Caldo de Tofu (Vegan Tofu Soup)

AKDSEO

Caldo de tofu is a vegan tofu soup with plenty of rich flavors using plant-based ingredients. It’s a simple soup of rice, tofu, and veggies that is hearty and satisfying, and quite easy to prepare.

When I was a little girl, my whole family would visit my grandma’s house on Sundays for her good home cooking. 

Her love language, like mine, was food-sharing, and a recipe that she shared with us over and over again was her Caldo de Pollo — a delicious chicken, vegetable soup. 

My plant-based Caldo de Tofu recipe is based on the memories of my favorite childhood recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Budget-friendly! This recipe can be made for just about $2.50 per serving.
  • A comfort food dream! This tofu soup recipe is perfect for when you’re feeling a bit under the weather or need to warm up.
  • Simple ingredients and easy preparation. Tofu + veggies + seasonings are all that are required!

What Goes Into This Recipe

You can grab everything you need to make this during a quick trip to the grocery store. Here’s what you will need:

ingredients for Caldo de Tofu against a white surface
  • Vegetable oil: Any type of healthy vegetable oil works great.
  • Aromatics: Garlic, yellow onion, carrots, and celery.
  • Vegetables: Zucchini and corn on the cob. Use fresh for the best flavor though you can use frozen corn on the cob if it’s not available.
  • Extra firm tofu: Holds up nicely when boiled in a soup. Here’s a guide to tofu for more info on all things tofu!
  • White rice: The traditional variety of rice used in this style of soup. You can swap with brown rice but you will need to extend the cooking time.
  • No chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes or paste. Adds flavor to the soup. You can also use six cups of vegetable broth to replace the water and bouillon. 
  • Cilantro: Sprinkled over the top for garnish.

How To Make Vegetable Tofu Soup Recipe aka Caldo de Tofu

  • 1) Add the oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and zucchini, to a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir frequently to keep the vegetables from burning.
process shot of pouring onions into a pan with oil
process of adding minced garlic to pan
process of adding veggies to pan
  • 2) Add the corn, tofu, rice, water, and bouillon to the pot.
process of adding corn to pan
process shot of adding veggie broth to pan
process shot of adding tofu to pan
  • 3) Bring to a boil, cover, and lower heat to a simmer. 
  • 4) Allow the soup to simmer for 40 minutes. 
  • 5) Garnish each bowl of soup with minced cilantro.

Expert Tips 

  • Prefer a spicy tofu soup recipe? Add some sliced chilies on top or a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
  • Choosing the right tofu! I prefer extra firm or firm in this recipe because it’s more “meaty”. However, you can make vegan tofu soup with just about any type of tofu including softer types of regular tofu and silken tofu. 
  • Change up the veggies! Vegan soup with tofu is perfect for using up veggies you have on hand!

FAQs

How do you cut tofu for soup?

It’s really up to you, but I prefer to cut it into smaller cubes (one-half-inch) as I find they are easier to eat with a spoon and allow you to get a little bit of tofu, veggie broth, and veggies in one bite.

Can you add raw tofu to soup?

Yes you can. Tofu doesn’t really need to be cooked for a particular length of time to be safe to eat. You need to cook it long enough to heat it through though and the longer you cook it, the more it may absorb some of the flavors of the soup.

completed Caldo de Tofu in a bowl against a white surface

More Vegan Tofu Recipes

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

completed Caldo de Tofu in a bowl against a white surface

Caldo de Tofu (Vegan Tofu Soup)

Toni Okamoto

Caldo de tofu is a vegan tofu soup with plenty of rich flavors using plant-based ingredients. It’s a simple soup of rice, tofu, and veggies that is hearty and satisfying, and quite easy to prepare.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 55 mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 312 kcal

  • In a large pot (with a lid) over medium heat, add the oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and zucchini, and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until vegetables are tender.

  • Add the corn, tofu, rice, water, and bouillon.

  • Bring to a boil, cover, and lower heat to a simmer.

  • Allow to simmer for 40 minutes.

  • Garnish with minced cilantro.

  • Prefer a spicy tofu soup recipe? Add some sliced chilies on top or a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
  • Choosing the right tofu! I prefer extra firm or firm in this recipe because it’s more “meaty”. However, you can make vegan tofu soup with just about any type of tofu including softer types of regular tofu and silken tofu. 
  • Change up the veggies! Vegan soup with tofu is perfect for using up veggies you have on hand!

Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 632mgPotassium: 588mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5261IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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