Tofu, Pork Mince,
Clam Soup

A light and restorative soup that balances the natural sweetness of fresh clams with savory pork mince and silky tofu. It is a simple, healthy classic perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

• 300 g silken or soft tofu, sliced
• 150 g pork mince
• 300 g fresh clams, cleaned
• 1 tbsp lard
• 1 tbsp ginger, shredded
• 2 tbsp preserved winter vegetable
• 1 tsp cooking oil
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper powder
• optional fresh cilantro, chopped
• optional scallions, chopped
• optional fried garlic flakes

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the soup base

   

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a scoop of lard to the water, which provides a rich, silky texture to the broth.

   Tip: Using lard is a traditional secret for enhancing the flavor and mouthfeel of light, savory soups.
2. 2Add the tofu

   

   Carefully slide the thick, raw slices of white tofu into the boiling water. Allow the tofu to boil for approximately three minutes to ensure it is heated through.

   Tip: Slide the tofu gently to prevent the slices from breaking apart in the boiling water.
3. 3Incorporate ginger aromatics

   

   Add the shredded ginger into the pot with the tofu and boiling water. Ginger adds a necessary aromatic freshness to the soup.

   Tip: Thinly shredding the ginger helps it infuse its flavor into the broth quickly.
4. 4Add the clams

   

   Pour the fresh, raw whole clams into the boiling soup mixture. The clams will release their natural sweetness into the broth as they cook.

   Tip: Ensure your clams are thoroughly cleaned of sand before adding them to the pot.
5. 5Add the pork mince

   

   Using a spoon, add chunks of raw, pink pork mince into the simmering broth. Allow it to cook alongside the tofu and clams.

   Tip: Drop the mince in small, bite-sized portions so they cook evenly throughout the soup.
6. 6Season the soup

   

   Season the soup with salt, pepper powder, and the preserved winter vegetable. Stir gently to combine these ingredients into the mixture.

   Tip: Preserved winter vegetable adds a salty, savory depth that perfectly complements the fresh clams.
7. 7Drizzle with oil

   

   Add a light drizzle of cooking oil to the simmering soup. This small addition helps carry the flavors and adds a smooth mouthfeel to the finished broth, ensuring it tastes rich and balanced.

   Tip: A little bit goes a long way; do not add too much oil, as the soup should remain light and fresh.
8. 8Garnish with fresh herbs

   

   Top the simmering soup with a generous handful of fresh, chopped cilantro and scallions. These aromatic herbs brighten the flavor profile and provide a vibrant, appetizing look to the dish.

   Tip: Add the herbs just before turning off the heat to preserve their fresh color and crisp texture.
9. 9Add fried garlic flakes

   

   Finish the soup by sprinkling a layer of golden, crispy fried garlic flakes over the top. This final step adds a delicious, savory crunch and an intense aromatic depth that completes the soup.

   Tip: Fried garlic flakes can burn easily; add them at the very last second just before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions