Traditional Tofu Skin Dessert Soup for Gentle TCM Nourishment

Traditional Tofu Skin Dessert Soup for Gentle TCM Nourishment (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients

• 80 g dried tofu skin (腐竹), broken into pieces
• 1/4 cup barley (薏米, Job’s tears)
• 1/4 cup dried ginkgo nuts (白果), shelled and cores removed
• 8–10 dried Chinese red dates (红枣), pitted
• 1.5–2 liters water
• 80–120 g rock sugar (冰糖), adjust to taste
• Optional: 1–2 slices fresh ginger

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients

• Soak barley for 1–2 hours (or overnight for softer texture).
• Rinse ginkgo nuts thoroughly and ensure bitter cores are removed.
• Rinse red dates.

2. Cook the base

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
• Add soaked barley and red dates.
• Lower heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until barley begins to soften.

3. Add ginkgo nuts

Add ginkgo nuts and continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes.

4. Add tofu skin

• Add tofu skin pieces (and ginger if using).
• Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until tofu skin softens and absorbs flavor.

5. Sweeten

• Add rock sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
• Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

6. Serve

Serve warm for a comforting dessert, or chilled for a refreshing version.

Effects/Benefits

Tofu Skin (腐竹): Nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and supports lung and stomach health.

Barley (薏米 / Job’s Tears): Drains dampness, supports digestion, and helps reduce internal heat.

Ginkgo Nuts (白果): Aids lung function, helps control cough, and supports respiratory health.

Chinese Red Dates (红枣): Tonifies qi and blood, supports digestion, and harmonizes the body.

Rock Sugar (冰糖): Moistens the lungs, soothes the throat, and gently enhances overall harmony.

Ginger (optional): Warms the stomach, aids digestion, and balances the cooling nature of the soup.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy is a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Individual responses to herbs and foods may vary.