8 Must-Try Cozy Comfort Food Recipes for a Warm Winter

Winter is here, and it’s the perfect time to indulge in some heartwarming, cozy comfort food recipes. 

I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite 8 quick and easy cold weather comfort food recipes that are not only a delight to your taste buds but also a warm hug to your soul. From the fiery zest of Tom Yum Soup to the gentle, soothing embrace of Homemade Chicken Congee, each dish is a celebration of flavors and warmth.

Here’s a fun fact for you – ingredients like ginger in our Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup or the chili in Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae) aren’t just flavor powerhouses; they’re also known to naturally warm your body. They’re perfect for those nippy winter evenings!

So, let’s get the stove (or the Instant Pot) going! 

In the midst of Vancouver’s ever-changing weather, where rain often taps gently against the windows, a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup brings warmth and vibrancy to my dinner table. This Taiwanese classic, a fond memory from my family buffet visits, is a lively blend of sharp tang and resonant spice, perfect for the city’s cool, misty days.

The soup’s rich, peppery heat and the distinct sour kick from the vinegar enliven each spoonful, providing a comforting contrast to the soft patter of rain outside. And, if you’re in the mood for something even more substantial, a handful of noodles can turn the soup into a heartier, more fulfilling meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this Hot and Sour Soup is your quick ticket to warmth and flavor, a delightful antidote to winter’s chill. .

Hot and Sour Soup Ingredients

• 6 Shiitake Mushroom (sliced) 
• 1/2 Carrot (cut into thin pieces) 
• 1 pack of Tofu (cut into thin strips) 
• 1/2 cup of Sliced Bamboo Shoots 
• 2 Eggs (beaten) 
• 5 cups of Vegetable Stock 
• 2 tbsp of Corn Starch mixed w/ 4 cold water

Sauce: 

Hot and Sour Soup

This Hot and Sour Soup brings the warmth of Taiwanese flavors to your table, offering a spicy, tangy remedy for cold, rainy days.

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Let me spill the beans on my cold-weather secret: the Instant Pot Asian Chicken Noodle Soup. It started as a twist on the classic Hainanese Chicken and Rice when I realized I’d forgotten the rice. But hey, who knew noodles could steal the show?

Imagine tender chicken, hearty noodles, and the bold zing of Ginger-Scallion Oil, all melding together in a symphony of flavors. The real charm? Those warming spices that weave through the broth, creating a cozy haven in every bowl. And the best part – it’s effortlessly whipped up in the Instant Pot, making it a fuss-free favorite for any winter night. It’s my go-to comfort in a bowl, ready to warm you up from the inside out!

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients 

• 2.5 lb of Organic Free-Range Chicken 
• 4 Slices of Ginger 
• 6 Stalks of Green Onion
• 2 tbsp of Salt  
• 6-8 cups of Water (not passing the chicken breast) 
• 3 tbsp of Ginger grated 
• 4 cloves of Garlic grated 
• ¼ cup of Sesame Oil 
• Noodles

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

Effortlessly warm and nutritious Instant Pot Asian Chicken Noodle Soup, a fusion of ginger’s heat and tender chicken for frosty evenings.

Check out this recipe

Gyeran Jjim, or Korean Steamed Eggs, is traditionally enjoyed as a comforting dish throughout the year in Korea, but I find it particularly appealing during the colder months when the body craves a warm, nutritious boost.

In my own kitchen, the magic happens in the Ttukbaegi, the traditional Korean clay pot that’s become a cherished part of my cooking rituals. This humble pot, easily found in local markets or online, is the secret to those perfectly steamed, fluffy eggs that warm you up from the inside.

This steamed egg is so versatile for any meal! Pair this Korean Steamed Egg with a bowl of rice, and it’s my perfect breakfast to kickstart a chilly day. On frosty evenings, when I’m craving something soulful, this dish is a heartwarming reminder of the simple joys of winter Korean cooking. 

Korean Steamed Egg Ingredients

Korean Steamed Eggs – Gyeran Jjim

Delicate, fluffy warmth of Korean Steamed Eggs, a comforting dish in Ttukbaegi, ideal for starting chilly mornings with a cozy touch.

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Every winter, like clockwork, I find myself battling the seasonal sniffles, and that’s when my Homemade Chicken Congee becomes a staple—it’s my healing comfort in a bowl. This soothing concoction of tender chicken and velvety rice, simmered to perfection, is my secret comfort food weapon against the cold days.

Crafted from leftover rotisserie chicken and tons of veggies, it ensures nothing goes to waste while providing that rich, familiar flavor we all crave. The chicken melds with the creamy, gently simmered rice, creating a soothing meal that’s both warming and cost-friendly. While it simmers, the chicken congee fills my home with its inviting, savory scent, making my kitchen feel like a warm, welcoming haven. It’s my favorite way to beat the cold, not just for the body, but for the soul too!

Chicken Congee Ingredients 

• 2 cups of Cooked Rice, day-old chilled 
• 1 Rotisserie Chicken, separate the bone from the meat. 
• 1 Zucchini, chopped 
• ½ Carrot, chopped 
• 10 shiitake mushroom, chopped 
• 3 king oyster mushrooms, chopped 
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled 
• 3 slices ginger 
• 6 cups of chicken stock or vegetable stock
• 2 cups of napa cabbage, sliced 
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 0.5 tbsp dashi powder, optional

Homemade Chicken Congee

Homemade Chicken Congee, a hearty blend of chicken, vegetables, and rice, simmering to perfection on cold winter nights.

Check out this recipe

In the middle of winter, when the chill seems unending, my kitchen becomes a throwback to my Thailand vacation with the vibrant, zesty flavors of Shrimp Tom Yum Soup. It’s all about the balance: fresh shrimp sizzling in the pot, bringing that beautiful umami punch, paired with the bright notes of lemongrass, earthy galangal, and sharp kaffir lime leaves. The sour, spicy, and savory notes in each bite offers a delightful contrast to the winter cold, making it the perfect reminder of sunny days and exotic flavors during the chillier months.

And here’s a little insider tip from my kitchen to yours: always go for fresh shrimp, it’s the game-changer. Plus, a bit of patience with your lime – add it at the end, and you’ll keep the soup from turning bitter. Oh, and don’t forget to give those herbs a good bruise; it really wakes up their flavors.

Tom Yum Soup Ingredients 

Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup, a Thai delight that brings a tropical warmth to your winter table, turning chilly days into a spicy retreat.

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Welcome the chilly season with my Creamy Sweet Corn Soup, a cherished recipe inspired by Taiwan’s steakhouses and perfected in my kitchen. This rich, creamy, and savory soup is the winter comfort food you’ve been dreaming of. Pair this with my spicy Korean Garlic Bread, and it’s the PERFECT weeknight dinner. This creamy sweet corn soup recipe is a hit with everyone, even the pickiest little eaters.

Crafting this corn soup involves a simple yet ingenious technique: blending corn and onion for a smooth, flavorful base without an overpowering creaminess. It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish, easily adaptable for all my plant-based foodies. Serve it up as a heartwarming meal or as an appetizer to complement your winter feasts!

Corn Soup Ingredients

• ½ diced Onion
• 5 tbsp of Butter 
• 1 can of Creamed Style Corn 
• 2 cups of Chicken Stock (salted)  or Vegetable Stock
• 1 can of Sweet Corn 
• 3 tbsp of Flour 
• 2.5 cups of Cream or Milk 
• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Creamy Corn Soup

Velvety smooth Creamy Sweet Corn Soup, a Taiwanese Steakhouse-inspired soup that pairs the sweetness of corn with a creamy texture.

Check out this recipe

As the weather turns crisp, my craving for a hearty, flavorful broth leads me straight to my Instant Pot for a batch of Pho, the quintessential Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. This dish is a symphony of spices and herbs, each component contributing to a broth that’s deeply aromatic and rich in flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly quick to make, transforming what used to be an all-day affair into a convenient, yet authentic culinary experience.

In each steaming bowl, tender slices of beef intermingle with delicate rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a splash of lime, creating a balance of flavors that’s both invigorating and comforting. Perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth and zest in your life, this Instant Pot Beef Pho never fails to gather everyone around the table.

Beef Pho Ingredients

This recipe makes about 6 bowls.

Topping: 

• Thin Slices of Beef 
• Beef Meat Balls 

Garnish: 

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup – Instant Pot Pho

Aromatic and invigorating Instant Pot Pho, a Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup classic that infuses beef, herbs, and spices into a quick, comforting bowl.

Check out this recipe

When the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew, known as Sundubu Jjigae. I’ve watched too may K-drama characters slurp down this spicy stew to not make this recipe. It doesn’t matter how cold it is outside with my spicy soft tofu stew recipe, because by the time you’re done, you’ll be almost sweating from the heat and the spiciness. It’s so satisfying!

This hearty stew is a staple in my winter kitchen, packed with silky soft tofu, an assortment of earthy mushrooms, and tender morsels of meat or seafood. The Ttukbaegi, the traditional Korean clay pot would be perfect for holding that robust, fiery, umami-filled broth seasoned with Korean chili flakes and a dash of soy sauce. Each ingredient plays its part, from the soft tofu that absorbs the flavors like a sponge, to the vibrant heat of the chili flakes that cuts through the richness.

Korean Soft Tofu Stew Ingredients 

• 1 pack of Soft/Silken Tofu (12 oz) 
• ¼ Onion (chopped) 
• 1.5 – 2  tbsp of Korean Red Chili Flakes (adjust to your spice tolerance) 
• 1.5 tbsp of Soy Sauce 
• 3 cloves of Garlic (minced) 
• 3 stalks of Green Onion (chopped and separated with white and green) 
• 2.5 oz of Pork Belly or Beef (sliced and optional) 
• 2 cups of Anochvy or Dashi stock (vegetarian, chicken, or beef stock also works) 
• 4 Fresh Shiitake Mushroom (sliced) 
• One pack of Enoki Mushrooms 
• 1 Egg 

Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew – Sundubu Jigae

Fiery warm Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew, a robust and hearty stew of tofu that battles the winter chill with its spicy, umami-rich broth.

Check out this recipe

Looking for more cozy cold weather comfort foods? I’ve got exactly what you need: