Vegetable Tofu Soup 蔬菜豆腐湯 is a popular light soup in Chinese home cooking. One of the things I really like about it is that it is super easy to make and also a very healthy soup!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• How to cook Vegetable Tofu Soup (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• Vegetable Tofu Soup Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Tofu Recipes!

Usually light soups like this are meant to be served with other family style dishes that are heavier such as red braised pork belly, or sweet and sour pork ribs to balance out the meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Light, healthy, and comforting - a clean, brothy soup that's nourishing without feeling heavy.
• Quick and easy - ready in about 15 minutes with simple steps and minimal prep.
• Naturally vegetarian (and easily vegan) - made with tofu and vegetables; just use vegetable broth.
• Flexible and customizable - use your favorite leafy greens or whatever you already have in the fridge.
• Perfect with any Chinese meal - a classic home-style soup that balances out richer dishes like stir-fries and braises.
• Simple ingredients, great flavor - tofu, tomatoes, greens, broth, and a touch of sesame oil create a clean, delicious soup.

About the Ingredients

Here's some extra info about the ingredients:

Leafy green vegetables - you can choose which leafy greens you want. Usually we use spinach, but you can also use Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Chinese Broccoli, Yu Choy, and more!

I wouldn't use collard greens or kale or regular cabbage or other veggies that take too long to soften though.

Tomatoes - Cut your tomatoes in to wedges, and if you like your broth extra tomato-flavored, cut it in to smaller pieces, perhaps even chopped.

Tofu - you can choose your favorite type of firmness on the tofu, but ours is usually soft to medium.

How to cook Vegetable Tofu Soup (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredinets:

• 4 cups mixed green leafy vegetables
• 2 tomatoes, cut in to wedges
• 16 oz tofu (soft to medium), drained
• 4 cups of water
• 4 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

Remove tofu from package carefully and place on a plate. Using a knife, cut it horizontally, vertically and on the sides so they are 1 inch cubes.

In a soup pot, add water and broth, and bring to a boil. Add tofu and tomatoes and let it cook for 5 minutes. Bring it to a boil again.

This time when the water boils, add the green vegetables, and let it cook one more minute or until the vegetables are just cooked and not over cooked.

Turn off the heat, add sesame oil, salt, and green onions. Stir gently to mix well, and remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheat

Storage

Store leftover Vegetable Tofu Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Because tofu and leafy greens are delicate, this soup is best enjoyed sooner rather than later - the tofu can break apart if stored too long, and the greens will continue to soften.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Avoid boiling again - high heat will cause the tofu to crumble and the vegetables to overcook. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring carefully in between.

FAQ

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! Spinach is traditional, but Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Yu Choy, and Chinese Broccoli all work well. Avoid tougher greens like kale or collards since they take longer to soften and change the texture of the soup.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely - just use vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Can I use firm or extra-firm tofu?

You can, but the texture will be different. Soft to medium tofu gives the soup that classic silky feel, while firm tofu will hold its shape better but won't be as tender.

Can I add protein?

Yes! Shredded chicken, sliced pork, or even shrimp can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Keep the portions small so it stays a light, brothy soup.

What can I serve this with?

This soup is traditionally served alongside richer dishes like red-braised pork belly (紅燒肉), sweet & sour pork ribs, or stir-fries - it helps balance out the meal with something light and nourishing.

Pin for later!

More Delicious Tofu Recipes!

Delicious, versatile, and great for vegetarians or anyone wanting a light but flavorful meal. These tofu dishes combine tender tofu with fresh veggies and tasty sauces.

• Stir Fry Shredded Meat, Celery, and Dried Tofu (Dougan) - Marinated shredded beef or pork stir-fried with dry pressed tofu (dougan) and julienned celery. A perfect balance of savory and crunchy textures.
• Tomato Tofu Stir Fry - Cubed tofu gently stir-fried with fresh tomato, garlic, and green onions. A simple, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice.
• Mapo Tofu (Easy Recipe) - Soft tofu cooked in a spicy, flavorful meaty sauce. A classic Chinese comfort food that's especially good served over rice.
• Soba Noodles with Glazed Tofu and Stir Fried Veggies - Tender glazed tofu served with soba noodles and a medley of stir-fried vegetables, flavored with ginger, garlic, and lemon juice.