Hey wellness queens! 🌊 If you’re craving a meal that’s light on calories but heavy on flavor and healing benefits, this Seaweed, Shrimp & Tofu Soup is your new kitchen soulmate. Inspired by East Asian wellness traditions, this dish combines umami-rich seaweed, protein-packed shrimp, and silky tofu into a digestive-friendly, skin-glowing, immune-boosting masterpiece. Let’s dive into this bowl of oceanic goodness!
Why This Soup is a Wellness Wonder
This isn’t just soup—it’s a detoxifying, collagen-boosting, gut-loving ritual! Here’s the breakdown:
- Seaweed : A mineral powerhouse! Loaded with iodine for thyroid health, fiber for digestion, and antioxidants to fight inflammation.
- Shrimp: Provides lean protein and zinc to support immunity and skin repair.
- Silken tofu: Adds plant-based calcium and magnesium for bone health and stress relief.
- Carrots and egg white: Boost vitamin A for glowing skin and bind the shrimp paste for tender texture.
Perfect for post-workout recovery, bloating relief, or a light yet satisfying dinner!
Ingredients & Proportions (Serves 4)
- 200g fresh shrimp – peeled, deveined (save heads for broth!)
- 10g dried seaweed (wakame) – soaked in water
- 150g silken tofu – cubed
- 1 small carrot – finely grated
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups water (or kombu broth for extra minerals)
- 1-inch ginger – sliced
- Salt, white pepper to taste
- Green onions – chopped for garnish
Optional wellness twist: Add sliced shiitake mushrooms for immunity or a splash of miso paste for gut-friendly probiotics!
Step-by-Step Recipe: 30-Minute Ocean-to-Bowl Magic
- Prep the Shrimp Paste: Blend shrimp into a smooth paste. Mix in carrot, egg white, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Unlock Umami: Heat sesame oil in a pot. Sauté shrimp heads and ginger until fragrant (2-3 mins). Discard heads, leaving infused oil.
- Build the Broth: Add water and soaked seaweed. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Form the Shrimp Balls: Use a spoon to scoop shrimp paste into small balls. Drop them into the simmering broth—they’ll float when cooked!
- Add Tofu: Gently stir in tofu cubes and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with Love: Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onions, and savor the ocean’s healing embrace!
Pro tip: For extra TCM benefits, add goji berries or a pinch of turmeric to boost circulation and reduce inflammation.
Who Should Eat This? (Hint: Everyone!)
This soup is a versatile wellness ally for:
- Gut Health Warriors: Seaweed’s soluble fiber feeds good gut bacteria, while ginger soothes digestion.
- Skin Glow Seekers: Zinc from shrimp and iodine from seaweed promote collagen production and clear skin.
- Low-Calorie Foodies: A filling, nutrient-dense meal under 250 calories per bowl!
- Busy Moms: Quick to make, kid-friendly, and packed with stealthy veggies.
For best results, enjoy this soup 2-3 times weekly. It’s gentle enough for daily consumption but potent enough to support detox and energy!
Holistic Benefits & TCM Wisdom
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, seaweed is considered a “cooling” ingredient that clears heat and dissolves phlegm, while shrimp nourishes kidney energy (肾气). The ginger-infused broth warms the stomach, making this soup ideal for balancing internal dampness or summer heat. Pair it with a cup of chrysanthemum tea for a full-circle wellness ritual!
Ready to slurp your way to radiant health? This Seaweed, Shrimp & Tofu Soup is more than a meal—it’s a love letter to your body. Whip it up, savor mindfully, and let every spoonful nourish you from the inside out! 🍲💫