Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass
A clear, aromatic broth infused with the bright zest of lemongrass and the umami depth of tofu, evoking the clarity of light. This southeast asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs block (14 oz), cubed tofu, stalks, thinly sliced lemongrass, coconut milk 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 block (14 oz), cubed tofu
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced lemongrass
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1, juiced lime
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pot, combine 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 2: Add 2 slices lemongrass and 1 block tofu cubes. Simmer for 15 minutes until tofu is warmed through.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp lime juice. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemongrass and chili flakes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass?
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 block (14 oz), cubed tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass?
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 Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass 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.
What goes well with Luminous Tofu Broth with Lemongrass?
Southeast Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegetarian recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
