Brothy soups are a timeless favorite for their light yet flavorful nature, making them perfect for any occasion—from a quick weekday lunch to a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather.
Unlike creamy soups, brothy soups focus on clear, aromatic liquids that highlight fresh ingredients and delicate seasonings.
Whether you love traditional classics like chicken noodle or crave international favorites such as Vietnamese pho or hot and sour soup, brothy soups offer versatility, nourishment, and comfort.
In this article, you’ll discover over 25 brothy soup recipes that range from hearty and filling to light and refreshing, providing delicious ideas to suit every palate and season.
25+ Delicious Brothy Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
Exploring this collection of 25+ brothy soup recipes opens up a world of healthy, comforting meals that are simple to prepare yet full of flavor.
Brothy soups are ideal for those who want to enjoy a nourishing dish without heaviness, using fresh ingredients and clear stocks to create delicious results.
Whether you prefer a warming bowl of beef and barley, a tangy tom yum, or a delicate miso soup, these recipes prove that brothy soups can be both satisfying and versatile.
Give them a try and bring wholesome comfort to your table anytime.
Chicken Pho
Chicken pho is a fragrant Vietnamese broth-based soup that combines delicate chicken flavors with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Known for its clear, savory broth and tender chicken slices, this soup offers a light yet deeply satisfying meal perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Onion
- Ginger
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Cinnamon stick
- Fish sauce
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
Instructions:
Char the onion and ginger under the broiler until slightly blackened to add depth to the broth. Simmer chicken with the charred onion, ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon in water for about an hour. Remove the chicken to shred once cooked. Strain the broth, then season with fish sauce and adjust to taste. Cook rice noodles separately and assemble bowls with noodles, shredded chicken, and fresh herbs. Ladle hot broth over the ingredients and serve with lime wedges and bean sprouts.
Chicken pho is a comforting, aromatic soup that balances a clear, flavorful broth with fresh herbs and tender chicken. Its lightness and complexity make it ideal for soothing the soul while offering a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese broth soup characterized by its umami-rich miso paste base and simple yet flavorful ingredients. It is often served as a starter or light meal and is prized for its comforting warmth and health benefits.
Ingredients:
- Dashi stock (or vegetable broth)
- Miso paste
- Tofu cubes
- Wakame seaweed
- Green onions
Instructions:
Heat dashi stock gently without boiling, then dissolve miso paste into the broth using a small strainer or whisk. Add cubed tofu and soaked wakame seaweed, heating just until warmed through. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Miso soup is a delicate and nourishing broth that highlights the savory depth of miso paste paired with tender tofu and seaweed. Its simplicity and balanced flavors make it a perfect light starter or restorative dish.
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a brothy, flavorful soup that features tender meatballs, leafy greens, and small pasta in a clear chicken broth. This hearty yet light soup is comforting and perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef and pork (for meatballs)
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Spinach or escarole
- Acini di pepe or small pasta
Instructions:
Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and garlic to form small meatballs. Brown the meatballs lightly in a pan. Bring chicken broth to a simmer and add meatballs along with pasta and greens. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Italian wedding soup offers a perfect balance of savory meatballs, fresh greens, and tender pasta in a clear, flavorful broth. Its comforting warmth and variety of textures make it a beloved classic in brothy soups.
Beef Pho
Beef pho is a traditional Vietnamese broth soup featuring a clear, aromatic beef broth infused with spices like star anise and cinnamon. Thinly sliced beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs complete this comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
- Beef bones
- Onion
- Ginger
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Cinnamon stick
- Fish sauce
- Rice noodles
- Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
- Lime wedges
- Bean sprouts
Instructions:
Roast onion and ginger until charred, then simmer beef bones with spices, onion, and ginger for several hours to create a rich broth. Strain and season with fish sauce. Prepare rice noodles separately. Assemble bowls with noodles, thinly sliced raw beef, and fresh herbs. Pour hot broth over the beef to cook it gently. Serve with lime and bean sprouts.
Beef pho offers a deep, flavorful broth paired with tender beef and fresh herbs, delivering a satisfying yet light meal. The balance of spices and freshness makes it an ideal dish for both nourishment and comfort.
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese broth soup known for its tangy, spicy flavors balanced by savory ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Its bold and complex taste makes it a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Tofu
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
- Chili paste or fresh chili
- Egg
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
Bring broth to a simmer and add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, white pepper, and chili paste for heat and tang. Slowly drizzle beaten egg into the simmering soup to create silky ribbons. Thicken slightly with cornstarch slurry if desired. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Hot and sour soup delivers a lively combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors in a clear, comforting broth. Its vibrant profile makes it a delicious way to awaken the appetite.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup is a simple, wholesome broth soup combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables in a clear, savory broth. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that’s nourishing and gentle on the stomach.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (bone-in for flavor)
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Cooked rice
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Simmer chicken with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until cooked and flavorful. Remove chicken to shred the meat. Strain the broth if desired. Return shredded chicken and cooked rice to the pot and heat through. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
This chicken and rice soup offers a soothing, light broth packed with gentle flavors and comforting textures. It’s a classic remedy for cold days or when you need a nourishing, easy meal.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic brothy soup renowned for its deep caramelized onion flavor and rich, savory broth topped with melted cheese and crusty bread. This soup delivers comfort and elegance in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- Yellow onions
- Butter
- Beef broth
- Dry white wine or sherry
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Baguette slices
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
Slowly caramelize thinly sliced onions in butter until golden and sweet. Deglaze the pan with white wine or sherry, then add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer to develop rich flavors. Season to taste. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and cover with grated cheese. Broil until the cheese bubbles and browns.
French onion soup combines a deeply flavorful broth with sweet caramelized onions and gooey cheese, creating a satisfying and indulgent dish. It’s a perfect starter or cozy meal that warms the soul.
Vietnamese Canh Chua
Canh chua is a tangy Vietnamese sour soup known for its light, brothy base infused with tamarind and fresh herbs. It features fish or shrimp along with vegetables, creating a refreshing and balanced dish.
Ingredients:
- Fish or shrimp
- Tamarind paste or fresh tamarind
- Pineapple chunks
- Tomato
- Okra
- Bean sprouts
- Fish sauce
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil)
- Chili (optional)
Instructions:
Simmer fish or shrimp in water with tamarind paste, garlic, and fish sauce to create a sour, flavorful broth. Add pineapple, tomato, okra, and bean sprouts, cooking until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning and spice level with chili if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Canh chua offers a vibrant, sour, and slightly sweet broth with fresh ingredients, making it a refreshing and light soup. It’s a wonderful choice for those seeking a bright, brothy soup with bold flavors.
Clear Vegetable Soup
Clear vegetable soup is a simple, nutritious broth soup featuring a medley of fresh vegetables simmered until tender in a light, flavorful broth. It’s an ideal choice for a light meal or a healthy starter.
Ingredients:
- Carrot
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic briefly, then add vegetable broth and diced vegetables. Simmer until vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
This clear vegetable soup is light, nourishing, and packed with fresh vegetable flavors. Its simplicity and warmth make it a perfect everyday soup that supports health and wellness.
Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese broth-based soup known for its silky ribbons of egg swirled into a delicate, flavorful broth. It’s quick to prepare and offers a comforting, light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil with grated ginger. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the broth to thicken slightly. Beat eggs and slowly pour them into the hot broth while stirring gently to create thin egg ribbons. Season with soy sauce, white pepper, and a dash of sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Egg drop soup delivers a smooth, warming broth with delicate egg strands, balanced by savory notes from soy and ginger. It’s a simple yet elegant soup that satisfies with minimal ingredients and effort.
Vietnamese Bun Rieu
Bun Rieu is a vibrant Vietnamese tomato-based broth soup featuring crab paste, tomatoes, tofu, and rice noodles. Its tangy, slightly sweet, and savory flavors create a refreshing and brothy dish loved for its complexity and freshness.
Ingredients:
- Crab paste or crab meat
- Tomatoes
- Tofu
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Fish sauce
- Tamarind paste
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs (perilla, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts
Instructions:
Sauté garlic and shallots, then add crab paste and tomatoes to create a flavorful base. Add water or broth, tamarind paste, and fish sauce to build the tangy broth. Simmer and add tofu cubes before serving. Cook rice noodles separately. Assemble bowls with noodles, broth, and garnish with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.
Bun Rieu offers a bright, tangy, and savory broth that perfectly balances the sweetness of crab and acidity of tomatoes. Its refreshing qualities and complex flavors make it a standout brothy soup.
Hot Pot Broth
Hot pot broth is a versatile, clear, and flavorful base used in communal Asian dining, where diners cook various meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles at the table. The broth can range from mild to spicy and is designed to enhance the flavors of the ingredients cooked within it.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Soy sauce
- Star anise
- Chili (optional)
- Mushrooms
Instructions:
Simmer broth with ginger, garlic, scallions, star anise, and mushrooms to infuse rich flavors. Add soy sauce to taste. For spicy versions, include fresh or dried chilies. Serve hot in a communal pot with raw ingredients for cooking at the table.
Hot pot broth is a warm, aromatic, and adaptable soup base that fosters social dining and interactive meals. Its clear, fragrant qualities make it a perfect canvas for a variety of fresh ingredients and flavor preferences.
Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is a hearty brothy soup featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with barley and vegetables in a rich, savory broth. This soup offers a satisfying, nourishing meal perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Pearl barley
- Bay leaf
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Brown the beef in a pot, then sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened. Add beef broth, barley, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer gently until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Beef and barley soup is a comforting classic that combines the richness of beef with the nutty texture of barley in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a wholesome, warming meal that satisfies body and soul.
Korean Seaweed Soup
Korean seaweed soup (Miyeok-guk) is a light, brothy soup traditionally eaten for health and vitality. It features tender seaweed cooked in a savory beef or anchovy broth, often enjoyed as a daily comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Dried seaweed (wakame)
- Beef or anchovy broth
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Instructions:
Soak dried seaweed until softened and drain. Sauté garlic in sesame oil, add seaweed and broth, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Season with soy sauce and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
This soup is nourishing and light, with a clean, umami-rich broth balanced by the unique texture of seaweed. It’s a traditional favorite that comforts and supports well-being.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a classic brothy soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a clear, savory broth. It’s a beloved comfort food known for its soothing qualities and wholesome flavor.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (bone-in)
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Simmer chicken with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to create a flavorful broth. Remove chicken to shred, strain broth if desired. Add noodles and cook until tender. Return shredded chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Chicken noodle soup offers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Its simple, clear broth combined with tender chicken and noodles makes it a timeless remedy and meal that comforts all ages.
Vietnamese Canh Ga
Canh Ga is a Vietnamese chicken broth soup known for its light, clear, and fragrant qualities. It features tender chicken pieces simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables, offering a soothing and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fish sauce
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Pepper
- Water
Instructions:
Simmer chicken with onion and garlic in water until tender and flavorful. Season the broth with fish sauce and pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Canh Ga is a simple yet deeply satisfying broth soup that balances delicate chicken flavors with fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a light, nourishing meal that comforts without heaviness.
Turkish Lentil Soup
Turkish lentil soup (Mercimek Çorbası) is a smooth, mildly spiced broth soup featuring red lentils, vegetables, and warming spices. It’s a staple in Turkish cuisine, prized for its comforting texture and rich, earthy flavor.
Ingredients:
- Red lentils
- Onion
- Carrot
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Vegetable broth
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion and carrot in olive oil, add tomato paste, and cook briefly. Stir in lentils, broth, and spices. Simmer until lentils are soft, then blend until smooth. Add lemon juice and season to taste.
This soup offers a velvety texture with a bright citrus finish, making it a wholesome and inviting brothy option that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Clear Chicken Soup with Vegetables
Clear chicken soup with vegetables is a classic, light broth soup that features tender chicken and a mix of fresh vegetables simmered to create a flavorful and nourishing broth.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces
- Carrot
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Simmer chicken with onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until tender. Remove chicken to shred. Strain the broth, add back shredded chicken and vegetables, and simmer until vegetables are cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
This clear chicken soup offers a comforting and healthy option with a clean, savory broth and fresh vegetable flavors—ideal for restorative meals or light nourishment.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum soup is a famous Thai brothy soup known for its bold, spicy, and sour flavors. It features fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, combined with shrimp or chicken in a clear, tangy broth.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp or chicken
- Lemongrass
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Galangal
- Thai bird’s eye chili
- Mushrooms
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
Instructions:
Simmer lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili in water or broth to infuse flavor. Add shrimp or chicken and mushrooms, cooking until tender. Season with fish sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tom Yum soup offers a lively balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes in a clear, aromatic broth. It’s a refreshing and invigorating choice that excites the palate and warms the body.
Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek brothy soup that combines chicken broth with eggs and lemon juice to create a silky, tangy, and comforting soup. It often includes rice or orzo for added texture.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Eggs
- Lemon juice
- Cooked rice or orzo
- Cooked chicken (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Simmer chicken broth and cooked rice or orzo. In a bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice. Slowly temper the egg mixture by adding hot broth while whisking continuously. Pour tempered eggs back into the pot and heat gently until the soup thickens slightly. Add cooked chicken if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
Avgolemono soup delivers a creamy, tangy broth with a comforting texture, making it a soothing and elegant dish ideal for cooler days or when you need a nourishing meal.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian brothy soup filled with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. It’s a versatile and wholesome meal packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Canned tomatoes
- Cannellini beans
- Vegetable broth
- Small pasta or rice
- Basil and oregano
Instructions:
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add tomatoes, broth, beans, and herbs, then simmer. Add pasta or rice and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Minestrone soup is a satisfying, nutrient-rich broth soup that combines fresh vegetables and hearty ingredients in a comforting tomato broth. It’s perfect for a filling, wholesome meal any time of year.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon chicken orzo soup is a bright and brothy soup combining tender chicken, small pasta (orzo), and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing yet comforting meal. The clear broth is flavorful and light, perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Chicken broth
- Orzo pasta
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Simmer chicken with chopped onion, carrot, and celery until cooked through. Remove chicken to shred. Add orzo to the broth and cook until tender. Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
This soup offers a lovely balance of savory chicken broth with bright citrus notes and tender pasta, making it both nourishing and refreshing for a light yet satisfying meal.
Turkish Tomato Soup
Turkish tomato soup is a smooth, brothy soup that features ripe tomatoes blended with spices and herbs for a simple but flavorful dish. It’s often enjoyed as a light starter or comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or canned tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Vegetable broth
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes and vegetable broth, then simmer to combine flavors. Blend the soup until smooth, then season with red pepper flakes, paprika, and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
This soup delivers a vibrant and slightly spicy tomato flavor in a light broth, making it a delightful and easy-to-make option for a brothy vegetable soup.
Chinese Wonton Soup
Chinese wonton soup is a clear, flavorful broth soup featuring delicate dumplings filled with seasoned meat or shrimp. The light broth complements the tender wontons, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- Ground pork or shrimp (for filling)
- Wonton wrappers
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
Prepare wonton filling by mixing ground pork or shrimp with minced ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Wrap filling in wonton wrappers. Bring chicken broth to a simmer, add wontons, and cook until they float and are cooked through. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions.
Wonton soup combines a delicate, savory broth with flavorful dumplings, offering a comforting and elegant soup experience perfect for any day.
Conclusion
Brothy soups are more than just light starters—they’re hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that come alive in their clear, aromatic broths. This list of over 25 recipes highlights the diversity of brothy soups from different cuisines and ingredients, encouraging you to experiment and find your favorites. From classic chicken noodle to exotic Vietnamese pho or spicy hot and sour soup, brothy soups are a delicious way to stay nourished and cozy. Embrace these recipes to expand your soup repertoire and enjoy the simple pleasure of a great bowl of broth.
