Tomato Bean Sprouts Soup is a tasty Chinese soup that is super easy to make and healthy for you. Tomato wedges, crunchy bean sprouts, in a pork bone broth along with ginger and more - definitely an awesome comfort soup!
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My mom made this a lot when I was growing up, and the other day I super craved it. They say sometimes you crave what your body needs - and maybe it was the tomato or the bean sprouts, who knows! Or maybe I just wanted some comforting hot soup as Atlanta weather decided to get super cold out of no where...
What is Tomato Bean Sprout Soup
Tomato Bean Sprouts Soup (aka 番茄豆芽湯 ) is a soup made with tomato wedges, bean sprouts, in a pork bone broth flavored with ginger, rice wine, and salt.
Not only does the soup taste good, it is also quite nutritious!
Bean sprouts are a particularly good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. They are also low in calories and fat. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a number of health benefits.
About Bean Sprouts
Bean Sprouts 豆芽, or mung bean sprouts, is a vegetable that is grown by sprouting mung beans. This vegetable is very popular and consumed in East and Southeast Asian.
Bean sprouts are very easy to grow, they mostly just need to be in the shade and in water, so they're also often used in schools for science projects!
If you've never had it before and are wondering what they taste like, bean sprouts have a very mild taste - when it's added to dishes it doesn't take over any other flavors, but it does add a juicy crunch!
Nutrition wise, bean sprouts are an great source of antioxidants, which protect against cell damage and reduces the risk cancer and heart disease. It also contains a lot of vitamin C and Calcium.
If you're looking for a recipe that uses bean sprouts, check out my Stir Fry Bean Sprouts and Garlic Chives recipe!
Also to learn more about Chinese veggies - check out my Different Types of Chinese Vegetables article here!
How to make Tomato Bean Sprouts Soup (Step by Step)
First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb pork bones
- 5 oz bean sprouts
- 2 medium sized tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of ginger sliced
- Water
- 2 tablespoon rice wine or rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onion (optional)
Wash tomatoes and cut in to wedges. Soak bean sprouts in water, and wash and drain. Slice ginger.
Cover the pork bones with cold water in a pot, bring to boil over medium-high heat, cook for a few minutes till the pork ribs have changed color, discard the scummy water, rinse under running water, drain well.
Add water to cover pork bones, add ginger and rice cooking wine (or rice vinegar).
Once the water boils, add tomatoes and allow to cook about 15 minutes.
Add bean sprouts, and allow to cook another 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Remove from heat and serve. You can sprinkle with chopped green onions if you desire.
Storage & Reheat
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since bean sprouts soften quickly, it's best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. If you like the sprouts crunchier, you can blanch a fresh handful and add them right before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended. Tomatoes and bean sprouts change texture when frozen and defrosted.
FAQ
Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of pork bone broth?
Yes! Chicken broth makes a lighter version, and vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian. You'll still get good flavor from the ginger, tomatoes, and rice wine.
Do I have to blanch the pork bones first?
Blanching is recommended-it removes impurities and gives you a cleaner, clearer broth.
Can I substitute other sprouts?
Yes, though mung bean sprouts are most traditional. Soybean sprouts can be used, but they have a stronger flavor and firmer bite.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Napa cabbage, bok choy, or tofu all make tasty additions and stretch the soup into a fuller meal.
Tomato Bean Sprouts Soup Recipe
Tomato Bean Sprouts Soup is a light, comforting Chinese soup made with pork bone broth, fresh tomato wedges, and crunchy bean sprouts. Nourishing, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork bones
- 5 oz bean sprouts
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
- Water, enough to cover
- 2 tablespoon rice wine (or rice vinegar)
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients – Wash and cut tomatoes into wedges. Soak bean sprouts in water, rinse, and drain. Slice the ginger.
- Blanch Pork Bones – In a pot, cover pork bones with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook until bones change color and scum rises. Discard water, rinse bones under running water, and drain well.
- Simmer Broth – Add fresh water to cover the bones. Add ginger and rice wine. Bring to a boil.
- Add Tomatoes – Add tomato wedges and cook for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Add Bean Sprouts – Add bean sprouts and cook another 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve – Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of white pepper for extra warmth.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of pork bones.
- Texture tip: If you like crunchier sprouts, add them right before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 201Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 147mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 21g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Chinese Soup Recipes
If you enjoyed this tasty soup, here are a few more cozy Chinese soups you'll love:
- Chinese Corn Carrot Pork Bone Soup - A light yet flavorful broth simmered with pork bones, sweet corn, carrots, garlic, and ginger.
- Daikon Radish Pork Bone Soup - A soothing and nourishing pork bone soup with daikon radish, ginger, and garlic.
- Luo Song Tang (Chinese Borscht Soup) - A rich, hearty beef and tomato soup where you can use beef of choice (oxtail is the best!)
- Tomato Egg Drop Soup (番茄蛋花湯) - A quick, classic favorite with tomato wedges and wispy beaten eggs in chicken broth.
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