Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup

Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup Recipe from China - Delicious and Fiery!

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. This soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for lunch or dinner.

History

Tofu soup has been a popular dish in Asian cuisine for centuries. The addition of spicy ingredients like hot sauce and jalapeño peppers gives this traditional dish a modern twist, creating a unique and flavorful soup that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

10 oz (283 g) extra firm tofu
2 tbsp vegetable oil (adjust as needed)
0.5 cup chopped red onion
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
6 cup vegetable stock (low sodium)
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp hot mung bean paste or hot sauce
0.5 tbsp Szechwan hot sauce or any other hot sauce
1 tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning
1 tsp powdered ginger
5 white mushrooms, sliced
3 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
wakame (dried seaweed) [optional]
ramen noodles [optional]

How to prepare

Press the water out of the tofu.
Wrap the tofu in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer overnight.
Remove the tofu from the freezer and let it thaw in hot water.
Cut the tofu into small 0.5 inch square cubes.
In a large soup pot, heat up the oil. Add the tofu and stir until it is browned on the edges (approximately 10 minutes).
Add the onion, garlic, and 0.5 cup of stock. Stir until the vegetables are soft (about 10 minutes).
Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles just before serving.

Variations

Add tofu noodles or rice noodles for a heartier soup.
Use different types of mushrooms or vegetables for added variety.
Experiment with different types of hot sauce or seasonings to customize the level of spiciness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the water out of the tofu before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

- Adjust the amount of vegetable oil and hot sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables or protein sources to customize this soup to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the water out of the tofu before cooking helps to achieve a crispy texture.

- Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious final product.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute chicken or shrimp for tofu for a non-vegetarian option.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 25%

Calcium: 15%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is high in protein and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great choice for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.

Summary

Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet. Packed with flavor and heat, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As soon as my eyes landed on the recipe for Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup, I knew that I had to make it.

I had never cooked with tofu before, but something about the combination of the heat from the spices and the warmth from the soup called to me. I could practically taste the rich broth and the tender tofu in my mind, and I knew that I had to give it a try.

I set out to gather all of the ingredients for the soup, making a list and heading to the local market to pick up everything that I needed. As I wandered through the aisles, selecting the freshest vegetables and the best quality tofu, I felt a sense of excitement building within me. I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking.

When I arrived back at my kitchen, I wasted no time in getting started. I chopped the vegetables with practiced ease, my knife skills honed over years of cooking for my family. The onions sizzled in the pot as I sautéed them, filling the air with their sweet aroma.

Next, I added the garlic and ginger, letting them release their pungent scents into the broth. The hot and spicy flavors of the soup were already beginning to come together, and I knew that this was going to be a dish to remember.

I carefully added the tofu to the pot, watching as it soaked up the flavors of the broth and took on a golden hue. The soup simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste, and I was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and soothing heat.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas drew me in, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I lifted the spoon to my lips, I was filled with anticipation. The first mouthful of the Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup was a revelation. The heat from the chilies danced on my tongue, while the tender tofu melted in my mouth. The flavors of the broth were complex and rich, with layers of spice and depth that I had never experienced before.

With each spoonful, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I had created something truly special, something that spoke to my love of cooking and my desire to share delicious food with those I cared about.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, to see the looks of delight on their faces as they tasted the Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup for themselves. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a recipe that I would return to time and time again.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy my bowl of soup, I felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment. I had learned so much from the recipes and techniques that had been passed down to me, and I knew that I would continue to explore new flavors and creations in the years to come.

But for now, I was content to savor the moment, to bask in the warmth of the kitchen and the satisfaction of a meal well-made. The Hot and Spicy Tofu Soup had captured my heart, and I knew that it would hold a special place in my culinary memories for years to come.