This Asian flavored Cilantro Tofu Soup is a healthy and lip smacking clear soup. Its low in calories and high on taste. Being vegan and gluten free this soup fits into almost all diets and takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish.
I am fond of Asian flavors and especially in the form of pho or Ramen or any Asian flavored stew.
But as the New Year has arrived, reminding us of resolutions. I have gone back to cooking more at home and eat as healthy as possible.
After a fun New Year party and hang overs I was craving for a simple stew with Asian flavors to overcome my hangovers.
Hence, to get back to my New Year goal I came up with Cilantro Tofu Soup.
I made this soup with the leftover ingredients at home. I had no stamina to go for grocery over the weekend.
Also since the work week starts full-fledged I wanted to gain back my energy, perk myself up to face the hectic week ahead.
Moreover, its a familiar cozy clear soup to enjoy when its gloomy and cloudy and cold outside.
Even if flu struck you, this tofu soup is the savior. It soothens me and comforts me all the time.
I love tofu and its my favorite vegan protein. It does not have a taste of its own but its so versatile that it can be made into any kind of recipe.
One of my most popular sweet and sour tofu is absolutely delish and out of this world. For my kids snacking i prefer making these tofu nuggets.
I also made Indian version of the most popular dish as butter tofu and its a popular one too.
However, I was amazed at how delicious could tofu tastes in a soup. It totally tasted like chicken soup and so nutritious too.
Therefore, I am here to share this cilantro tofu recipe today with you.
Ingredients you will need
olive oil
Cilantro
Carrots
Broccoli florets
Extra firm tofu
Vegetable broth
Low sodium soy sauce
Crushed black pepper
Lemon juice
Salt
I have used these easily available ingredients which you may buy from any local grocery store. However, I have provided links to few of them here for you convenience.
If you plan to buy from these affiliate links then I get a small commission which in turn encourages me to bring in more delicious recipes for you all.
Ingredients notes:
Olive oil – even though any oil can be used in this recipe, I preferred olive oil to keep it light and convenient.
Cilantro – this herb provides a natural refreshed flavor to this soup recipe.
Vegetables – any vegetables of your choice can be used here but make to include carrots. They provide crunch to this recipe and balances the overall taste with its sweetness.
Tofu – Extra firm tofu is a must. it should be properly drained. You may use high protein tofu as well. The firmer the better.
Vegetable broth – this is a must to get the right flavor and texture.
Soy sauce – any Asian cuisine is incomplete without soy sauce. I used low sodium soy sauce here which balances the salt flavor well.
How to make Cilantro Tofu Soup
Firstly, I heated oil in a saucepana dn sauteed fresh chopped cilnatro in it. I did a quick sautee making sure that cilnatro does not loose its flavor and aroma.
Secondly, I tossed in vegetables and sauuted them crunchy.
Next, I folded in chopped tofu and sauteed until it was cooked from inside.
Thereafter, I poured in vegetable broth along with the seasonings. Then, I let it cook for few minutes so that all the ingredients are well blended and evolved.
Lastly, I removed it form heat and stirred in lemon juice.
As soon as I ladled the it in our bowl we immediately loved every bit of it.
This soothing and satisfying meal was ready within minutes.
We all devoured it together while planning and organizing the house for back to work week ahead.
Therefore, My schedule is ready. I am somewhat organized to overcome the holiday hangover to kick start the new year with new goals, new energy, new motivations and of course new healthy recipes 🙂
Expert tips:
- For a nice flavor of broccoli in this soup you may blanch it first before sautéing.
- Tofu will tastes even better if its pressed and drained. It work well if you like firmer tofu in your soup.
- Most importantly, do not overcook tofu as it softens and will start to break.
This soup tastes best when served immediately. However it can still be refrigerated in a glass container for 1-2 days.
Yes, Just skip the oil and boil the vegetable broth first followed by all the ingredients.
It has a salty and clear taste with a blandness of tofu along with the crunchiness of vegetables. However, tofu absorbs the flavors and provides an overall satisfying taste.
Yes, it has a balanced combination of protein, fiber and healthy fats.
I have added tofu directly into the soup and it cooks in it. However, if you want to sauté tofu beforehand. Then, heat oil in a nonstick and sauté tofu until golden from all side. Then, add tofu to this soup as per the direction.
My other soup recipes that might interest you
Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
Did you make it?
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In addition you may checkout my vegan cookbook for everyday vegan comfort recipes.
Cilantro Tofu Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup extra firm chopped tofu (drained)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
- In a sauce pan heat oil and add cilantro. Saute for 30 seconds.
- Add carrots and broccoli and saute for another 30 seconds.
- Add tofu and saute again for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, black pepper, lemon juice and salt.
- Cook uncovered on medium flame for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm and garnish with more chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust lemon juice as per your taste. If you like your soup to be on a tangy side add few extra drops of lemon juice to it.
- This soup tastes best when served immediately. However, it can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. Juts warm it up nicely before serving.
Nutrition
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
This soup looks so perfect! I am always buying tofu with no clear intention on how to use it, so sadly it most often goes to waste. This is the perfect solution!
Renu says
Perfect timing and my search lead me to the right direction. I have some tofu left in my fridge and was wondering how can I use it. The tofu soup looks yum
Ramona says
This soup looks so refreshing and healthy. Just perfect for the time of the year. Thank you for sharing.
Jenni LeBaron says
What a great vegetarian soup for fall. I love this one because it has plenty of flavor but is nice and light!
Leanne says
I’ve been trying to find creative ways to cook with tofu and this such a great recipe! I’ve never thought to add it to soup. And I’m a huge fan of cilantro, so win-win!
Erika says
I love soups! The cilantro here ads the perfect flavor. There’s never too much cilantro! 🙂
Gunjan says
Totally agree Erika.Cilantro adds lot of flavor to this soup.
Jacqui Debono says
My soups are always quite high in calories, this is just the recipe I need! I could eat cilantro with every meal too!
Gunjan says
Thank you Jacqui. I totally understand. Sometimes my soups also go overboard with calories so I especially kept the nutrition facts on my mind while making this soup.
Stine Mari says
I love how vegetable packed this soup is. And so fresh and delicious with the lemon and cilantro!
Gunjan says
Thank you Stine. This sup is one of my favorite and is definitely packed with flavors.
Alex Ryder says
I also really love Asian flavours like this and this soup looks perfect for a low calorie lunch. Thanks for sharing!
Gunjan says
Thank you Alex. It indeed is a low calorie flavorful meal.
Tracy says
This sounds delicious!! Just wondering if you use the stems from the cilantro as well in your soup or only saute the leaves?
Gunjan says
Hello Tracy, you may use the stems for you soup as well along with sauteing option. It totally depends on personal taste. However, I personally like everything about cilantro and I always include cilantro stem. Hope this helps.
Tracy says
Thank you! I made this last night and it turned out delicious. I did add some clear bean noodles and extra veggies to turn it into a heartier meal. Will definitely be making again!
Gunjan says
Thank you Tracy for trying out this recipe and also appreciating it. Your feedback is very precious and encouraging.
Ashley says
I haven’t had tofu in awhile. I need to give this a try.
Willow says
This sounds amazing! I love all of these ingredients. Tofu is a staple in my house so I am going to have to make this! Pinning for later.
Ashleigh says
Another fabulous recipe, this time one of my fav dishes! I love a good, new soup to make in the Winter months. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Kristen Kavan says
I am with you, I love asian flavors and I love cilantro. This soup looks great!
candy says
After so many heavier meal during the holidays this is perfect. Plus we love soups and this sounds so easy to prepare.
Gunjan says
I totally agree Candy.
Rachel says
I’m not a huge tofu fan but I think I’m going to have to try this. This soup looks amazing! Perfect with all this cold weather.
Gunjan says
Let me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Athena says
Delicious! Added ginger and lived off this when I fell ill.
Thank you for sharing!!