Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup
A light, cleansing broth featuring translucent lotus root slices and silken tofu, mirroring the lotus flower's quiet grace in a moonlit pond. This japanese-inspired soups (vegetarian, low-sodium) ready in about 30 minutes pairs lotus root, firm tofu, dashi stock for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, peeled and thinly sliced lotus root
- 1 block, 14 ounces, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 3, finely sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 inch, thinly sliced ginger
- 1 sheet, shredded nori
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring dashi stock to a gentle simmer in a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add ginger and simmer for 2 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Add lotus root slices and simmer for 8 minutes until tender but still holding shape.
- Step 4: Stir in mirin and soy sauce, then add tofu cubes and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and nori.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lotus root from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lotus Root and Tofu Clear Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low-sodium based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
