Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, umami-rich broth featuring fermented padaek fish sauce, firm tofu, and seasonal vegetables for a comforting yet refreshing meal. This asian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Vegetable broth, Padaek, Tofu 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a medium pot over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add sliced galangal, bruised lemongrass stalk, and torn lime leaves; simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add cubed tofu and sliced mushrooms; simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp padaek and 1 tsp fish sauce; simmer for 2 minutes to blend.
  5. Step 5: Add sliced Thai chilies; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add chopped bok choy and simmer for 2 minutes until wilted but vibrant.
  7. Step 7: Remove pot from heat. Discard galangal and lemongrass (optional), stir in fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu?

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 vegetable broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu?

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 Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu 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 Padaek-Infused Vegetable Soup with Tofu vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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