Home-Style Tofu
Century Egg Soup

A comforting home-style soup featuring silky tofu, fried tofu puffs, savory wood ear mushrooms, and rich century eggs in an aromatic spiced broth.

Ingredients

• 300 g regular tofu
• 150 g fried tofu
• 2 century eggs
• 20 g wood ear mushrooms
• 2 stalks scallions
• 15 g cilantro
• 2 tbsp water chestnut starch
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 star anise
• 3 slices ginger
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp white pepper powder
• 0.5 tsp MSG
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 L water

Instructions

1. 1Prepare and arrange ingredients

   

   Gather all the necessary components for the home-style tofu soup. Arrange the sliced regular tofu, fried tofu, century egg, shredded scallions, cilantro, soaked wood ear mushrooms, and a bowl of water chestnut starch neatly on plates for easy access during cooking.

   Tip: Ensure the wood ear mushrooms are fully soaked and rehydrated before starting the recipe.
2. 2Infuse the water with aromatics

   

   Pour cold water into a pot and add Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and a slice of ginger. Begin heating the pot to slowly release the aromatic flavors into the water as it approaches a boil.

   Tip: Starting with cold water allows the spices to release their essential oils gradually.
3. 3Skim out the whole spices

   

   Once the water comes to a boil and the aromatic flavors have infused into the broth, use a mesh strainer to scoop out and remove the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and ginger slice.

   Tip: Removing the whole spices prevents the broth from becoming overly bitter or overpowering.
4. 4Add tofu and wood ear mushrooms

   

   Using chopsticks and the edge of a plate, carefully slide the sliced regular tofu, fried tofu, and soaked wood ear mushrooms directly into the boiling aromatic broth in the pot.

   Tip: Add the ingredients gently to avoid splashing the hot broth.
5. 5Season the soup base

   

   Add a measured amount of salt, followed by light soy sauce and dark soy sauce into the pot containing the tofu and mushrooms. Allow the mixture to boil together for three minutes to absorb the seasonings.

   Tip: Dark soy sauce provides rich color, while light soy sauce adds depth of flavor.
6. 6Thicken with water starch

   

   Pour the bowl of water chestnut starch gradually into the boiling soup mixture while stirring to achieve a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.

   Tip: Pour in a thin, steady stream and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7. 7Add Aromatics and Seasoning

   

   Pour the shredded scallions, cilantro, and century egg pieces into the simmering pot. Follow them with a dash of white pepper powder, a pinch of MSG, and a drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the flavor profile of the soup.

   Tip: Add the delicate herbs and sesame oil right at the end to preserve their fresh fragrance and prevent them from losing flavor during prolonged boiling.
8. 8Mix and Serve

   

   Thoroughly stir all the newly added ingredients into the soup using chopsticks to ensure even distribution of seasonings and flavors. Once combined, immediately remove the pot from the heat source.

   Tip: Stir gently so you do not break apart the soft regular tofu and century egg pieces.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions