Soft Flounder and Soft Tofu Soup
Soft Flounder and Soft Tofu Soup
Nutritious and Silky Flounder and Soft Tofu Soup
This recipe features a wonderfully smooth and nutritious soup made with tender flounder and delicate soft tofu. It’s incredibly easy to make if you have fresh flounder, requiring no complex techniques. Perfect as a light meal, a nourishing option for when you’re feeling under the weather, or even as a soothing hangover soup.
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh spinach
- 1 pack (250g) soft tofu
- 100g domestic flounder fillet (sashimi-grade or fresh)
- 200ml rich kelp broth
- 30g green onion (scallion)
- Pinch of sea salt (for blanching spinach)
Seasonings- Pinch of fine salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for flavor)
- 20ml sesame oil (2 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp tuna extract (for depth of flavor)
- Pinch of fine salt (for seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for flavor)
- 20ml sesame oil (2 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp tuna extract (for depth of flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh domestic flounder fillet. Using flounder intended for sashimi will ensure the smoothest texture and prevent any fishiness.
Step 2
Wash the spinach thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of sea salt. Blanch the spinach for just a moment until it turns bright green, then immediately plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out the excess water and finely chop it, almost to a mince. This process helps the spinach flavor infuse well and contributes to a smoother soup texture.
Step 3
Cut the soft tofu into small, bite-sized cubes. Be careful not to make them too large, as they can break apart when cooked.
Step 4
Finely chop the green onion. The aromatic quality of the green onion will significantly enhance the soup’s overall fragrance and flavor.
Step 5
Chop the flounder fillet into small pieces. In a separate bowl, gently toss the chopped flounder with a pinch of fine salt, a dash of black pepper, and a bit of sesame oil. This initial seasoning helps to tenderize the fish and reduce any fishy odor.
Step 6
Now, let’s start cooking the soup base. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over low heat. Add the chopped green onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This gentle sautéing is key to building aromatic depth.
Step 7
Once the green onion and garlic are fragrant, add the seasoned flounder pieces to the pot. Sauté briefly just until the flounder turns opaque. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the fish tough.
Step 8
After the flounder has started to cook, add the finely chopped spinach. Stir and cook for another minute until the spinach becomes vibrant green.
Step 9
Pour in the rich kelp broth. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. (Tip: For a richer kelp broth, use a generous amount of dried kelp and simmer it gently.)
Step 10
Once the broth is boiling, carefully add the cubed soft tofu. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, just until the tofu is heated through. Be gentle when stirring to prevent the tofu from breaking apart.
Step 11
Finally, season the soup by adding 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of tuna extract. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It’s best to start with less and add more to achieve your desired saltiness.
Step 12
Your delicious, nourishing, and incredibly soft Flounder and Soft Tofu Soup is now complete! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish. It’s truly a delight for the palate and gentle on the stomach.
