Silky Salted Egg Tofu Soup

A comforting, velvet-smooth soup featuring the rich, savory depth of salted duck egg yolks paired with delicate, tender tofu cubes.

Ingredients

• 2 salted duck eggs
• 1 block silken or medium-firm tofu
• 500 ml boiling water
• 1 cup fresh lettuce
• 1 tbsp starch water slurry
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch white pepper powder
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• optional chopped green onions

Instructions

1. 1Fry the salted eggs

   

   Heat oil in a wok and add the salted duck eggs. Allow them to cook briefly in the hot oil to release their rich aroma.

   Tip: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the eggs to get a quick, fragrant sear.
2. 2Break down the eggs

   

   Using a ladle, gently break the salted eggs apart in the wok. Stir them to distribute the yolk and white evenly as they cook.

   Tip: Breaking them down creates a richer, more uniform base for the soup.
3. 3Stir-fry until fragrant

   

   Continue to stir-fry the broken-up salted eggs over medium heat. Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly bubbly.

   Tip: Keep stirring constantly to prevent the egg from sticking or burning to the bottom of the wok.
4. 4Add boiling water

   

   Carefully pour boiling water into the wok containing the fried salted egg. This will create the base for the soup.

   Tip: Using boiling water helps the soup return to a simmer quickly and maintains a clear, flavorful broth.
5. 5Add tofu cubes

   

   Gently drop the cubed tofu into the boiling salted egg broth. Let it simmer briefly so the tofu absorbs the flavor of the soup.

   Tip: Add the tofu gently to avoid breaking the delicate cubes.
6. 6Season the soup

   

   Season the simmering soup with a pinch of salt and white pepper powder to taste. Stir gently to incorporate the seasonings.

   Tip: White pepper adds a mild heat that complements the savory salted egg perfectly.
7. 7Add lettuce to the soup

   

   Add fresh, chopped lettuce pieces into the boiling salted egg tofu soup. The lettuce will wilt quickly in the hot broth, adding a fresh and crisp texture to the dish.

   Tip: Add the lettuce just before serving to maintain its bright color and crunch.
8. 8Thicken the soup

   

   Slowly pour a starch water slurry into the boiling soup while stirring gently. This will thicken the broth, giving it a silky, smooth consistency that perfectly coats the tofu.

   Tip: Ensure the slurry is well-mixed before adding to avoid lumps, and stir continuously for an even thickness.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions