Soups

Cabbage and Tofu Soup

Cabbage and Tofu Soup is a classic home-style soup enjoyed across China. Made with cabbage and tofu as the main ingredients, it requires only minimal seasoning and is quick to prepare. Cabbage is neutral in nature (some sources say cool), sweet in taste, and channels to the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It is known for promoting bowel movement, clearing heat, relieving restlessness, and promoting diuresis. Tofu is cool in nature, sweet in taste, and channels to the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. It is known for benefiting qi and harmonizing the middle, promoting salivation and moistening dryness, and clearing heat and detoxifying. Together, they achieve the combined effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, moistening dryness, and detoxifying the intestines. The soup has a clear, light broth, with sweet, tender cabbage and smooth, soft tofu. This soup is suitable for daily wellness for all ages.

Soups
p2
regulate Qi and harmonize the Stomach
clear heat and relieve vexation（清热除烦）
Promotes diuresis and treats stranguria.
supplement the middle and benefit qi
clear Heat and resolve Toxin
promote fluid production
moisten dryness
Recovery Meals
Office Wellness
Gathering & Sharing
Bedtime Nourishment
Morning Nourishment
Afternoon Recharge

Servings: 2
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 15 min

Main Ingredients

Cabbage (Chinese cabbage or baby cabbage) 300g
Tofu (firm or soft) 300g
Fresh ginger 2-3 slices
Scallions 1 stalk(chopped)
Salt To taste
Sesame oil A few drops
White pepper powder A pinch
Cooking oil A small amount

Steps

Slice the tofu into 1 cm thick pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Heat a pan with a little oil and pan-fry the tofu over low heat until both sides are golden brown. Fried tofu has a crispy exterior and tender interior, holds its shape well, and has a richer flavor.
Leave some oil in the pan, add the ginger slices, and sauté until fragrant. Add the cabbage and stir-fry until softened. Add water, bring to a boil, add the fried tofu, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-8 minutes. Season with salt, scallions, and sesame oil.

TCM Notes

Modern Nutrition Research: Clearing heat and promoting diuresis: Both cabbage and tofu are cooling in nature, helping with urinary difficulty and restlessness with thirst. Laxative effect: Dietary fiber in cabbage and oligosaccharides in tofu promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation. Calcium supplementation: Tofu is an excellent plant-based calcium source. Combined with vitamin K in cabbage, it supports bone health. Heart health: Soy protein and unsaturated fatty acids in tofu help lower blood lipids and protect cardiovascular health. Immunity enhancement: Vitamin C from cabbage and high-quality protein from tofu work together to boost immunity.

Suitable for：Generally healthy individuals for everyday meals Those with constipation Those with thirst, restlessness, and urinary difficulty Those with hypertension and hyperlipidemia Those who are overweight or on a weight loss plan The elderly (light and easy to digest) Children (comprehensive nutrition)

Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or diarrhea: Both cabbage and tofu are cooling — should not be overconsumed Those with acute stomach conditions: Avoid cold consumption — serve warm Those in acute gout flare-ups: Tofu contains moderate purines — consume in small amounts Those with renal insufficiency: Protein intake should be controlled Those allergic to soy or cabbage

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