Gaeng Jued Tao Hu Moo Sap (Thai Clear Soup with Tofu and Pork)
Local name: แกงจืดเต้าหู้หมูสับ
In short: A mild clear broth with small pork meatballs, soft tofu and tender cabbage, the soothing soup Thai families serve beside spicy dishes. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 155 kcal
Gaeng jued means mild or plain soup, and it is the quiet dish on a Thai table, there to soothe the mouth between bites of spicy curries and stir-fries. A light stock holds small pork meatballs, soft tofu and cabbage, seasoned with soy sauce, white pepper and a little garlic. It takes about 30 minutes, and the flavors are gentle, so use a good stock.
Instructions
- Mix the pork, garlic, coriander stems, white pepper and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce with your hands for 1 minute, until sticky and well combined. Roll into 16 small balls about the size of a marble.
- Bring the stock to a gentle simmer in a medium pot.
- Drop in the meatballs one by one. Simmer for 5 minutes, until they float and are cooked through (71°C/160°F inside).
- Add the cabbage and simmer for 4 minutes, until soft and sweet.
- Slide in the tofu and simmer for 2 minutes just to heat through, without stirring much so it does not break.
- Season with the soy sauce, salt and sugar, then taste and adjust. Ladle into bowls and top with the spring onions, coriander and fried garlic.
Tips
- Keep the simmer gentle so the broth stays clear and the tofu does not crumble. Skim off any foam from the meatballs for a cleaner soup.
- Add a handful of soaked glass noodles or a few shiitake mushrooms for a fuller soup. Minced chicken can replace pork.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with Thai clear soup?
It is meant to sit beside rice and a spicy dish such as a curry or a stir-fry, cooling the heat and adding a gentle, savory broth.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable stock, extra tofu and mushrooms in place of the pork, and season with soy sauce and white pepper.
Can I freeze the soup?
Freeze the broth and meatballs for up to 2 months. Tofu turns spongy when frozen, so add fresh tofu and cabbage when you reheat.
How long does it take to make Gaeng Jued Tao Hu Moo Sap (Thai Clear Soup with Tofu and Pork)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gaeng Jued Tao Hu Moo Sap (Thai Clear Soup with Tofu and Pork)?
About 155 kcal per serving, with 15 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 155 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
