Zesty Lemon Noodle Soup
Soft-Boiled Egg

A bright and refreshing noodle soup featuring a clear umami broth, citrusy lemon highlights, and a jammy soft-boiled egg for a perfect summer lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 serving thin white wheat noodles
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 soft-boiled egg
• 2 slices ham or cooked meat
• 1 tsp white seasoning powder or bouillon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp pickled vegetables (zha cai)
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 12 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 stalks green onions
• 20 g white radish, julienned
• to taste chili oil

Instructions

1. 1Add the base seasoning

   

   Begin by adding a small spoonful of white seasoning powder into a clean white ceramic bowl. This forms the foundational savory base for your lemon noodle soup broth.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of seasoning powder based on your salt preference, as the soy sauce added later will also contribute saltiness.
2. 2Incorporate fresh garlic

   

   Add several slices of freshly minced or sliced raw garlic into the bowl. The garlic will infuse the hot broth with a sharp, aromatic depth as soon as the water is added.

   Tip: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can lightly crush the slices before adding them to release more natural oils.
3. 3Add pickled vegetables

   

   Use a knife to slide a portion of chopped pickled vegetables, such as zha cai, into the bowl. These add a unique crunch and a fermented tang that balances the richness of the soup.

   Tip: If your pickled vegetables are very salty, give them a quick rinse before chopping to control the final sodium level of the soup.
4. 4Toss in green onions

   

   Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped green onions into the seasoning mixture. The green onions provide a bright color contrast and a mild, oniony freshness to the bowl.

   Tip: Use both the white and green parts of the onion for a better balance of texture and sharp flavor.
5. 5Season with soy sauce

   

   Pour a splash of dark soy sauce into the bowl. This adds a rich, umami depth and gives the final broth a beautiful amber color.

   Tip: Dark soy sauce is thicker and less salty than light soy sauce; use it primarily for color and a mellow savory note.
6. 6Finish with sesame oil

   

   Add a few drops of toasted sesame oil to the aromatics. This final liquid addition provides a nutty aroma that will bloom once the hot water hits the bowl.

   Tip: Sesame oil is very potent; a few drops are usually enough to scent the entire bowl without overpowering the other flavors.
7. 7Boil the noodles

   

   Bring a pan of water to a boil and add the thin white noodles. Use a spatula or chopsticks to stir them gently, ensuring they cook evenly and dont stick together. Cook until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

   Tip: Keep a close eye on the noodles as thin varieties cook very quickly and can become mushy if left too long.
8. 8Prepare the soup base

   

   While the noodles are finishing, take a ladle of the hot cooking water and pour it into your bowl containing the seasonings, garlic, and oil. Stir well to dissolve the ingredients and create a flavorful, steaming broth.

   Tip: Using the starchy noodle water adds a slight silkiness to the broth compared to using plain boiling water.
9. 9Combine noodles and broth

   

   Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, use chopsticks to lift them out of the boiling water, letting the excess moisture drain for a second. Place the noodles directly into the prepared bowl of hot soup base.

   Tip: Transfer the noodles immediately to the soup to prevent them from sticking together or overcooking in their own residual heat.
10. 10Garnish with green onions

    

    Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped green onions over the center of the noodles. This adds a pop of bright color and a mild, fresh onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the sesame oil.

    Tip: Save some of the green onions to use as a final topping after the noodles and other garnishes are added for maximum freshness.
11. 11Add fresh lemon slices

    

    Place three thin slices of fresh yellow lemon onto the side of the noodle bowl. These slices provide a bright, citrusy aroma and a refreshing tang that balances the savory depth of the broth as they steep.

    Tip: Use seedless lemon slices or remove the seeds beforehand to ensure a smooth eating experience.
12. 12Garnish with soft-boiled egg

    

    Add two halves of a perfectly soft-boiled egg to the bowl. The creamy, jammy orange yolks add a rich texture and extra protein, making the soup more nutritious and visually appealing.

    Tip: To get that perfect jammy yolk, boil your eggs for exactly 6 to 7 minutes and plunge them immediately into an ice bath.
13. 13Finish with chili oil

    

    For the final touch, place a small spoonful of red chili oil paste directly on top of the shredded vegetables. This adds a layer of heat and a beautiful pop of red color to the refreshing soup.

    Tip: If you prefer a milder soup, you can serve the chili oil on the side so guests can adjust the spice level themselves.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions