This easy tofu soup is a healthy one-pot dinner packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and ready in just 30 minutes.

For more easy tofu recipes, check out our tofu curry, creamy tofu pasta, marinated tofu, and fried tofu.

Top down view of tofu soup with noodles and broccoli in white bowl.
Tofu Vegetable Soup

A Quick, Healthy Soup That Fits Busy Weeknights

There are countless ways to make tofu soup, from Korean soondubu jjigae to Japanese miso. Ours is an easy, Asian-inspired version – healthy, hearty, and ready in about 30 minutes ๐Ÿœ.

As food bloggers and home cooks, Louise and I wanted to create a tofu soup that doesnโ€™t need hours on the stove to taste flavorful. Instead, itโ€™s a one-pot recipe that balances protein-rich tofu with plenty of fresh vegetables, making it both nourishing and satisfying.

And if youโ€™re extra hungry (like me ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™‚๏ธ), add noodles or a ramen-style soft-boiled egg for a heartier bowl. It’s so good!

Just like our popular fried tofu, marinated tofu, and tofu curry, this tofu soup is simple, wholesome, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Ingredients for tofu soup on a table.
  • Tofu: firm or extra-firm holds shape best, but soft or silken works for a lighter, low calorie tofu soup.
  • Mushrooms: white, brown, portobello, cremini, or oyster. For a deeper one pot vegetarian soup, mix a few varieties.
  • Dried mushrooms: generic dried mushrooms, shiitake, or porcini boost flavor. Skip if you prefer a lighter broth.
  • Flavor base: olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red chili pepper. Substitute chili with a teaspoon of gochujang for spicy depth.
  • Soy sauce: classic seasoning. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Vegetable broth: we usually dissolve bouillon powder in hot water instead of buying cartons – it makes groceries lighter and a small tub lasts for weeks. Substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
  • Vegetables: use whatโ€™s in season. Try broccoli and peas in winter, snow peas and asparagus in spring, zucchini and peppers in summer, or cauliflower and edamame in fall.
  • Miso paste (optional): white or red miso adds umami. Substitute with a spoon of tahini for nutty creaminess.
  • Noodles (optional): fresh ramen or udon noodles can be added straight to the pot. If using dry noodles, cook separately and stir in at the end.
  • Toppings: scallions, cilantro, and sesame oil are classics. Add chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, or lime juice for extra flair.
  • Protein boost (optional): add a soft-boiled egg or swirl in low-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr for extra vegan protein soup alternatives (or dairy-free, skip these).

How to Make This Easy Tofu Soup

Step 1 โ€“ Build the Flavor Base

Soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for about 5 minutes. While they soften, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced red chili, then sautรฉ for just 1 minute until fragrant.

Squeeze the mushrooms dry, saving the soaking water. Add them to the pot with the fresh chopped mushrooms, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices.

Step 1 Garlic ginger chili and mushrooms sauteฬing in pot for flavorful tofu soup base.

Step 2 โ€“ Make the Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and the reserved mushroom soaking water (strain it first to remove grit). This creates a rich, savory base without needing hours of simmering.

Bring to a gentle boil, then add diced tofu, broccoli florets, and peas. Let everything simmer together for 10โ€“15 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender but still have a bite. For extra depth, stir in a tablespoon of miso paste dissolved in hot broth before turning off the heat.

Step 2 Tofu broccoli peas and broth simmering together for easy one pot tofu soup.

Step 3 โ€“ Taste and Serve

Check the flavor and adjust with a little more salt, soy sauce, or miso. Serve hot in bowls and finish with toppings like scallions, cilantro, sesame oil, or chili oil.

For a heartier protein-rich soup, add cooked noodles or a soft-boiled egg on top. This turns the dish into a full 30 minute tofu soup thatโ€™s satisfying enough for dinner.

Step 3 Finished tofu soup in bowl garnished with scallions cilantro and sesame oil.

Noodle Tip for the Best Soup ๐Ÿœ

Fresh ramen or udon noodles are our top choice, but rice noodles or soy noodles work too.

  • Fresh noodles: Add them straight into the pot with an extra splash (1โ€“2 cups) of vegetable broth. Let them warm and soften for a few minutes, and youโ€™re ready to serve.
  • Dry noodles: Cook separately according to package instructions, then stir them into the finished soup so they donโ€™t soak up all the broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?

Yes! Silken tofu makes the broth creamier, while firm or extra-firm holds shape better.

How do I make this a healthy tofu soup recipe without losing flavor?

Load it up with seasonal vegetables, use miso or soy sauce for depth, and keep the broth light.

What kind of noodles work best in this soup?

Fresh ramen or udon are easiest, but rice noodles, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti work too.

Can I meal prep this soup?

Yes, the broth and tofu store well in the fridge for 3โ€“4 days. Cook noodles separately and add before serving.

Can I freeze tofu soup?

The broth freezes beautifully. For best texture, add fresh vegetables and tofu when reheating.

What vegetables go well in this soup?

Broccoli, bok choy, spinach, zucchini, peas, or mushroomsโ€”choose whatโ€™s in season.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, stir in chili paste, extra ginger, or even a spoonful of gochujang for heat.

More Easy Tofu Recipes

If you tried this tofu soup recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a ๐ŸŒŸ star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you โ˜บ๏ธ.

Easy one pot tofu soup with miso broth and fresh toppings on table.

Easy Tofu Soup

5 from 51 votes
This tofu soup is a healthy one-pot meal packed with veggies and protein, ready in 30 minutes for a comforting and nourishing dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Video

Tofu Vegetable Soup

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1ยฝ inches ginger grated
  • ยฝ red hot chili thinly sliced
  • ยพ cup dried mushrooms shiitake are best
  • 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce reduced-sodium
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets substitute asparagus, cauliflower florets, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, etc.
  • ยพ cup frozen peas substitute snow peas, edamame beans, spinach, kale, cabbage, etc.
  • 1 heaping tablespoon miso paste optional
  • 4 servings noodles optional
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • 1 scallion , cilantro, and sesame oil to garnish.

Instructions 

  • Soak ยพ cup dried mushrooms in hot water for 5 minutes.
    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, add 3 cloves garlic, 1ยฝ inches ginger (both grated), ยฝ red hot chili (thinly sliced) and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
    Squeeze soaked mushrooms out of the water and add them to the pan. Reserve soaking water.
    Add 8 ounces mushrooms (chopped), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, ยฝ teaspoon salt, and 2 twists black pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
    Step 1 Garlic ginger chili and mushrooms sauteฬing in pot for flavorful tofu soup base.
  • Add 6 cups vegetable broth and the soaking water from the dried mushrooms passing it through a fine-mesh sift first.
    Bring to a boil then add 16 ounces firm tofu (diced), 1 cup broccoli florets, and ยพ cup frozen peas.
    Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the veggies are cooked but with a bite.
    For extra flavor, you can add 1 heaping tablespoon miso paste dissolved in some hot broth shortly before turning the heat off.
    Step 2 Tofu broccoli peas and broth simmering together for easy one pot tofu soup.
  • Taste and adjust for salt. You can increase flavor with more salt, soy sauce, or miso.
    Serve in a bowl and garnish with 1 scallion (chopped), fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sesame or chili oil.
    Optionally can addย 4 servings noodles of cooked noodles, aย soft-boiled egg, and/or a tablespoon ofย kimchi.
    Step 3 Finished tofu soup in bowl garnished with scallions cilantro and sesame oil.

Notes

Substitutions
  • Tofu โ†’ Firm or extra-firm for best texture; soft or silken for lighter, low calorie tofu soup.
  • Mushrooms โ†’ White, brown, portobello, cremini, or oyster; mix varieties for deeper one pot vegetarian soup flavor.
  • Dried mushrooms โ†’ Shiitake, porcini, or mixed dried mushrooms; skip for a lighter broth.
  • Flavor base โ†’ Olive oil, garlic, ginger, red chili; swap chili for gochujang for spicy depth.
  • Soy sauce โ†’ Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • Vegetable broth โ†’ Bouillon powder dissolved in water; chicken broth works too.
  • Vegetables โ†’ Seasonal swaps like broccoli and peas in winter, zucchini and peppers in summer, cauliflower or edamame in fall.
  • Miso paste (optional) โ†’ White or red miso; substitute tahini for nutty richness.
  • Noodles (optional) โ†’ Fresh ramen or udon added directly; dry noodles cooked separately then stirred in.
  • Toppings โ†’ Scallions, cilantro, sesame oil; try chili crisp, sesame seeds, or lime juice.
  • Protein boost (optional) โ†’ Soft-boiled egg, low-fat Greek yogurt, or Skyr; skip for vegan protein soup.
Tips
  • Pick your noodles wisely ๐Ÿœ โ€“ Fresh ramen or udon are best, but rice or soy noodles also shine.
  • Fresh noodles โ€“ Drop them straight into the pot with a splash of extra vegetable broth to soften.
  • Dry noodles โ€“ Cook separately, then add at the end so they donโ€™t drink up all the broth.
Storage
Store tofu soup in the fridge for 3โ€“4 days or freeze the broth for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 4, Calories: 247kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 485mg, Potassium: 642mg, Dietary Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 709IU, Vitamin B6: 0.3mg, Vitamin C: 81mg, Vitamin E: 2mg, Vitamin K: 95ยตg, Calcium: 209mg, Folate: 91ยตg, Iron: 3mg, Manganese: 1mg, Magnesium: 52mg, Zinc: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or mention @theplantbasedschool on Instagram. We love hearing from you โญ๏ธ ๐Ÿ’š.


Nico and Louise in front of the Consolazione church in Todi

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Weโ€™re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) ๐ŸŒฟโœจ.

Welcome to our blog, we are glad you are here.

5 from 51 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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50 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Omg. What a gem. I want to take credit for this recipe. It’s so good. I added leeks at the beginning and stirred in chopped zucchini at the end of cooking. It’s so good.