health Benefits
Chinese onion soup packs some healthy ingredients. Here are some of the wellness perks:
- Onions contain vitamin C, fiber, folate and quercetin, an antioxidant.
- Garlic and ginger have immunity boosting compounds.
- Chicken broth provides hydration and electrolytes.
- Using veggie broth instead makes it vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
- Adding extra veggies like bok choy increases the nutritional value.
Overall, Chinese onion soup makes a tasty comfort food that also provides nutrients.
Chinese Onion Soup vs French Onion Soup
Chinese onion soup is often compared to the famous French onion soup. Here’s how they differ:
| Chinese Onion Soup | French Onion Soup |
|---|---|
| Caramelized onions cooked a long time | Caramelized onions cooked a long time |
| Chicken or veggie broth base | Beef broth base |
| Often finished with rice vinegar | Finished with dry sherry or brandy |
| Garnished with scallions | Topped with toasted bread and cheese |
| Spiced with garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon | Herb flavored, like thyme |
| Sometimes served with wontons or noodles | Served with a bread slice floated on top |
While both soups contain slowly caramelized onions, the broth bases and flavor profiles differ. Chinese onion soup has distinctive Chinese spices and aromatics, while French onion soup uses wine and cheese as flavorings. Both are delicious wintertime soups!
Where to Enjoy Chinese Onion Soup
There are many great restaurants to enjoy authentic Chinese onion soup. Here are some top picks across North America:
Vancouver, Canada
- Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle
- Dinesty Chinese Restaurant
- Peaceful Restaurant
Toronto, Canada
- Souperman Soup Co.
- Noodles 88
- Sky Dragon Restaurant
New York City
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Joe’s Shanghai
- Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Los Angeles
- Lunasia Dim Sum House
- Yang Chow Restaurant
- Din Tai Fung
San Francisco
- Dumpling Kitchen
- Spices
- Koi Palace
From casual noodle shops to upscale dim sum houses, these restaurants are known for exceptional Chinese onion soup. The soup makes a satisfying starter or a comforting meal in itself.
Tips for Making Chinese Onion Soup at Home
You can absolutely make restaurant-quality Chinese onion soup at home with a little patience. Here are some tips:
- Cook the onions low and slow – Don’t rush the caramelization process. 30-60 minutes over medium low heat is ideal.
- Use a combination of onion types – Mixing yellow, white and red onions adds depth.
- Add aromatics at the end – Garlic, ginger and scallions burn easily so add them toward the end.
- Use homemade stock – For the best flavor, make your own chicken or vegetable broth.
- Simmer uncovered – Don’t use a lid so the soup reduces and concentrates.
- Season carefully – Soy sauce and saltiness can overpower other flavors.
- Garnish with scallions – Bright green scallions look beautiful and taste fresh.
With high quality ingredients and careful technique, you can enjoy restaurant-caliber Chinese onion soup at home. Experiment with different add-ins until you create your favorite version.
Quick Chinese Onion Soup Recipe
Want to get started making Chinese onion soup yourself? Here is an easy recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound yellow onions, sliced
- 1 pinch white sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Steps
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes more.
- Pour in the broth and add the soy sauce, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick. Stir in the scallions and vinegar just before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
This easy homemade version highlights the sweet caramelized onions and aromatic broth that make Chinese onion soup so good. Adjust the ingredients to your taste and enjoy.
Conclusion
Chinese onion soup is the ultimate comfort food – hot and satisfying with the sweetness of caramelized onions and depth of chicken stock. Sliced onions slowly cooked to jammy perfection build huge flavor. Classic aromatics like garlic, ginger and soy sauce add complexity. Simple but nourishing, Chinese onion soup warms you up on cold days. With the right ingredients and technique, you can make restaurant-quality soup at home. From Vancouver dim sum houses to NYC Chinatown joints, Chinese onion soup is a tasty dish to enjoy anytime.