Tomato Beef
Silken Tofu Soup
A nourishing, kid-friendly soup featuring tender beef and silken tofu in a vibrant, savory tomato broth. This quick, hearty meal is simple to prepare at home.
This tomato beef and silken tofu soup is a beloved home-style dish, prized for its smooth texture and comforting, tangy broth. By washing the beef with flour before seasoning, you ensure the meat stays exceptionally tender and free of any gamey notes. It is a wholesome, balanced meal that brings warmth and nutrition to the family table.
Ingredients
- 300 g beef, thinly sliced
- 200 g silken tofu
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 tbsp flour (for cleaning)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp cooking wine
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 slices ginger
- 1 stalk scallion
- 800 ml water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- to taste fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 1Wash the beef
Place the thinly sliced beef into a bowl and wash it using flour and water. This technique effectively removes blood and impurities, which is the key to ensuring the beef remains tender and free of any gamey odor.
Tip: Be thorough when rinsing the beef to ensure all flour and impurities are completely washed away before seasoning. - 2Season the beef
Add scallions, ginger, egg white, cooking wine, white pepper, and starch to the cleaned beef. Massage the mixture by hand until the meat feels sticky, which helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Tip: Ensure the beef is well-coated and the seasonings are fully incorporated by massaging it thoroughly. - 3Stir-fry the beef
Heat a pan and add the seasoned beef slices. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until the meat changes color and is just cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Tip: Do not overcook the beef at this stage, as it will be simmered again later in the soup. - 4Sauté the tomatoes
In a separate pot, sauté the chopped tomatoes until they soften and begin to release their juices, forming the flavorful base for the soup.
Tip: Pressing down on the tomatoes while sautéing helps extract more juice and intensifies the flavor. - 5Simmer the soup
Pour water into the pot with the sautéed tomatoes. Add the cubes of silken tofu, additional tomato chunks, and the previously stir-fried beef.
Tip: Handle the silken tofu gently to prevent it from breaking apart in the soup. - 6Season and serve
Add salt, chicken bouillon, and white pepper to the pot. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Tip: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference before serving.
