Description
This comforting Garlic Ginger Soup with Noodles combines a fragrant, flavorful broth packed with fresh ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Enhanced with tofu for protein and a kick of hot sauce, this vegan Asian-inspired soup is perfect as a light meal or starter. The soup is quick to prepare on the stovetop, using rice noodles for a gluten-free option, making it both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- ½ tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (or 3 tablespoons water)
- ½ cup diced red, white, or yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup grated or finely chopped ginger
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 5 cups water and 2 ½ vegetable bouillon cubes (or 5 cups vegetable broth)
- 4–5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on your sourness preference)
- ⅓ cup hot sauce
Protein and Noodles
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 (8-ounce) package rice noodles
Instructions
- Heat the Base: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil or use 3 tablespoons water as a substitute, warming the pot for the soup base.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, thinly sliced carrots, celery, grated ginger, and halved garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent, releasing their sweetness and aromatics.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in 5 cups of water along with 2 ½ vegetable bouillon cubes (or substitute with 5 cups vegetable broth for convenience). Stir in the lemon juice and hot sauce to bring brightness and heat, then add the cubed extra-firm tofu gently to retain its shape in the soup.
- Cook Noodles: Add the rice noodles directly into the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy, absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked through, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and serve warm for a cozy, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture which helps it hold its shape during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Rice noodles cook quickly, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute the vegetable bouillon cubes with vegetable broth for a richer flavor and simpler preparation.
- This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice noodles and certified gluten-free bouillon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Garlic Ginger Soup, Vegan Soup, Tofu Soup, Rice Noodle Soup, Asian Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Quick Dinner
