Asian Immune Broth

This Asian Immune-Boosting Soup is one of my go-to remedies whenever I feel a cold or flu coming on. It’s packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that not only taste amazing but also have powerful healing properties. The flavours are inspired by my love of Asian cuisine, which is known for its balance of taste and health benefits. I especially love that it’s so quick and easy to prepare—ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather.

Health Benefits of Immune-Boosting Broth

This immune boosting soup is a powerhouse of immune-boosting ingredients. Garlic, ginger, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to fight off infections and reduce inflammation. The shiitake mushrooms add an earthy flavour while providing beta-glucans, which support the immune system. If you can find fresh shiitake mushrooms, they are preferable, but dried ones work well too—just rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to the broth. The addition of a home made bone broth enhances the nutrient content, offering collagen and amino acids that aid in gut health and overall wellness. One cup of homemade bone broth has about 10 grams protein. 

Customising your immune boosting soup

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customise. You can add other vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or kale to increase the nutrient density. For added protein, throw in some tofu or a poached egg. You can also adjust the seasoning with tamari or soy sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing tang.

Check out the variations below the main recipe for tips on how to adapt it to your specific dietary needs.

Personal experience with this broth

Whenever I make this broth, I feel an almost immediate sense of relief—it’s like a warm, comforting hug from the inside out. It’s my go-to when my family is feeling run down or need a boost, and I truly believe in its ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. My kids have also grown to love it, especially when I add some noodles to make it more like a soup.

Why this broth works

The combination of these powerful, healing ingredients makes this broth a true immune booster. It’s a simple, natural way to support your health, especially during the colder months or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.

Asian Immune Broth

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cook 15 minutes minutes

Total 20 minutes minutes

Serves: 4 small cups

This Asian Immune Broth is a nourishing, warming soup that’s packed with immune-boosting ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and garlic. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just want a cozy, nutrient-rich meal, this broth has got you covered.

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Ingredients

• 750 ml  chicken broth or stock (3 cups) - preferably homemade
• 10 shiitake mushrooms -sliced (use fresh if available to you, otherwise use dried which are available in the Asian section of most supermarkets)
• 1 tsp ginger root -finely grated
• 2 clove/s garlic -peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (or sea salt to taste)
• ½ lime/s -juice

Optional extras

• 2 stick/s lemongrass -no need to extract the heart, just chop it up roughly
• 1 red chilli/s (optional)
• ¼ bunch/s fresh Asian herbs -coriander, Thai basil, mint or Vietnamese mint leaves (added at the end to serve)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric (or 3-4 slices of fresh root added with the ginger)
• 4 stem/s kale -chopped (added at the very end)
• Any veggies you like really can be included in the mix

Method

• In a small saucepan place your stock (if it's frozen gently heat it gently to defrost), shitake mushrooms, ginger root, garlic and lemon grass and turmeric (if using) and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add the fish sauce and lime juice and taste, (you can add more of either or both if you feel it needs more salt or acidity).
• You can strain off the solids, or I personally just pour them into the bowl or cup to serve as they sink to the bottom anyway. We actually enjoy eating them, hunks of ginger and all.
• Add the fresh herbs and chili if you like. Enjoy and feel the benefit!

Store

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Variations

Make it into a meal

Add chicken, more vegetables, noodles or rice to make this into a hearty meal. We love it with red rice noodles and poached eggs for breakfast.

Vegan

Use sea salt instead of fish sauce. Choose a vegetable broth. You can add shredded tofu and vegetables to make a meal of it. 

Seafood-free

Use sea salt instead of fish sauce.

Garlic-free

Simply omit the garlic (there is enough flavour to replace it already).

 

This is delicious, don't you think? Post a comment below with your thoughts.

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Asian

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