Slow Cooker Asian Turkey & Vegetable Soup
This Slow Cooker Asian Turkey & Vegetable Soup is a wholesome and heartwarming dish that's perfect for chilly nights. Packed with tender turkey breast, a medley of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy, and flavored with aromatic ginger and garlic, this soup is both nourishing and delicious. The addition of instant brown rice makes it a filling meal, while the optional lo-mein noodles add a delightful twist. Simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work, creating a warm, comforting soup that you can share with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
reduced-sodium chicken broth
28 ounces (canned)
turkey breast tenderloin
1 pound (cut into 1-inch pieces)
fresh mushrooms
2 cups (sliced (shiitake or button))
water
1.5 cups (n/a)
carrots
1 cup (cut into bite-size strips)
onion
0.5 cup (chopped (1 medium))
reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons (n/a)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
bok choy
1.5 cups (sliced)
instant brown rice
1 cup (n/a)
lo-mein noodles
to taste (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1
In a 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine the reduced-sodium chicken broth, turkey breast pieces, sliced mushrooms, water, bite-sized carrots, chopped onion, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2
Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on the low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or the high-heat setting for 3.5 to 4 hours.
3
Once the cooking time is complete and the turkey is thoroughly cooked, if using the low-heat setting, switch to the high-heat setting. Stir in the sliced bok choy and uncooked instant brown rice, then cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4
Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with a handful of lo-mein noodles for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What size slow cooker do I need for this recipe?
You should use a 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker to ensure the ingredients cook evenly.
What type of turkey is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends using one pound of turkey breast tenderloin cut into 1-inch pieces.
How long does it take to cook on the low-heat setting?
It takes between 7 to 8 hours on the low-heat setting.
How long does it take to cook on the high-heat setting?
It takes between 3.5 to 4 hours on the high-heat setting.
When should I add the bok choy?
Add the sliced bok choy at the very end of the cooking process, along with the instant brown rice.
Do I need to cook the instant brown rice before adding it?
No, you add the uncooked instant brown rice directly into the slow cooker for the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.
Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant?
This recipe specifically calls for instant brown rice because it cooks quickly at the end; regular brown rice would require much longer cooking time.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You can use fresh sliced mushrooms, specifically recommending shiitake or button varieties.
Are lo-mein noodles required?
No, lo-mein noodles are an optional topping added for extra texture and flavor.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be cut into bite-size strips before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While the recipe calls for reduced-sodium chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth as a substitute.
How do I prepare the ginger?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger that has been grated.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nourishing, and wholesome dish packed with vegetables and lean turkey.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to combine the broth, turkey, mushrooms, water, carrots, onion, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the slow cooker and stir well.
Do I need to brown the turkey before putting it in the crockpot?
No, the instructions indicate to place the raw turkey breast pieces directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
How much water is added to the soup?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of water in addition to the chicken broth.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
The recipe specifies fresh mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy for the best texture and flavor.
What if the rice is not tender after 15 minutes?
Cover and continue cooking on high for a few more minutes until the rice reaches your desired tenderness.
Is there a specific type of soy sauce to use?
The recipe suggests using reduced-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use about half a cup of chopped onion, which is roughly equivalent to one medium onion.
Can I add the rice at the beginning?
No, the rice should be added at the end so it doesn't become overcooked and mushy during the long slow-cooking process.
What should I do if I'm cooking on low when it's time to add the rice?
The instructions say to switch the slow cooker to the high-heat setting before stirring in the rice and bok choy.
Can I use turkey thighs instead of breast?
Yes, you can substitute turkey thighs, though it may slightly change the fat content and texture of the soup.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe as written is aromatic due to ginger and garlic but not inherently spicy; you could add red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
While designed for a slow cooker, you could adapt it for the stove by simmering the ingredients until the turkey and vegetables are tender.
How do I serve the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally topped with lo-mein noodles.
Does this recipe contain many allergens?
It contains soy (soy sauce) and potentially wheat (if using lo-mein noodles). Use tamari and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
What is the texture of the soup?
It is a heartwarming, liquid-based soup with chunks of tender turkey, soft rice, and crisp-tender vegetables.
How much bok choy is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sliced bok choy.