Soothing Seaweed Soup (with Pork Balls, and Soft Tofu) – 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes

Welcome back to Day 6 of my 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes! Today, we’re diving into the umami filled Seaweed Soup (with Pork Balls and Soft Tofu) that’s sure to warm your soul. This dish brings together the richness of chicken broth, the umami of dried seaweed, the silkiness of soft tofu, and the hearty goodness of pork balls. Let’s get cooking!

What makes Chinese Seaweed Soup So Special?

• Nutritional Value: Seaweed has been recognized for its high nutritional value, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and trace elements
• Medicinal Properties: In traditional Chinese medicine, seaweed is believed to have various health benefits, including strengthening the kidneys and promoting overall vitality
• Vegetarian Option: Seaweed soup is often considered a vegetarian-friendly dish, making it a popular choice among those who follow a plant-based diet
• Festival and Celebration Dish: In some Chinese regions, seaweed soup is a staple dish during celebrations and festivals, symbolizing good luck and prosperity
• Cultural Significance: Seaweed itself holds cultural significance in Chinese cuisine, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity, which is often associated with the idea of abundance from the sea
• Continued Popularity: Chinese seaweed soup remains a beloved and enduring dish in Chinese households and is often cherished as a comfort food that brings a sense of nostalgia and tradition

What are some health benefits of Seaweed Soup?

• Rich in Essential Nutrients: Seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals, including iodine, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K, which are crucial for overall health
• Iodine for Thyroid Health: Seaweed is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, an essential mineral for proper thyroid function and hormone production
• Low in Calories, High in Nutrition: Seaweed is relatively low in calories but dense in nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet
• A Source of Plant-Based Protein: Soft tofu provides a good source of plant-based protein, important for muscle repair and overall body function
• Rich in Antioxidants: Seaweed is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals
• Supports Heart Health: The combination of seaweed, tofu, and lean pork in the soup provides a balance of nutrients that may contribute to heart health, including fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats
• May Help Regulate Blood Pressure: Seaweed contains peptides that have been studied for their potential to help regulate blood pressure levels
• Digestive Health: Seaweed is a source of dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements
• May Aid Weight Management: The high fiber content in seaweed and the protein from tofu and pork balls can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially aiding in weight management
• Supports Bone Health: Seaweed is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones
• May Boost Immunity: The combination of nutrients in seaweed, tofu, and pork balls can help support a healthy immune system, providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals
• May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some compounds found in seaweed have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit overall health

How to Store Leftovers

While this soup tastes amazing fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will get better and better so make a bit pot and enjoy for the week! Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

Want more easy recipes like this? Here are some of my go-to recipes that I’m sure you’ll love!

• Viral Sushi Bomb Spring Rolls (Kid Friendly)
• Easy MATCHA Mochi Brownie Recipe (for matcha lovers)
• Best Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Easy Soy Cured Egg Yolk Recipe (and 3 ways to enjoy it!)

Check out my other 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes!

• Day 1 – One Pot Masago Udon
• Day 2 – Viral Crispy Feta Fried Eggs
• Day 3 – Mille-Feuille Nabe Hot Pot (Cabbage and Pork Belly)
• Day 4 – One Pot Hainanese Chicken Rice (in a Rice Cooker!)
• Day 5 – Easy One Pot Shakshuka (with a SECRET Ingredient)

Soothing Seaweed Soup (with Pork Balls and Soft Tofu)

This Chinese Seaweed soup is not only light, full of umami, and packed with nutrition, but it will definitely make you feel better on a rainy day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• 1 soup pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 can chicken broth 412ml
• 1.5 cups water
• 10-15 frozen or fresh pork balls
• 1 package mung bean noodles or any other rice noodle variety you have one hand
• 1 package soft or medium soft tofu (approx 300g)
• 1 bunch dried seaweed can be found at most Asian supermarkets (comes in a circular disc form). This seaweed is not the same as Korean snacking salted seaweed!

Instructions

 

• Cut the tofu into half inch cubes.
• On medium heat, start by bringing the chicken broth and water to a gentle simmer in a large pot. This forms the flavorful base of your soup.
• Once broth is simmering, add in your frozen or fresh pork balls.
• Add in your mung bean noodles and allow them to soak and rehydrate for about 1 minute.
• Add in your cubed soft tofu and be very gentle handling it as they can break easily.
• Gently rip the seaweed from the disc shape and add it to your pot. Bring heat down to low and gently simmer the mixture for another 5-10 minutes until mung bean noodles are soft and pork balls float to the surface.
• Because the canned chicken broth already has a lot of sodium, give it a quick taste before adding any additional seasoning. You can add salt, white pepper, or more chicken powder if you'd like.
• Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Keyword dinner idea, soup, soup idea, soup recipe

I use the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 for most of my One Pot recipes. I highly recommend it!

Thank you for joining me on Day 6 of our 10 Days of Cozy One Pot Series!! I hope this Seaweed and Pork Ball Soup brings joy to your soul and lifts you up when you’re feeling under the weather.

I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe for yourself and don’t forget to comment on my IG reel/TikTok or in this blog post telling me what you thought of this recipe!

Shop my exclusive Kitchen and Content Creation Gear on Amazon 

Remember, this is just Day 6 of our 10-Days of Cozy One Pot Recipes, so make sure to follow @eatingwithkirby and and join my Youtube channel for more amazing food and travel content!