Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup

Crispy tofu slices are paired with rice noodles and fresh Swiss chard, all immersed in a fragrant vegetable broth infused with ginger, garlic, tamari, and star anise. This dish is the ideal comfort food for chilly or stressful days, providing a satisfying bowl of warmth with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a hearty soup that’s perfect for sharing.

This dish serves as a nourishing, vegetable-packed soup that delivers warmth and comfort to your core. Despite its light nature, it’s rich in protein and fiber, making it filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 7 oz extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed dry, and cut into 1-inch cubes

• ¼ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce, divided

• 6 scallions

• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil, divided

• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped (2 Tbsp.)

• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 4 whole star anise pods

• 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles

• 4 cups stemmed and chopped Swiss chard (from 1 bunch)

• Chili crisp, sriracha, or sambal oelek, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the tofu:

Coat tofu in 2 tablespoons of tamari in a shallow dish.

Slice the scallions:

Remove the dark green tops of the scallions and set them aside. Thinly slice the light green and white parts of the scallions.

Heat the oil and sauté the aromatics:

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the light green and white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger; cook, stirring frequently, until aromatic, about 1 minute.

Pour in the broth and seasonings:

Add the broth, star anise, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of tamari; bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Heat oil and shallow fry the tofu:

In the meantime, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the tofu, discarding any excess liquid. Add the tofu to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels.

Remove the star anise and cook the noodles and greens in the soup:

Remove the star anise from the soup. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the rice noodles and Swiss chard; cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 4 minutes. While the noodles cook, thinly slice the reserved dark green parts of the scallions.

Garnish and serve the soup:

Serve the soup, topping it with crispy tofu and the dark green parts of the scallions. Drizzle with chili sauce for extra flavor.

Tofu Noodle Soup Variations

• Increase the greens: Try adding Tuscan kale, bok choy, spinach, or any leafy greens you enjoy to this soup.
• Incorporate miso: Stir a generous amount of miso paste into the simmering broth to enhance its umami flavor.
• Top with shrimp: If you're a pescatarian, sauté shrimp marinated in tamari and add them on top of the soup, either alongside or instead of the crispy tofu.
• Experiment with different noodles: This soup works well with various Asian noodles, such as udon, soba, glass noodles, or ramen. You can also use regular wheat vermicelli or angel hair in a pinch.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a few teaspoons of sesame paste, tahini, or your preferred nut butter to create a creamier texture for the broth.

How to Store Tofu Noodle Soup

This soup makes excellent leftovers. To keep the best texture, store the broth, noodles, and any garnishes or toppings separately in airtight food storage containers in the refrigerator. This ensures the tofu remains crispy and prevents the noodles and toppings from getting too soggy. Leftover soup will stay fresh for several days.

6 More Easy Noodle Soup Recipes To Try

• Miso Noodle Soup
• Miso Chicken Noodle Soup with Kimchi
• Ginger Meatball Ramen with Greens
• Spring Minestrone
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Paprikash Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of tofu is best for soup?

  Extra-firm tofu works best for this soup, as it crisps up nicely and doesn't absorb too much liquid. However, the choice of tofu is a matter of personal preference and any type can be used in soup.

• Is tofu noodle soup good for you?

  Tofu noodle soup offers plant-based protein, along with a nutritious broth and leafy greens, making it a healthy choice that could be considered a superfood.

Nutrition Information (per serving)