For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for water. If pea vine shoots are unavailable, spinach or other leafy greens can be used as a substitute. Be gentle when forming and adding the tofu balls to prevent them from falling apart. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference. The soup can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. Add the pea vine shoots just before serving to maintain their freshness. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground pork and use vegetable broth. Dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced, can be added for extra flavor and texture.
He Jia Tuan Yuan (Tofu Ball Soup for Lunar Chinese New Year)
-
PREP TIME15 mins
-
COOK TIME30 mins
-
TOTAL TIME45 mins
-
SERVING5 People
-
VIEWS33
Embrace the spirit of togetherness with this comforting Tofu Ball Soup, a Lunar New Year tradition. Tender tofu and savory pork meatballs float in a delicate broth, symbolizing unity and family harmony. A simple yet deeply meaningful dish to celebrate the season.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate12 g
-
Cholesterol70 mg
-
Fiber1 g
-
Protein15 g
-
Saturated Fat4 g
-
Sodium786 mg
-
Sugar2 g
-
Fat15 g
-
Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
5 mins
In a large bowl, crumble the tofu with your hands or a spoon until it forms a smooth paste. (5 minutes)
02
Step
5 mins
Add the ground pork, cornstarch, egg, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules (if using), and 1 teaspoon of salt to the tofu. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive mixture. (5 minutes)
03
Step
10 mins
In a large saucepan or pot, bring the water (or chicken broth) and vegetable oil to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. (10 minutes)
04
Step
15 mins
Using gloved hands or two spoons, shape the tofu mixture into small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each. Gently slide each tofu ball into the simmering broth, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. (15 minutes)
05
Step
30 mins
Allow the tofu balls to simmer undisturbed until they rise to the surface and are cooked through. This should take about 25-30 minutes. Avoid stirring vigorously to prevent them from breaking apart.
06
Step
2 mins
Once the tofu balls are cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the dried shrimp, pea vine shoots (or spinach), remaining 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules (if using), and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. (2 minutes)
07
Step
1 mins
Serve the soup hot, Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of tofu balls, shrimp, and greens. Enjoy the flavors and the symbolism of unity and togetherness this soup represents.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
RECIPE REVIEWS
LEAVE A REVIEW
Please Rate
LATEST RECIPES
-
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
Dexter Bayer
Jun 26, 2025My family loved this soup! It was a delicious and meaningful addition to our Lunar New Year dinner.
Aurelie Mann
Apr 9, 2025I'm not a big fan of tofu, but I really enjoyed this soup. The meatballs were so tender and flavorful.
Makenna Waters
Mar 6, 2025The tofu balls were surprisingly easy to make. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow.
Declan Runolfsdottir
Feb 21, 2025Next time, I'll try adding a touch of sesame oil to the soup for a nutty aroma.
Favian Dubuque
Jan 30, 2025I added some chopped shiitake mushrooms to the soup for extra umami flavor. It was a great addition!