If you are looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version of the famous Singaporean dish “Bak Kut Teh,” then this recipe is perfect for you! Made with a combination of fresh herbs, spices, and veggies; this herbalicious veggie bak kut teh delivers on taste and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
- The flavors are bold, aromatic, and satisfying.
- Using mushrooms instead of meat provides umami flavor that mimics the original recipe but reduces calories significantly.
Ingredient List:
For The Broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large onion (peeled and sliced)
- 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A small handful of star anise
- 6 -7 cups water or vegetable broth
For The Main Soup Fillings
- A package/400g firm tofu ((fried or baked)) cut into bite-sized cubes)
- half head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- chopped carrots & radish slices
### For Spice Mix: Herb Packets(Place in Cheese Clothes Bag or Muslin Cloth Filter Bags？） -
Recipe Option One
> About 10g white pepper corns （lightly toasted）
A few inches ginger（slice it open）
Cilantro stalks（with roots，wash carefully before use） -
Recipe Option Two
>2 stars anise
clove buds(to taste)
fennel seeds to taste
Szechuan peppercorns to tase
## How To Make This Recipe:
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Soak shiitake mushrooms in hot water until soft.
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Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat, add garlic, onion and sauté until fragrant.
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Add the cauliflower florets and radish slices to the pot and stir well.
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Pour water/vegetable broth into the pot.
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Bring it to boil, then reduce heat to low; add mushroom(with soaking liquid), cinnamon stick, star anise in herb packets (see recipe options above) of cheesecloth/muslin cloth filter bags or tea infusers .
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Cover with lid and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables soften but are still slightly crunchy.
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Remove spice bag from the soup and discard it.
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Add fried/baked tofu cubes into the soup mix just before serving，simmer for another 2-3mins till heated through.
Cooking Time & Temperature Guidelines:
- Preparation time: 20 mins
- Cooking time: 40 mins
- Total time: 60 mins
- Serves: Four people
My Pro-tips:
- consider deep-frying or baking coated Tofu cubes before adding them up to provide extra crispness
- Opt for vegetable broth rather than water as it enriches flavor exponentially
Seasoning Options:
Add salt/light soy sauce according-to your personal taste preferences BUT can be omitted altogether since this dish is already flavorful enough on its own!
Recipe Tips:
-Mix different types of sliced veggies such as bean sprouts , shiitake mushrooms , sake mushrooms 都行！
Recommended Tools To Make This Recipe:
1 large piece fine-mesh strainer (to remove any sediment residue)
cheese-cloth / muslin cloth/filter bags（doubled）
medium-sized stockpot
To sum Up:
This herbalicious veggie bak kut teh recipe provides all traditional flavors without using meat products thus makes you feel healthier while enjoying traditional cuisine!
FAQs
What is Bak Kut Teh, and how is this recipe different from the traditional version?
Bak Kut Teh is a popular dish in Singapore that typically consists of pork ribs simmered in a flavorful broth with herbs and spices. This Herbalicious Veggie Bak Kut Teh Recipe offers a vegetarian (or vegan) twist on the classic dish by replacing the meat with mushrooms, tofu, and other plant-based proteins while still incorporating aromatic herbs like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Herbalicious Veggie Bak Kut Teh Recipe gluten-free, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos instead. Ensure that all other ingredients used in the recipe are also certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I use other types of vegetables or proteins as substitutes for those listed in the recipe?
Yes! This recipe allows plenty of room for experimentation based on your personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry. You can add or substitute different types of veggies such as bok choy or carrots to give it more nutritional value and flavor complexity. Some people may prefer to omit certain ingredients like shiitake mushrooms if they’re not easily accessible; feel free to experiment!
