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!

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If you’re craving something warm, nourishing, and deeply comforting, this Chinese Seaweed Soup with Pork Balls and Soft Tofu is exactly what you need. It’s packed with umami from dried seaweed, richness from chicken broth, silky soft tofu, and tender homemade pork balls. We simmer everything together in one pot. Let’s get cooking!

Many Asian households (including mine!) turn to this soothing soup when we want something easy and restorative. Best of all, it comes together quickly. You just need a few pantry staples from local Asian grocery stores like T&T, or the International Foods section at Superstore.

What Makes Chinese Seaweed Soup So Special?

High Nutritional Value: Seaweed packs a punch with essential minerals, vitamins, and trace elements
Traditional Medicine Benefits: Traditional Chinese medicine uses seaweed to strengthen the kidneys and promote overall vitality
Easy Vegetarian Option: You can easily adapt this dish for plant-based diets by swapping the protein
Celebration Staple: In many Chinese regions, families serve this soup during festivals to symbolize good luck and prosperity
Cultural Meaning: In Chinese cuisine, seaweed symbolizes abundance from the sea and good fortune
An Enduring Classic: This beloved comfort food remains a staple in Chinese households, bringing a sense of nostalgia and tradition to the table

Health Benefits of Seaweed Soup

Rich in Essential Nutrients: Seaweed delivers vitamins A, C, and K, plus crucial minerals like calcium and iron
Supports Thyroid Health: Seaweed is one of the richest natural sources of iodine. This essential mineral keeps your thyroid functioning properly
Low-Calorie, High-Nutrition: It adds massive nutrient density to your diet without piling on extra calories
Plant-Based Protein: Soft tofu provides clean, plant-based protein to help repair muscles
Packed with Antioxidants: Compounds like beta-carotene and flavonoids protect your cells from free radical damage
Boosts Heart Health: The lean pork, tofu, and seaweed combo offers a great balance of fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats
Regulates Blood Pressure: Studies show that specific peptides in seaweed may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels
Improves Digestive Health: The natural dietary fiber in seaweed supports smooth digestion and regular bowel movements
Aids Weight Management: High fiber from seaweed and protein from the pork and tofu keep you full and satisfied longer
Strengthens Bones: Enjoy a natural calcium boost to keep your bones strong
Improves Immunity: This combination supplies the essential vitamins your body needs to fight off illness
Fights Inflammation: Researchers study seaweed for its potential anti-inflammatory properties

How to Store Leftovers

This soup tastes amazing fresh, but you can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and get even better over time! Make a big pot to enjoy throughout the week. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, satisfying meal.

Soothing Seaweed Soup (with Pork Balls and Soft Tofu)

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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!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4 people

Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Ingredients Equipment Method Video

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!

Equipment

1 soup pot

Method

First, cut the tofu into half inch cubes.
Then 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.
Finally, 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!

Video

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxmTVGwr8_D/?hl=en

Tried this recipe?Mention @eatingwithkirby or tag #eatingwithkirby!

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I hope this Seaweed and Pork Ball Soup brings joy to your soul and lifts you up when you’re feeling under the weather. If you made this, I would love to hear what you thought of it in comments below. Or tag me @eatingwithkirby on Instagram or TikTok. Follow me for more easy recipes!