Egg Thukpa
A comforting bowl of Tibetan noodle soup, packed with fresh vegetables, savory broth, and topped with perfectly boiled eggs. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a chilly day and comes together in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Eggs and Noodles
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 7-9 minutes for jammy to hard-boiled yolks.
- c.Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, peel the eggs and set aside.
- d.In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- d.Add the julienned carrot, bell pepper, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Broth
- b.Pour the vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
- c.Stir in the soy sauce, red chili paste, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Divide the cooked noodles evenly among four serving bowls.
- c.Ladle the hot vegetable broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a good amount of vegetables.
- d.Slice the peeled eggs in half lengthwise and place two halves in each bowl.
- e.Garnish generously with chopped scallions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use chicken or mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth.
- 2To prevent soggy noodles, cook them separately and add them to the bowls just before serving.
- 3For jammy eggs, boil for exactly 7 minutes. For hard-boiled, boil for 9-10 minutes.
- 4Add a pinch of ground Sichuan peppercorns (Timur) to the broth for a more authentic, tingling flavor.
- 5Feel free to add other vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms. Add leafy greens in the last minute of simmering.
- 6A drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Replace eggs with pan-fried tofu, shredded chicken, or sliced mushrooms for a different protein source.
SpicierSpicier
Add more red chili paste or a dash of chili oil for extra heat. You can also add finely chopped bird's eye chilies with the aromatics.
BrothBroth
Create a more complex broth by adding a star anise and a cinnamon stick while simmering. Remove them before serving.
NoodlesNoodles
Experiment with different types of noodles like ramen, soba, or udon for varied textures.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The eggs provide a complete protein source, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Loaded with a variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, this soup is a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Boosts Immunity
Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and chili are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help support a healthy immune system.
Hydrating and Comforting
The warm, flavorful broth is not only comforting but also helps in keeping the body hydrated, making it an excellent meal for cold weather or when feeling under the weather.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Thukpa contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the type of noodles and amount of oil used. It's a well-balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.