Savory Mushroom
Tofu Lean Meat Soup
A comforting, budget-friendly soup featuring silky lean meat, tender tofu, and earthy mushrooms in a savory, aromatic broth.
This simple yet deeply flavorful soup is a staple of everyday home cooking, perfect for a quick and nourishing meal. The combination of succulent lean meat, velvety tofu, and umami-rich mushrooms creates a harmonious balance, while a touch of lard adds a classic, savory depth to the broth.
Ingredients
- 250 g lean pork
- 150 g mushrooms
- 200 g tofu
- 1 tbsp starch
- 1 tbsp lard
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp thirteen-spice
- 0.5 tsp chicken bouillon
- 0.25 tsp chili powder
- to taste chopped green onions
Instructions
- 1Cut the lean meat
Place the lean meat on a cutting board and carefully slice it into thin, uniform strips. Consistent sizing ensures that the meat cooks evenly and becomes tender in the final soup.
Tip: Slicing against the grain will make the meat strips even more tender. - 2Season the meat
Place the sliced lean meat into a bowl. Add salt, thirteen-spice, chicken bouillon, and a spoonful of starch to create the marinade.
Tip: Adding starch is crucial—it helps lock in the meats juices and keeps it silky smooth after cooking. - 3Marinate the meat
Using your hand, mix the meat and seasonings thoroughly in the bowl. Continue mixing in one direction until the meat is well-coated and the starch has created a slight glaze.
Tip: Mixing in a single direction helps develop the protein structure, resulting in a better texture. - 4Slice the tofu
Place the block of tofu on your cutting board and slice it into even, bite-sized cubes. Handle gently to keep the cubes intact.
Tip: Use a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts without crumbling the tofu. - 5Stir-fry the mushrooms
Heat oil and a piece of lard in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry until they soften and begin to release their aroma.
Tip: Using lard adds a rich, savory depth to the mushroom base that vegetable oil alone cannot provide. - 6Add water and boil
Pour fresh water into the wok with the cooked mushrooms. Bring the liquid to a steady boil to create the base for your soup.
Tip: Ensure the water covers the mushrooms completely for a flavorful broth. - 7Finish the soup
Once the soup is boiling, gently add the marinated lean meat strips. Stir well to separate the meat, then finish by stirring in the fresh chopped green onions before serving.
Tip: Simmering with the lid on helps maintain a consistent temperature and traps the steam, which cooks the tofu through more evenly.
