Savory Oriental Vegetable Soup
Discover the comfort of our Savory Oriental Vegetable Soup, a fragrant and light broth enriched with vibrant vegetables and silky tofu. This delightful soup is perfect as a starter or as a warm meal on chilly days, offering a perfect balance of flavors with just a hint of umami. Easily customizable and naturally gluten-free, this recipe is designed for sharing and is suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the essence of the East come alive in your kitchen.
4
Servings
60
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stock or vegetable stock
4 cups (choose vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
soya sauce
1 tablespoon (to taste)
spring onion
1/4 cup (washed and finely chopped)
bean sprouts
1/2 cup (fresh)
canned sliced bamboo shoots
1/2 cup (drained)
tofu
1/2 cup (cut into cubes)
fresh coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (washed and roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the beef or vegetable stock to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the finely chopped spring onions, soya sauce, and the drained bamboo shoots.
3
Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Next, gently add the bean sprouts, tofu cubes, and chopped coriander leaves into the pot.
5
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is heated through and the bean sprouts are tender yet crisp.
6
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with additional coriander if desired.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Oriental Vegetable Soup?
It is a fragrant and light broth enriched with vibrant vegetables like bean sprouts and bamboo shoots, along with silky tofu.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply choose vegetable stock instead of beef stock to make this recipe completely vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
Is Savory Oriental Vegetable Soup gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free provided you use a gluten-free soya sauce or tamari.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of tofu should I use?
Silky tofu is recommended for a traditional texture, but firm tofu cubes also work well.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, while the base is vegetarian-friendly, you can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef slices.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The total cooking time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes once the stock reaches a boil.
What are the main vegetables in this recipe?
The primary vegetables include spring onions, bean sprouts, and canned sliced bamboo shoots.
Can I substitute the soya sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or liquid aminos as a substitute.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains about 2.5g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 4g of protein in each serving, primarily from the tofu.
Can I use dried coriander instead of fresh?
Fresh coriander is preferred for its vibrant flavor and garnish, but you can use a smaller amount of dried coriander if fresh is unavailable.
What should I do if I cannot find bamboo shoots?
You can substitute bamboo shoots with thinly sliced water chestnuts or shredded carrots for a similar crunch.
How do I prepare the spring onions?
The spring onions should be washed and finely chopped before adding them to the boiling stock.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this is a savory and mild soup. If you prefer heat, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tofu and bean sprouts can change significantly when thawed.
What type of stock is best for this recipe?
You can use either beef stock for a richer flavor or vegetable stock for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
How do I keep the bean sprouts crunchy?
Add the bean sprouts during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay tender yet crisp.
Can I add noodles to this soup?
Yes, adding glass noodles or rice vermicelli is a great way to make the soup more filling.
Is this soup good for a diet?
Yes, at only 60 calories and low carbohydrates, it is an excellent choice for a healthy or weight-conscious diet.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with vegetable spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a side of jasmine rice.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
The recipe is naturally low in cholesterol, especially when using vegetable stock.
How do I enhance the umami flavor?
The soya sauce provides umami, but you can add a drop of sesame oil or a splash of fish sauce for extra depth.
Is this soup suitable for children?
Yes, its mild and savory flavor profile usually appeals well to children.
How much carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use chicken stock?
Yes, chicken stock is a great alternative if you do not have beef or vegetable stock on hand.
Should I drain the bamboo shoots?
Yes, the recipe specifies using canned sliced bamboo shoots that have been drained.
Is this soup a starter or a main course?
It is perfect as a light starter, but can be served as a main course if you add extra vegetables or noodles.