Vegetable Tofu Soup
A warm and comforting Indo-Chinese soup packed with colorful vegetables and soft tofu. It's savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly spiced, making it an ideal light meal or starter. This restaurant-style soup is incredibly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients
- b.Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into ½-inch cubes.
- c.Finely chop the carrot and capsicum. Finely shred the cabbage. Mince the ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
- d.Separate and chop the white and green parts of the spring onions.
- e.In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until a smooth, lump-free slurry is formed. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the minced ginger, garlic, green chilies, and the white parts of the spring onions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped carrots and capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- e.Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another minute.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Simmer the Soup
- b.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, red chili sauce, salt, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.
- d.Gently add the cubed tofu to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 4-5 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Garnish
- b.Give the cornstarch slurry a final stir to ensure it's well-mixed.
- c.While gently stirring the soup in one direction, slowly pour in the slurry.
- d.Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes until the soup has visibly thickened to your desired consistency.
- e.Turn off the heat and stir in the reserved green parts of the spring onions.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use firm or extra-firm tofu that holds its shape well during cooking.
- 2To prevent lumps, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot soup.
- 3Don't overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender-crisp to provide a nice textural contrast.
- 4Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving. You might want more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for tang, or chili sauce for heat.
- 5For a deeper flavor, you can lightly pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown before adding them to the soup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add cooked shredded chicken, shrimp, or a whisked egg (stirred in slowly to create ribbons) during the last few minutes of simmering for extra protein.
Noodle SoupNoodle Soup
Turn it into a more substantial meal by adding pre-cooked noodles like ramen, udon, or rice vermicelli to the bowls before ladling the hot soup over them.
Spicy & SourSpicy & Sour
For a more pronounced 'hot and sour' flavor, increase the amount of rice vinegar and red chili sauce or add a dash of sriracha and a swirl of chili oil before serving.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, or bok choy along with the carrots and capsicum.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Plant-Powered Protein
Tofu provides a complete source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins & Antioxidants
Loaded with a variety of vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and cabbage, this soup delivers a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, and powerful antioxidants that help combat cellular damage.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
With a broth base, this soup is an excellent way to stay hydrated. It's also low in calories, making it a satisfying yet light meal for those managing their weight.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's quite healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein from tofu, fiber from vegetables, and is relatively low in calories and fat. Using a low-sodium vegetable broth and soy sauce can further enhance its health benefits.