Spicy and Savory Tofu and Bean Sprout Soup
Bean Sprout Dishes : Tofu Dishes : Simple Tofu Bean Sprout Soup
Today, I’m sharing a bean sprout soup recipe that my husband absolutely loves! While a simple bean sprout soup is delicious on its own, adding soft tofu makes it even more savory and rich, resulting in a perfectly balanced spicy tofu bean sprout soup. It’s a dish that will make you want to finish a whole bowl of rice!
Ingredients for Tofu Bean Sprout Soup- 150g fresh bean sprouts
- 700ml stock or water
- 1/2 block (approx. 150g) soft tofu
- 1 spicy chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang chili)
- 1/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/3 Tbsp fine chili powder
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the bean sprouts under running water. Removing the tails or any spoiled parts can result in a cleaner taste. You can optionally blanch the washed bean sprouts in boiling water for about 1 minute to remove impurities and make them crispier. (This step can be skipped, but it helps eliminate any ‘bean’ smell.)
Step 2
Pour 700ml of stock or water into a pot and add the washed bean sprouts. You can choose to cook with the lid open to achieve a clear broth, or cook with the lid closed to extract a deeper flavor and aroma from the bean sprouts, resulting in a more refreshing soup. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the bean sprouts are tender-crisp.
Step 3
Once the bean sprouts are partially cooked, add 1/3 Tbsp of minced garlic and 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang) to season. Adding Guk-ganjang first will deepen the color and enhance the flavor of the soup. Bring to a simmer again to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
When the soup begins to boil, add the tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart. Then, add 1/3 Tbsp of fine chili powder to give the soup a pleasant spiciness and an appetizing color. Stir gently to prevent the tofu from crumbling.
Step 5
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Guk-ganjang alone might not be enough, so it’s important to add salt gradually to achieve your preferred level of saltiness.
Step 6
If you prefer a spicier kick, finely chop 1 spicy chili pepper (seeds removed) and add it at the end. Simmer for another 5 minutes after adding the chili pepper to complete this wonderfully spicy and refreshing tofu bean sprout soup. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
