The soup with All my favourite things
The soup with ALL my favourite things is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Marion's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $8.50 total, $4.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (store‑bought, low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks Spring Onion (green parts only, sliced with kitchen scissors)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Miso Paste (white or red miso, room temperature)
- 200 grams Dried Udon Noodles (break into manageable pieces before cooking)
- 8 pieces Frozen Pork Dumplings (store‑bought, thawed briefly under running water if stuck together)
- 2 cups Chinese Choy Sum (roughly chopped, stems included)
- 2 pieces Hard‑Boiled Egg (peeled, halved)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
Infuse the broth
In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, sliced ginger, sliced spring onion, and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the aromatics infuse.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Prepare boiling water for noodles and dumplings
Fill a medium saucepan with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. This water will be used for the udon noodles, dumplings, and greens.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Temper the miso
When the broth is just below a boil, ladle about ½ cup of the hot broth into a small bowl. Whisk in the miso paste until smooth, then stir the tempered miso back into the pot.
Time: PT2M
Finish the broth
Turn off the heat. The broth is now ready to receive the cooked components.
Time: PT1M
Cook the udon noodles
Add the dried udon noodles to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions (usually 3–4 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: high heat
Cook the frozen dumplings
Drop the frozen pork dumplings into the same boiling water. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until they float and are heated through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Blanch the greens
Add the chopped Chinese choy sum to the boiling water for 1–2 minutes, just until bright green and tender. Remove with tongs and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high heat
Assemble the bowls
Divide the cooked udon noodles between two serving bowls. Top each with dumplings, blanched greens, and a halved hard‑boiled egg. Ladle the hot miso‑ginger broth over everything and drizzle with chili oil.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains wheat, Contains pork, Contains egg
Allergens: Soy, Wheat, Egg, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable Stock
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Spring Onion: Regular onion (½ cup, diced)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Miso Paste: Soybean paste
- Instead of Dried Udon Noodles: Ramen noodles, Spaghetti
- Instead of Frozen Pork Dumplings: Chicken dumplings, Vegetable dumplings
- Instead of Chinese Choy Sum: Bok choy, Broccoli florets
- Instead of Hard‑Boiled Egg: Soft‑boiled egg
- Instead of Chili Oil: Sriracha, Red pepper flakes with oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Medium Saucepan
- Ladle
- Whisk
- Kitchen Scissors
- Colander or Strainer
- Tongs (optional)
- Serving Bowls
- Soup Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Tempering miso in warm broth to avoid curdling
- Cooking noodles, dumplings, and greens separately in boiling water to keep the broth clear
- Ensuring dumplings are fully cooked before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use kitchen scissors for quick ginger and spring‑onion prep
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra depth if you like
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for texture
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy
Cook noodles al dente and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking; add them to the bowl just before ladling broth.
Dumplings are undercooked
Make sure the water is at a rolling boil and cook dumplings for the full 5–6 minutes; they should float and be firm to the touch.
Miso lumps in broth
Always temper miso with a small amount of warm broth and whisk vigorously before adding back to the pot.
Broth too salty
Dilute with a little water or unsalted stock and adjust seasoning with soy sauce sparingly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Broth can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Cooked dumplings freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Assembled soup should be eaten immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the miso‑ginger broth a day ahead and store refrigerated
- Pre‑cook the udon noodles, rinse with cold water, and reheat in broth when serving
- Keep dumplings frozen until ready to cook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of miso ginger dumpling udon soup in Japanese cuisine?
Miso‑based soups have been a staple in Japanese households for centuries, providing nourishment and probiotics. Adding ginger offers a warming quality often used in colder seasons, while udon noodles and dumplings (gyoza) reflect the influence of Chinese cuisine that has been integrated into modern Japanese comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of miso ginger udon soup in Japan?
In the Kansai region, lighter white miso and a clear dashi broth are common, whereas Kanto cooks may prefer richer red miso and a heartier stock. Some areas add shiitake mushrooms or sliced pork belly, but the core concept of miso‑flavored broth with noodles remains consistent.
How is miso ginger dumpling udon soup traditionally served in Japanese households?
It is usually served in individual lacquer bowls, topped with a soft‑boiled egg, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil or sesame oil. The soup is eaten hot, often alongside a small side of pickled vegetables (tsukemono).
What occasions or celebrations is miso ginger dumpling udon soup associated with in Japanese culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, this comforting bowl is popular during the colder months, after a long day of work, or as a restorative dish during illness because of its warming ginger and probiotic miso.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with miso ginger dumpling udon soup?
It pairs nicely with simple side dishes such as agedashi tofu, cucumber sunomono salad, or a small serving of pickled daikon. A light green tea or a glass of cold barley tea also complements the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making miso ginger dumpling udon soup at home?
Common errors include boiling the miso, which destroys its probiotics and creates lumps, overcooking the udon noodles so they become gummy, and adding dumplings to water that isn’t at a rolling boil, which can leave them undercooked.
Why does this recipe temper miso instead of adding it directly to the boiling broth?
Tempering gently warms the miso, allowing it to dissolve smoothly without curdling and preserves the beneficial live cultures that give miso its distinctive umami and health benefits.
Can I make miso ginger dumpling udon soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked noodles and dumplings should be stored separately and reheated in the broth just before serving to maintain texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the miso ginger broth is ready?
The broth should be clear to slightly cloudy from the miso, with a fragrant ginger aroma. It should not be frothy or boiling vigorously; a gentle simmer indicates the flavors are well‑infused.
How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked in miso ginger dumpling udon soup?
Fully cooked dumplings will float to the surface and feel firm when lifted with a slotted spoon. Cutting one open should reveal hot, steaming filling with no pink raw pork.
What does the YouTube channel Marion's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Marion's Kitchen focuses on quick, wholesome home‑cooked meals that balance flavor with nutrition, often featuring pantry staples, simple techniques, and comforting soups and noodle dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Marion's Kitchen's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Marion's Kitchen emphasizes speed and accessibility, using store‑bought stocks and frozen dumplings while still preserving authentic flavors like miso and ginger, whereas many traditional Japanese channels prioritize from‑scratch dashi and homemade noodles.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








