lunch – yummy food share

Heartwarming Radish and Tofu Soup

2026-01-01

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. If you’re looking for a recipe that is incredibly quick, surprisingly flavorful, and beautifully light, you’ve found it. This Radish and Tofu Soup is a culinary gem that comes together in just about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple, restorative lunch. The cooking process is wonderfully straightforward—mostly just simmering—and the resulting flavor is a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. The unique sweetness from the cooked radish, a savory depth from a secret ingredient, and the silky texture of tofu create a soup that is both comforting and elegantly simple. Don’t be fooled by its pale color; this soup packs a gentle but memorable punch that will have you coming back for a second bowl. Let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, so you won’t need a long shopping list. For the substitutes, I’ve suggested items commonly found in Western supermarkets that will work wonderfully. Ingredients: For the Soup: 1/2 large Daikon Radish (about 1 pound or 450g) 1/2 block (about 7 oz or 200g) Silken or Soft Tofu 1 small handful (about 2 tablespoons) Dried Shrimp 1-inch piece of Ginger 4 cups Boiling Water or a light vegetable broth 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil) For the Thickener & Garnish: 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch) A handful of fresh Cilantro A pinch of Ground White Pepper A few drops of Toasted Sesame Oil Salt, to taste A Note on Ingredients: Daikon Radish: This large white radish is milder and sweeter than its small red counterparts, especially when cooked. You can find it in most large supermarkets, often in the international…

10 Minute Silky Egg and Greens Soup

2025-12-22

Have you ever found yourself staring into the fridge, craving something warm, comforting, and wholesome, but with absolutely zero energy to cook? This recipe is your answer. It’s a phenomenally fast and simple soup that comes together in just 10 minutes from start to finish. Don’t let the speed fool you; this dish is a masterclass in creating deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. Using a classic cooking technique, we’ll create a light yet satisfying broth, packed with tender greens and delicate, cloud-like ribbons of egg. It’s beautifully simple, incredibly forgiving for beginners, and the kind of recipe that will make you feel like a kitchen wizard on even the busiest of weeknights. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started. The ingredient list is short and sweet, and I’ve included some easy-to-find substitutions for items that might not be in your local supermarket. For the Soup (Serves 1-2): Bok Choy: 1 large head. This is a type of leafy green with crisp, white stems and dark green leaves. If you can’t find bok choy, you can easily substitute it with a generous handful of fresh spinach, a few leaves of Swiss chard (chop the stems finely), or even Napa cabbage. Egg: 1 large. Garlic: 2-3 cloves, thinly sliced. Neutral Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavor works, like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Salt: To taste, start with about ½ teaspoon. Flaxseed Oil: A few drops for finishing. This is an earthy, nutty finishing oil, not for cooking. A fantastic and more common substitute is toasted sesame oil, which will provide a similar rich, aromatic finish. Do not skip this final touch, as it truly elevates the soup’s aroma! Water: About 2 cups (or 500ml). Now for the fun part! This process is…

Poached Pork Meatballs and Bok Choy Soup

2025-12-22

If you’re searching for a dish that is the very definition of comfort in a bowl, look no further. This recipe for poached pork meatballs and bok choy soup is a revelation in its simplicity and deeply satisfying flavor. It’s a complete meal you can whip up in about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. The cooking method is gentle poaching, which is the secret to creating unbelievably tender, silky meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. Unlike fried or heavily browned meatballs, these are delicate and juicy, swimming in a clean, savory broth with crisp-tender greens. Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you; the combination of aromatic seasonings creates a flavor profile that is both nuanced and incredibly warming. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results every time. Here is everything you will need to get started. Don’t be intimidated by any unfamiliar ingredients; they are usually easy to find in the international aisle of most large supermarkets or at an Asian market, and I’ve included simple substitutes for anything you might not have on hand. The key is to build layers of savory flavor, so tasting and adjusting as you go is always a good idea. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 200g (about ½ lb). Lean ground pork is great, but a little fat adds flavor. Ground chicken or turkey would also work well. Egg White: 1 large. This is a crucial binder that gives the meatballs a wonderfully smooth, tender texture. Scallions: 2, finely chopped (white and green parts). Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated or minced. Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a deep, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have it, use an equal amount of Hoisin sauce or a mix of 2 teaspoons soy sauce and…

Golden Lily Pork and Egg Soup

2025-12-16

When you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but only have minutes to spare, this Golden Lily Pork and Egg Soup is your answer. Forget simmering a stock for hours; this beautiful, savory soup comes together in about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it the ultimate weeknight champion. Its magic lies in its simplicity and the wonderful harmony of its textures and flavors. We’re talking about a light yet deeply flavorful broth, incredibly tender slices of pork, silky egg ribbons, and the uniquely delightful chew of golden lily flowers. It’s an incredibly comforting and nutritious dish that is surprisingly easy to master, even if you’re new to this style of cooking. Get ready to add a new go-to recipe to your collection! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting bowl. The original recipe uses flexible quantities, so these are my recommendations for about two servings, but feel free to adjust to your liking. The star of the show, dried daylily flowers, might be a new ingredient for you, but they are well worth seeking out for their unique floral, earthy notes and pleasing chewiness. Ingredients: Dried Daylily Flowers: A generous handful (about 1/2 cup or 15g). Also known as “golden needles” or huang hua cai, you can find them in most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a similar amount of fresh enoki mushrooms or thinly sliced fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms for a different but still delicious texture and earthy flavor. Lean Pork: About 4 ounces (115g), preferably pork loin or tenderloin. Egg: 1 large. Cornstarch (or Potato Starch): 1 teaspoon. Oil: 1 teaspoon, any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Water or Broth: 4 cups (about 1 liter). Using a light chicken…

Hearty Tomato Meatball and Tofu Soup

2025-12-16

If you’re ever in need of a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it. This beautifully rustic soup is a one-pot wonder, ready in about 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its genius lies in its simplicity. While the flavor profile is complex—a vibrant, savory tomato broth that’s perfectly balanced with a tangy sweetness—the process is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be creating tender, juicy, homemade meatballs and simmering them with silky tofu in a rich, ruby-red broth that looks as incredible as it tastes. Don’t let the idea of making meatballs from scratch intimidate you; it’s the easiest and most rewarding part of this recipe. This dish is pure comfort, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Here is everything you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry if you can’t find an exact ingredient; this recipe is very forgiving and I’ve included some easy swaps you can find in any major supermarket. For the Meatballs: Ground Pork: 300g (about 2/3 lb). Ground chicken or turkey are also fantastic alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of pork and beef. Minced Ginger: 1 tablespoon. You can use ginger paste from a jar if you’re short on time. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Chicken Essence (or Bouillon Powder): 1/2 teaspoon. This is a flavor enhancer that adds savory depth (umami). If you prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with a pinch of mushroom powder or simply rely on the salt and pepper for seasoning. Sweet Potato Starch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret to tender, juicy meatballs that hold their shape. If you can’t find it in the international aisle, cornstarch is an excellent and readily…

Golden Corn and Pork Rib Comfort Soup

2025-11-01

If you’re searching for a soup that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, look no further. This recipe for a savory pork rib and sweet corn soup is an absolute treasure. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like it has been simmering for an entire day, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time. The magic lies in its slow, gentle cooking process, which allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to meld into a beautifully clear, deeply flavorful broth. The pork becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, the corn adds bursts of sweetness, and the carrots and yams contribute a soft, earthy balance. It’s naturally wholesome, wonderfully easy, and destined to become a new family favorite. Before you start, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The beauty of this soup is its simple, fresh ingredients. If you can’t find something, don’t worry—I’ve included some easy-to-find alternatives. Ingredients: Pork Ribs: About 2 lbs (or 3 small racks), cut into 2-inch pieces. Your local butcher can do this for you. Ask for pork spare ribs. Corn: 1 large cob, shucked and cut into 1-inch thick rounds or “wheels.” Chinese Yam (Shanyao): 1 medium piece, about 1 foot long. This root vegetable has a brownish peel and is starchy and slightly sweet when cooked. You can find it at most Asian markets. Substitution: If you can’t find it, taro is a great alternative. In a pinch, a large, starchy potato like a Russet will also work, though the texture will be slightly different. A quick tip: Chinese yam can be slippery once peeled, so you might want to wear gloves while handling it. Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks. Dried Red Dates (Jujubes): A small handful (about 8-10). These add a subtle, complex sweetness to the broth….

10 Minute Golden Mushroom Egg Drop Soup

2025-11-01

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and incredibly quick, this soup is the answer you’ve been looking for. Imagine a dish that feels both nourishing and light, ready in the time it takes to choose a show to watch. This Golden Mushroom and Egg Drop Soup is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when I need a simple, satisfying meal without any fuss. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of common ingredients, you can create a beautifully savory broth filled with earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and delicate, cloud-like ribbons of egg. It’s a one-pot wonder that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly elegant and deeply flavorful this ten-minute soup truly is. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this bowl of comfort. I’ve suggested some standard quantities, but feel free to adjust them to your liking—this recipe is very forgiving! Serves: 2-3 Prep & Cook Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: Mushrooms: 1 cup (about 150g), thinly sliced. Cremini, shiitake, or even simple white button mushrooms work beautifully. Eggs: 2 large, preferably at room temperature. Carrot: 1 small, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds or half-moons. Fresh Cilantro: A small handful (about ¼ cup), roughly chopped. Oil: 1 tablespoon. A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil is perfect. Cooking Wine: 1 teaspoon. This adds depth and aroma. Water or Broth: 4 cups (about 1 liter). Salt: ½ teaspoon, plus more to taste. A Few Notes on Ingredients: Cooking Wine: This typically refers to Shaoxing wine in many Asian recipes, used to remove any “eggy” smell and add a subtle, fragrant depth. If you can’t find it, an equal amount of dry sherry is the best substitute. In a pinch, you can simply…

Velvety Purple Sweet Potato Dessert Soup

2025-11-01

Get ready to fall in love with one of the coziest, most beautiful dessert soups you’ll ever make. This vibrant purple sweet potato soup is a true one-pot wonder that’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet feels wonderfully luxurious. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms into a warm, nourishing treat in about an hour of gentle simmering. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” dish. The flavor is gently sweet, and the texture is a delightful mix of tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato and the soft, gelatinous snow fungus. It’s a comforting and wholesome dessert that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day or whenever you’re in need of a little self-care in a bowl. First, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t be intimidated if a few of these are new to you; they can usually be found at your local Asian market or online, and I’ll offer some simple alternatives. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking. You will need: 1 medium Purple Sweet Potato: This is the star of the show, giving our soup its gorgeous color and velvety texture. You can also use a regular orange sweet potato or even a Japanese sweet potato (satsuma-imo) if you can’t find the purple variety, though the color will be different. 1 small head of Dried Snow Fungus (about 10g): Also known as tremella mushroom, this fascinating ingredient looks like a dried, crisp loofah. When rehydrated, it blooms into a beautiful, translucent, petal-like mushroom with a unique gelatinous texture. It’s highly prized for its nourishing properties. 8g Dried Lily Bulb: These are the dried scales of lily flower bulbs. They have a subtly sweet, slightly starchy flavor and become soft and tender when cooked. If you can’t find them, you…

Silky Fish and Radish Soup

2025-10-30

Have you ever marveled at a soup that’s creamy and milky white, yet contains absolutely no dairy? This incredible recipe unlocks that culinary magic, creating a light, nourishing, and deeply flavorful broth with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a dish that looks elegant and tastes complex, but you’ll be amazed to learn it comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal effort. The process involves a brilliant technique where pan-frying a whole fish and then simmering it coaxes the natural fats and proteins into the water, creating a beautiful, opaque broth. The flavor is delicate and savory, with the subtle sweetness of daikon radish and a gentle warmth from ginger. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for a cozy night in or whenever you’re craving something wonderfully comforting and easy to make. Let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this soup is its simplicity, so you won’t need a long shopping list. For the Soup: A whole white fish (1): about 1 lb / 450g. Traditionally, this soup uses Crucian carp, which can be hard to find. Don’t worry! A whole sea bass, sea bream, or even a large tilapia are excellent substitutes. The key is to use a mild, white-fleshed fish. Ask your fishmonger to scale and gut it for you, but make sure to clean the inside yourself. Daikon Radish (1, medium-sized): This is the large, white radish you can find in the produce section of most large supermarkets or any Asian market. Fresh Ginger (a 2-inch piece): This will add a lovely, warming aroma. Salt (to taste): About 1 teaspoon to start. Neutral Cooking Oil (2 tablespoons): Such as canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. For Garnish (Optional): Fresh Cilantro or Coriander (a small handful): Roughly chopped, this adds a fresh, herbaceous finish. A special note on cleaning…