
Bok choy and mushroom soup is a light, savory broth-based soup that is a staple in Chinese home cooking, prized for its simplicity and comforting flavors. It primarily features tender bok choy greens and stems simmered with various mushrooms, such as shiitake or button mushrooms, in a clear broth often seasoned with ginger, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce or sesame oil.
This soup is low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, making it a light yet nutrient-dense option. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants from the bok choy and mushrooms, with a typical serving containing roughly 50-80 calories.
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 3500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Vitamin K | 45 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this soup embodies the Chinese culinary principle of 'qing dan' (清淡), meaning light and clean, which is believed to promote balance and wellness. Nutritionally, the combination of bok choy and mushrooms creates a synergy where the vitamin C in the greens enhances the absorption of iron and other minerals from the mushrooms.