| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 22g | 8g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 28g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Beef Meatballs in Fermented Tofu Soup
One of the things I love about being a food writer and chef is the chance to play with different flavors from across the globe. Today, I want to introduce you to one of my recent experiments turned success – a vibrant Vietnamese dish, the Beef Meatballs in Fermented Tofu Soup. This dish is an amalgamation of the hearty scents of ground beef, the subtle tang of fermented tofu, the earthy aroma of enoki mushrooms, all simmered together in a savory beef broth; a sensory experience that brings to mind the bustling food stalls of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
The Inspiration Behind The Dish
As a Miami-native with Cuban and Spanish roots, I’ve always been surrounded by rich flavors and vibrant food cultures. It’s easy to find inspiration in such a diverse environment, but I also draw a lot from the works of culinary greats. In this case, it was after flipping through Charles Phú Ông’s cookbook that I felt compelled to experiment with traditional Vietnamese ingredients.
Despite the distance between Hanoi and Havana, there are surprising commonalities, like the importance of flavorful broths, the liberal use of fresh herbs, and an appreciation for the mingling of different textures in one dish. It’s amazing how a bowl of soup can transcend geographical boundaries and remind us of home, wherever that may be.
A Beautiful Choreography of Flavors
I often say that crafting a dish is much like choreographing a dance sequence, being a dance teacher myself. There’s an element of harmony that must be achieved, a balance that should be established among the varying flavors and textures. And if executed right, the end result is a beautiful performance for your taste buds.
What I specifically love about this recipe is how the individual ingredients play off of each other. The earthy flavor of the enoki mushrooms, the kick of the red chili, the tangy fermented tofu, and the comforting familiarity of beef – it’s a symphony of flavors, mirroring the diversity of a bustling tapas bar.
If you’re familiar with Pho, a famous Vietnamese noodle soup, you will find similarities with this recipe. The Beef Meatballs in Fermented Tofu Soup would work well with traditional Vietnamese sides like spring rolls or a fresh salad made of julienned vegetables.
So, venture out of your culinary comfort zone, dance with these flavors, treat yourself to a bowl of this Vietnamese delicacy, and create your own food memories. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 2 cubes of fermented tofu
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 2 tsp of sugar
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 4 ounces of enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of chopped chives
- 1/4 cup of chopped Thai basil
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Method
Step One
To begin, combine the ground beef, fish sauce, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped scallions, minced onion, bread crumbs and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step Two
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, each about the size of a walnut. Place these meatballs on a plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help them to keep their shape during cooking.
Step Three
Meanwhile, heat the beef broth in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the broth begins to boil, add the cubes of fermented tofu, sugar and salt. Stir well to dissolve the tofu and sugar.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully drop the meatballs into the soup. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Step Five
Add the enoki mushrooms, chopped chives, chopped Thai basil and red chili (if using) to the soup. Continue to cook for a further 10 minutes till the mushrooms are tender and the flavors have combined.
Step Six
Check the seasoning, adding more salt or sugar if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your Beef Meatballs in Fermented Tofu Soup.
