Clear Boiled Tofu Soup
This quick and comforting clear boiled tofu soup features tender tofu strips simmered in a fragrant broth made with lard, ginger, and scallions.
Clear soup is a staple of home cooking, prized for its simplicity and ability to highlight the natural flavors of its ingredients. By briefly sautéeing aromatics in lard before adding boiling water, this recipe creates an instantly flavorful, well-emulsified broth that beautifully complements the delicate texture of fresh tofu.
Ingredients
- 1 block fresh soft tofu
- 1 tbsp lard
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- to taste salt
- 1 handful scallion leaves
Instructions
- 1Sauté the Aromatics
Place lard, ginger, and garlic into the wok and stir-fry until fragrant. Lard is traditionally used for clear soups because it provides a richer, more fragrant flavor than vegetable oil.
Tip: Ensure the lard is melted and hot before adding the ginger and garlic to release their aromas quickly. - 2Pour in Boiling Water
After stir-frying the ginger and garlic in lard until fragrant, carefully pour boiling water directly into the wok. Using lard adds a rich fragrance to the clear soup, and adding boiling water helps emulsify the fats quickly to create a flavorful broth base.
Tip: Always use boiling water rather than cold water when making clear soups to maintain the cooking temperature and achieve a better flavor. - 3Cut and Add the Tofu
Once the broth is boiling rapidly, take your block of fresh tofu and carefully slice it into thick strips directly over the pot, letting the pieces fall into the water. Boiling the tofu allows it to absorb the savory flavors of the broth.
Tip: If you are not comfortable cutting the tofu directly over the hot wok, you can easily slice it on a cutting board first and gently slide the pieces in. - 4Boil the Tofu Soup
After pouring in boiling water and adding the tofu strips, cover the wok with a lid and boil for a few minutes. Boiling the tofu covered allows it to absorb flavors and become increasingly tender and delicious.
Tip: Do not skip covering the pot; it traps the heat and helps the tofu soften evenly throughout. - 5Season the Soup
After the tofu has boiled for a few minutes and become tender, it is time to season the broth. Sprinkle in salt and chicken bouillon powder, giving the soup a gentle stir to ensure all the seasonings dissolve evenly into the hot liquid.
Tip: The longer the tofu boils, the more porous and tender it becomes, so dont rush the boiling step before adding your seasonings. - 6Garnish with Scallions
To finish the dish, turn off the heat and sprinkle a generous handful of fresh chopped scallion leaves over the top of the soup. The residual heat will slightly wilt the scallions, releasing their fresh, bright aroma into the savory broth.
Tip: Add the scallions at the very end off the heat to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp flavor.
