Tomato Tofu Dace Fish Ball Soup

Why people make this soup

This is one of those soups that Bro Niu recommended to a newspaper doing a World Diabetes Day feature — not because it cures anything, but because every ingredient in it is low-glycaemic, low-fat, and easy on the digestion. Tomato provides lycopene and natural acidity; tofu brings plant protein and calcium without the oil; and dace fish (ling yu) is a lean, affordable freshwater fish that forms wonderfully silky fish balls when minced. Together they make a light, satisfying bowl that fits naturally into a diet aimed at keeping blood sugar steady day to day.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for people managing elevated blood fats, blood sugar, or cholesterol, and for anyone seeking a lower-oil, lighter daily soup
• People with gout should omit the tofu (soy products are generally reduced in gout-friendly diets); the tomato-fish-ball broth alone is still pleasant
• Tomato is mildly cooling and can stimulate stomach acid — those with acid reflux are better having this soup mid-meal rather than on an empty stomach

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Tomato (fan qie): In traditional practice, tomato is considered helpful for clearing heat from the stomach and liver, generating fluids, and aiding digestion. Modern nutrition notes its lycopene content, which is associated with cardiovascular protection and blood vessel health.
• Tofu (dou fu): Regarded as neutral in temperature, tofu nourishes yin, clears mild heat, and is easy on the digestive system. It is a low-fat protein source that contributes calcium.
• Dace fish (ling yu / Cirrhinus molitorella): A lean freshwater fish traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion, and supporting overall vitality.
• Ginger (sheng jiang): A warming counterbalance that offsets the cool nature of tofu, aids digestion, and prevents nausea.
• Coriander (yuan sui): Added at the very end for fragrance; traditionally considered helpful for moving qi and warming the stomach.

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Tomato	2 medium	Cut into wedges
Firm tofu	1 block (~300 g)	Rinsed, cut into thick slabs
Dace fish fillet	100 g	Can substitute with any fresh firm white-flesh fish
Fresh coriander	1 small bunch	Added at the end
Ginger	2 slices	Added with tomato
Salt, white pepper, cornstarch, sesame oil	small amounts	Marinade for fish paste

Method

1. Rinse and cut tomato into chunky wedges. Rinse tofu and cut into thick slices.
2. Chop or mince the dace fillet finely. Mix with a pinch of salt, white pepper, a little cornstarch, and a few drops of sesame oil; stir vigorously in one direction until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky (this is the fish paste).
3. Bring 4–5 bowls of water to a rolling boil. Use a wet spoon to scoop heaped portions of the fish paste and drop them into the boiling water to form fish balls. Cook until they float to the surface.
4. Add the tomato wedges and ginger slices. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the tofu slices and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Season lightly with salt. Scatter fresh coriander over the top and serve immediately.

Bro Niu’s tips

Tomato is traditionally considered helpful for stabilising blood sugar and supporting blood vessel health, which is why it pairs so naturally with the low-fat tofu and lean fish in this recipe. Keep the oil minimal — this is meant to be a clean, light bowl rather than a rich broth. If you cannot find dace, any fresh firm white-flesh fish such as grass carp, snakehead, or tilapia works perfectly; freshness matters more than the species.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader Lu): My mother is 72 and has high uric acid, proteinuria, gout, and three-high syndrome. Her blood sugar and blood pressure are not well controlled. What soups might help? Bro Niu: Try simmering fresh burdock root, carrot, white radish, and goji berries with lean pork regularly — this is traditionally considered helpful for cardiovascular support. Root-vegetable soups using chestnuts instead of meat are nutritious. Hawthorn, chrysanthemum, and dry-fried cassia seed tea (one tablespoon each) can be taken daily.

• Q (reader Lu, follow-up): Can this tomato soup be made occasionally? Bro Niu: Since she has gout, soy products are best reduced. Simply leave out the tofu and the broth is still fine to enjoy.

• Q (Thomas): I heard that tomato and tofu together can cause kidney stones — is this true? Bro Niu: Tomato and tofu can absolutely be cooked together. Tofu is high in calcium, and problems arise when it is combined with high-oxalate vegetables like spinach or amaranth. Fortunately oxalate dissolves readily in water — just blanch those greens in boiling water first, discard the water, and then use them. That eliminates most of the concern.

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Published November 2, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.