Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu

When it comes to cozy, nourishing meals that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu is an absolute winner! This soup is packed with flavors that are both bright and savory, with a rich umami broth infused with ginger and miso. Topped with crispy, golden-brown sesame tofu for the perfect crunch, it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal or something a little different to impress guests, this dish is simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu

Here’s why this soup is so special:

  • Flavor-Packed Broth: The combination of miso, ginger, and a few secret ingredients creates a rich and comforting broth that’s both soothing and full of depth.
  • Crispy Tofu: The crispy, sesame-coated tofu adds the perfect textural contrast to the silky broth, making every bite an adventure.
  • Healthy & Light: Packed with plant-based protein from the tofu and the goodness of ginger and miso, this soup is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
  • Quick & Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
  • Customizable: This soup is super flexible! You can add extra vegetables, noodles, or even a boiled egg to make it your own.

Ingredients in Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu

This dish uses a simple list of ingredients that come together to create something really special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Broth:

  • Vegetable Broth: The base for our broth, providing a rich, savory foundation.
  • White Miso Paste: Adds that signature umami flavor, making the broth creamy and tangy.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the broth a zesty kick and a little heat.
  • Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the broth.
  • Soy Sauce: For that extra touch of saltiness and umami.
  • Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil adds a toasty flavor that complements the miso beautifully.

For the Crispy Tofu:

  • Firm Tofu: The star of the show, this tofu will crisp up beautifully when shredded and fried.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and flavor to the crispy tofu.
  • Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce for seasoning the tofu.
  • Olive Oil: For frying the tofu until golden and crispy.

Optional Toppings:

  • Green Onions: For a fresh, crunchy garnish.
  • Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.
  • Sliced Chili: For a bit of heat (if you like it spicy).
  • Noodles or Rice: To make the soup more filling, feel free to add some cooked noodles or a scoop of rice.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into making this comforting, flavorful soup!

Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the miso paste, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the miso paste dissolves completely and the broth is well-mixed. Bring the broth to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.

Cook the Tofu

While the broth is simmering, prepare the tofu. First, press the tofu to remove excess moisture (a tofu press works wonders, or you can wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a weight on top). Once the tofu is pressed, shred it into small pieces using your hands or a fork.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Toss the shredded tofu in the mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Assemble the Soup

Once the broth has simmered and the tofu is crispy, it’s time to assemble your soup. Ladle the warm broth into bowls, then top with the crispy tofu. Add your desired toppings, such as sliced green onions, cilantro, sliced chili, or a scoop of noodles or rice for extra heartiness.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu hot, and enjoy the incredible combination of savory, crispy, and comforting flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 3.2mg
Potassium: 380mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu

This soup is satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Side Salad: Pair it with a light Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.
  • Steamed Rice or Noodles: For a heartier meal, add a scoop of steamed rice or some ramen noodles to the soup.
  • Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of quick-pickled vegetables to add tang and balance to the dish.

Additional Tips

  • Crispy Tofu Tip: If you want your tofu even crispier, feel free to press it longer to release more moisture before shredding.
  • Broth Tip: Adjust the flavor of the broth by adding a little more miso paste or soy sauce if you prefer a stronger umami flavor.
  • Storage Tip: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, and fry up some fresh tofu if needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?
A1: For this recipe, firm tofu is best as it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Soft tofu won’t get crispy, but you can use it for a different texture if you prefer.

Q2: Can I use a different type of miso paste?
A2: Yes! White miso is milder and sweeter, but you can use red miso for a deeper, more intense flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your taste.

Q3: Can I make the tofu in advance?
A3: Absolutely! You can fry the tofu in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat in a hot pan to crisp it back up.

Q4: Can I add noodles to the soup?
A4: Yes, you can definitely add noodles! Udon or ramen noodles are great choices and will make the soup more filling.

Q5: How do I press tofu properly?
A5: You can press tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object (like a pan or canned goods) on top. Let it press for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Q6: Can I make this soup spicy?
A6: Yes! Add sliced fresh chili, chili paste, or a dash of sriracha to the broth for extra heat.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store the soup and tofu separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tofu will stay crispy if kept separate and reheated in a pan before serving.

Q8: Can I freeze the soup?
A8: The broth freezes well, but the tofu may lose its crispy texture. If you plan to freeze, store the tofu separately and crisp it up when you’re ready to serve.

Q9: What can I use instead of sesame seeds?
A9: If you don’t have sesame seeds, try using sunflower seeds or a mixture of breadcrumbs for crunch.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your miso paste is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu is the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and nutritious. It’s light yet satisfying, with a balance of savory broth and crispy tofu that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or with friends, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful!

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Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

This Ginger Miso Brothy Soup with Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu is a warm, flavorful dish featuring a savory broth infused with ginger and miso, topped with crispy sesame-coated tofu. It’s the perfect comforting and protein-packed meal for a light lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste (white or yellow)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, button, or cremini)
  • 1/2 cup bok choy or spinach (optional, for added greens)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Crispy Shredded Sesame Tofu:

  • 1 block firm tofu (14 oz), drained and pressed
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crispy sesame tofu:
    Once the tofu is drained and pressed, shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a fork.
    In a bowl, toss the shredded tofu with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
    Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu and cook, stirring frequently, until the tofu becomes golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the soup broth:
    In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, miso paste, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to dissolve the miso paste into the broth.
    Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  3. Add the vegetables:
    Add the sliced mushrooms and bok choy or spinach (if using) to the broth. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Assemble the soup:
    Divide the broth and vegetables into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous amount of crispy shredded sesame tofu. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
  5. Serve:
    Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the broth.
  • You can substitute the tofu with tempeh for a different texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a splash of coconut milk.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of the recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0g

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