Tofu, Mustard Greens, and Fish Soup (豆腐芥菜魚湯)
豆腐芥菜魚湯, or Tofu, Mustard Greens, and Fish Soup, is a nourishing and comforting dish often enjoyed in Chinese cuisine. This soup is known for its light yet flavorful broth, tender fish, and the complementing textures of soft tofu and slightly crunchy mustard greens. It's a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for any day. Here's how to make it at home.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 500 g firm white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or catfish, cut into chunks
- 300 g tofu cut into cubes
- 200 g mustard greens chopped
- 1.5 liters of water or fish stock
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Clean the fish fillets and pat them dry. Season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes.
- Wash and chop the mustard greens.
Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger slices. Sauté until fragrant.
Cook the Fish:
- Gently add the fish fillets to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side.
- If using, add the Shaoxing wine and let it simmer for a minute.
Add Water or Stock:
- Pour in the water or fish stock. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add Tofu and Mustard Greens:
- Add the tofu cubes and chopped mustard greens to the pot.
- Simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the fish is cooked through.
- Season the Soup:
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Add sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor if desired.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl gets a good mix of fish, tofu, and mustard greens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Enjoy:
- Serve the Tofu, Mustard Greens, and Fish Soup hot as a nourishing main dish.