A warm, comforting, veggie-packed soup with an Asian kick — upgraded with lean protein to make it satisfying, filling, and perfect for weight-loss or high-protein goals. This broth-based soup keeps calories low while giving you the nutrients and protein you need to stay full longer.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–5 bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients List
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Broth + Seasoning
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to spice level)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
High-Protein Add-Ons (choose one or combine)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
or - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken, cooked
or - 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
or - 1 ½ cups cooked edamame
Instructions
-
Sauté the aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant. -
Add harder vegetables
Add carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Cook for another 3–4 minutes. -
Add cabbage + seasonings
Stir in cabbage, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, salt, and pepper. -
Pour in broth
Add the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. -
Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender. -
Add protein
- Stir in shredded chicken, cooked turkey, tofu, or edamame.
- Simmer 5 more minutes so flavors blend.
-
Finish + Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or lime and fresh cilantro.
Additional Notes
- This recipe is naturally low-calorie but very filling.
- Protein makes it perfect for meal prep — flavors get even better the next day.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
- Gluten-Free (use gluten-free soy sauce)
- Dairy-Free
- Low-Fat & Weight-Loss Friendly
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Add mushrooms for a deeper umami taste.
- Add zucchini instead of celery to reduce carbs.
- For extra spice: add chili flakes or sliced jalapeño.
- For a ramen-style bowl: add cooked high-protein noodles (like protein pasta or tofu noodles).
Ingredient Substitutions
- Soy sauce → coconut aminos
- Chicken broth → vegetable broth
- Chicken/turkey → tofu or edamame for a vegetarian protein source
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- High-Protein Asian Chicken Stew: add ½ cup quinoa.
- Creamy Version: stir in ½ cup blended cottage cheese at the end (adds protein and creaminess).
- Soup & Salad Combo: pair with a high-protein cabbage slaw.
