Tofu Soup with Black Fungus
Ham
A light and elegant tofu soup featuring silky julienned tofu, earthy black fungus, savory ham, and fresh cilantro in a delicately thickened broth.
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.
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu
- 50 g black fungus
- 50 g ham
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 tbsp water starch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- to taste salt
- to taste water
Instructions
- 1Slice the tofu

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. - 2Soak the tofu

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. - 3Prepare the ingredients

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. - 4Add black fungus, ham, and seasonings to the pot

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. - 5Add tofu to the soup

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. - 6Add cilantro to the boiling soup

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.