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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
