Tofu Soup with Black Fungus
Ham

By DishFrames
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A light and elegant tofu soup featuring silky julienned tofu, earthy black fungus, savory ham, and fresh cilantro in a delicately thickened broth.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

This sophisticated soup transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality starter that is both visually stunning and deeply comforting. By cutting the tofu into fine, delicate threads, it absorbs the rich flavors of the broth while creating a unique, tender texture in every single spoonful. Enhanced with contrasting black fungus and savory ham, it makes for an impressive presentation during holiday gatherings and special family banquets.

A bowl of clear tofu soup garnished with finely shredded tofu, black fungus, ham, and fresh green cilantro.
A bowl of clear tofu soup garnished with finely shredded tofu, black fungus, ham, and fresh green cilantro.
Prep15 mins
Cook10 mins
Total25 mins
Yield4 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories180 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the tofu
    Tofu being cut into thin slices and julienned into strips on a wooden cutting board.

    Cut the newly bought block of tofu into thin, even slices, then carefully julienne it into fine strips on a wooden cutting board. This precise cutting helps the tofu absorb maximum flavor from the broth.

    Tip: Use a sharp knife and a gentle rocking motion to avoid breaking the delicate tofu while cutting.
  2. 2Soak the tofu
    Julienned tofu strips placed in a bowl of clean water and being scattered.

    Transfer the finely julienned tofu strips into a bowl filled with clean water. Gently scatter them to separate the shreds and prevent them from sticking together before cooking.

    Tip: Soaking tofu in water helps maintain its moisture and delicate texture, keeping it tender when added to the hot soup.
  3. 3Prepare the ingredients
    Shredded black fungus piled on a wooden cutting board.

    Cut the black fungus into thin shreds on a wooden cutting board. Continue by slicing the ham into matching shreds and mincing the fresh cilantro, organizing them on a plate for easy assembly later.

    Tip: Uniformly shredding the ingredients ensures they cook at the same rate and creates a balanced texture in every spoonful.
  4. 4Add black fungus, ham, and seasonings to the pot
    Shredded black fungus and ham being poured from a white plate into a pot of boiling water.

    Add the prepared shredded black fungus and ham into the boiling water in the pot. Season with salt and pour in a little water starch to thicken the soup slightly.

    Tip: Add the water starch gradually while stirring to ensure the soup thickens evenly without clumping.
  5. 5Add tofu to the soup
    Shredded tofu added into the boiling pot and stirred gently with a ladle.

    Once the water is boiling with the black fungus and ham, carefully slide the soaked shredded tofu into the pot. Use the back of a ladle to gently stir the soup, distributing the tofu evenly without breaking the fine strands.

    Tip: Always push the soup gently in one direction with the back of the spoon rather than stirring vigorously to protect the fragile tofu shreds.
  6. 6Add cilantro to the boiling soup
    A ladle scooping through the simmering soup mixture containing shredded ingredients in a pot.

    Once the pot returns to a boil with all the ingredients and thickener combined, add the minced cilantro to impart a fresh aromatic flavor to the soup.

    Tip: Add the cilantro right before turning off the heat or serving to keep its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.

Burn It Off

Brisk Walking
~35 minutes at a steady pace.
House Cleaning
~45 minutes of active chores.
Yoga
~55 minutes of restorative stretching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soaking the fine tofu strips in water keeps them hydrated and prevents them from clumping together or sticking before they are added to the boiling pot.
Yes, you can easily substitute the ham with cooked chicken shreds, imitation crab stick, or dried shrimp depending on your dietary preference and what you have on hand.
Add the water starch gradually in small amounts while stirring the soup continuously rather than dumping it all in at once.
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