Name: Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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 (adjust based on sourness preference); ⅓ cup hot sauce; 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 (8-ounce) package rice noodles

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 80 reviews

If you’ve ever craved something soothing yet packed with flavor, this Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort bowl. It’s an incredible blend of aromatic garlic and zesty ginger, paired with tender tofu cubes and soft rice noodles, creating a soup that warms your soul and invigorates your senses—perfect for those chilly days or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up. This recipe balances simplicity and nutrition effortlessly, making it a delightful meal for vegans and anyone seeking a healthful, cozy dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various cooking ingredients neatly arranged. On the left side, a bundle of uncooked pale spaghetti is tied with a green band. Below it is a white bowl with large white tofu cubes. A whole yellow lemon is placed near the center. Three silver foil cubes are scattered nearby. In the middle, there is a small white bowl filled with thick red sauce. On the right side, a wooden board is filled with layers of chopped vegetables: bright yellow shredded ginger at the top, finely chopped white onion, green celery slices, bright orange carrot rounds, and white and purple chopped onion pieces at the bottom. A clear glass pitcher with water is partially visible on the top left corner. The overall scene is bright and neatly organized with fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each adds its own touch, whether it’s the depth from aromatic garlic and ginger, the subtle sweetness from carrots and celery, or the hearty texture from tofu and noodles. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready before you begin:

½ tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (or 3 tablespoons water): This is for gently sautéing the aromatics, or skip oil for a lighter version.
½ cup diced onion (red, white, or yellow): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
2 carrots, thinly sliced: They bring a subtle earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced: Offers a mild savory crunch to balance the flavors.
⅓ cup grated or finely chopped ginger: The star ingredient for warmth and zing—don’t skimp!
8 cloves garlic, peeled and halved: Garlic infuses the broth with robust savory notes.
5 cups water and 2 ½ vegetable bouillon cubes or 5 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base for your soup.
4-5 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a bright, refreshing sourness that lifts the entire dish.
1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes: This protein-packed ingredient soaks up the broth’s flavor beautifully.
⅓ cup hot sauce: For that subtle kick, adjust to your taste preference.
1 (8-ounce) package rice noodles: Soft and delicate noodles that complete this comforting soup.

How to Make Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by warming your canola or vegetable oil (or water, for an oil-free version) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, grated ginger, and halved garlic cloves. Let these mingle and cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion looks tender and translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor while softening the vegetables for a silky soup base.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Flavorings

Next, pour in the water along with your vegetable bouillon cubes or already prepared vegetable broth. Stir in the lemon juice—this tangy addition brightens every spoonful and balances the earthiness of the garlic and ginger. Now, carefully add in the tofu cubes and hot sauce, giving the soup both nourishment and a touch of heat that wakes up your palate.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Finally, add the rice noodles straight into the simmering broth. Follow the cooking time indicated on your noodle packaging, usually a few minutes, so they turn soft and slippery without getting mushy. Once cooked through, the broth and noodles meld into a harmonious and filling meal that’s ready to serve.

How to Serve Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe

A pot filled with a light orange broth contains thin white noodles floating mostly on the upper right side. Large white tofu cubes are scattered evenly across the soup, with some near the center and others closer to the edges. Bright orange carrot slices and light green celery pieces are mixed throughout, adding pops of color. Small bits of translucent white onion and tiny specks of green herbs are also visible in the broth. The pot has a thick black rim and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe, consider topping it with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a lovely crunch and visual appeal. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also add an enticing aroma and layer of flavor that makes every sip feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like steamed bok choy, crispy vegetable spring rolls, or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad complements the tastes wonderfully. These sides add texture contrast and keep the meal light and refreshing yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in beautiful individual bowls, layering tofu and noodles at the bottom and ladling the broth over them to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables. Alternatively, a rustic approach with a large communal pot encourages sharing and cozy conversation around the table—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and marry even more after resting overnight, so it’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when you want comfort ready to heat up.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a fine option. Store the soup without the noodles for best results—rice noodles tend to soften too much after thawing. Freeze the broth and tofu mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then quickly cook fresh noodles when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium heat until hot, and if frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. Add freshly cooked noodles directly before serving to maintain their pleasant texture, ensuring your Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe tastes just as delightful as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While rice noodles keep this soup light and gluten-free, you can swap in soba, udon, or even whole wheat noodles depending on your preference and dietary needs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this soup spicy?

The heat level comes from the hot sauce, so you control it. Feel free to add less or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder soup, or increase for more kick. It’s all about what suits your taste buds best!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, baby spinach, bell peppers, or frozen peas. They’ll complement the garlic and ginger nicely and add extra nutrition and color to your bowl.

How do I press tofu for this recipe?

Pressing tofu removes excess water so it absorbs flavors better and has a firm texture. Wrap the block in a clean towel, place something heavy on top like a skillet, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before cutting into cubes.

Is this soup suitable for someone on a vegan diet?

Yes! This recipe uses vegetable broth and plants-based ingredients only, making it an excellent vegan-friendly meal that’s tasty, hearty, and immune-supportive.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe, it’s likely to become one of your all-time favorites for good reason. It’s comforting yet vibrant, simple yet rich in flavor, and wonderfully nourishing on every level. Whether you’re easing a cold or just craving something wholesome and delicious, this soup delivers pure joy in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!

Garlic Ginger Soup with Tofu & Noodles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need