Tofu Soup Recipe
Fried tofu with vegetable in clear broth green onion
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Ingredients
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Soup base
Fried tofu
Vegetables & aromatics
Finishing & garnish
Method
Fried tofu
- 1
Press and cut tofu
Drain the block of extra-firm tofu and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel with a weight (a heavy skillet or books) for 15–20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles.
- 2
Coat tofu
Toss the tofu pieces gently with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl so each piece gets a light, even coating. Shake off excess cornstarch.
- 3
Pan-fry tofu
Heat 3 tablespoons neutral oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and fry without moving for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Total frying time about 8–10 minutes. Transfer fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Soup base
- 4
Prepare aromatics
Peel and thinly slice the 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. Smash and roughly chop the 2 garlic cloves. Trim green onions and slice white and light-green parts thinly; reserve dark-green tops for garnish.
- 5
Simmer broth
In a medium pot, combine 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Add sliced ginger, chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice wine, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon white pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let simmer, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Vegetables & finishing
- 6
- 7
Assemble soup
Reduce heat to low. Gently add the fried tofu pieces to the pot to warm through for 1–2 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed.
- 8
Finish and garnish
Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Ladle soup into bowls, making sure each bowl gets tofu and vegetables. Sprinkle reserved dark-green parts of the sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro (if using). Add a small drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of chili flakes to each bowl if desired.