Clear and Refreshing Soft Tofu Soup
Feels Like You’re in a Tofu Village! Recipe for Clear Soft Tofu Soup with Delicious Seasoned Soy Sauce
While spicy soft tofu stew (sundubu jjigae) is delicious, sometimes a mild and refreshing clear soft tofu soup with a flavorful seasoned soy sauce is just the perfect dish. With a delicious seasoned soy sauce on top, you might even mistake yourself for being in a ‘Tofu Village’ that makes its own tofu! This recipe uses a clear broth made from rice water, giving it a deep and clean flavor. Fresh ingredients and a carefully prepared seasoned soy sauce come together to create a wonderful meal that everyone, young and old, can enjoy. Make your table warm and hearty with this simple yet satisfying soft tofu soup!
Clear Soft Tofu Soup Ingredients- 1 pack soft tofu (approx. 300-400g)
- 2 cups (approx. 400ml) clear broth (rice water + dried kelp + dried pollack or anchovies)
- 1 small potato (optional, makes the soup smoother)
- 1/2 small onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon shelled clams (fresh or thawed)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (for a hint of spice)
Delicious Seasoned Soy Sauce Ingredients- 1 teaspoon soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tablespoon brewed soy sauce (yang-jo ganjang)
- 1 tablespoon plum extract (adds sweetness and umami)
- 1/3 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Korean chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (gochugaru) (optional, for color and heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tablespoon brewed soy sauce (yang-jo ganjang)
- 1 tablespoon plum extract (adds sweetness and umami)
- 1/3 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 Korean chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (gochugaru) (optional, for color and heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the base broth for the clear soft tofu soup. In a pot, combine rice water, dried kelp, and dried pollack (or anchovies). Simmer over low heat to extract a deep and refreshing flavor. Rice water, obtained after cooking rice, adds a smooth and savory quality to the soup. Remove the kelp once the water starts boiling, and continue simmering the pollack or anchovies for about 10 more minutes before straining to get a clean broth.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, prepare the delicious seasoned soy sauce. In a bowl, combine the soup soy sauce, brewed soy sauce, plum extract, finely chopped green onion, minced garlic, optional chopped Korean chili pepper and red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything well. Let it sit for a moment for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
Once the clear broth is boiling, add the thinly sliced onion and the small potato. Potatoes take a bit longer to cook, so it’s good to add them first to ensure they are tender. You can omit the potato, but it makes the soup wonderfully smooth and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 4
When the vegetables are somewhat tender, gently add the soft tofu. You can either break it into large chunks or use a spoon to scoop it into the pot. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as soft tofu can break apart easily. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently.
Step 5
Once the soft tofu is heated through and softened, add the minced garlic and the prepared shelled clams. Simmer for another moment. The clams will add a wonderful seafood freshness and depth of flavor to the broth. If using clams, ensure they have been properly purged of sand.
Step 6
Finally, taste the soup and season with salt if needed. Since the soup already contains soy sauce and soup soy sauce, add salt very sparingly, adjusting the taste gradually. Stir in the chopped Korean chili pepper just before turning off the heat for a touch of spice. If you prefer less heat or are cooking for children, you can omit the chili pepper. If you have crown daisy (ssukgat), you can garnish the soup with it for an aromatic touch. If not, a bit more chopped green onion can be added. Serve hot with a bowl of rice and the prepared seasoned soy sauce on the side. Enjoy!
