Napa Cabbage with Egg Tofu Soup / Canh Cai Bap Thao

Napa cabbage, or cải thảo, is a staple ingredient in Vietnamese home cooking, beloved for its tender leaves, mild sweetness, and versatility. One of the simplest yet most heartwarming dishes featuring this humble vegetable is canh cai bap thao or napa cabbage with egg tofu soup. This light, nourishing soup is more than just a dish; it’s a cornerstone of cơm gia đình—Vietnamese family meals. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and it’s the embodiment of comfort in a bowl.

What is Napa Cabbage with Egg Tofu Soup?

Vietnamese napa cabbage soup, or canh cải thảo, is a light and flavorful broth-based dish that highlights the natural sweetness and tender texture of napa cabbage. Often combined with ingredients like egg tofu, ground pork, or shrimp, the soup is both nourishing and satisfying.

Egg tofu made with whole eggs has a silky almost custard-like texture and subtle richness, adds a delightful contrast to the crispness of napa cabbage. The result is a harmonious dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.

The Importance of Soup in Cơm Gia Đình

In Vietnamese cuisine, a family meal isn’t complete without a comforting bowl of soup. This dish serves multiple roles in com gia dinh, offering both nourishment and balance to the meal:

Culinary Harmony: A side of soup balances the flavors and textures of the meal. Its light broth complements heavier dishes like braised meats or fried foods, while its warmth contrasts beautifully with cool, crisp vegetables and rice.

Nutritional Value: Vietnamese soups are often packed with vegetables, herbs, and proteins, ensuring that every meal is wholesome and nutrient-rich. Napa cabbage, in particular, is high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Napa Cabbage with Egg Tofu Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dish to incorporate into your repertoire, Vietnamese napa cabbage soup is a fantastic choice. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like hours of care went into it.

Light and Nourishing: The delicate broth made with dried shrimp, highlights the natural sweetness of the napa cabbage. It’s a light dish that leaves you feeling refreshed rather than weighed down.

Versatile and Adaptable: Consider this base recipe the foundation on which many Vietnamese at-home soups are made from. You can customize it with your choice of proteins and veggies to better suit your taste.

Napa Cabbage with Egg Tofu Soup / Canh Cai Bap Thao

5.0 from 10 votes

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 3 quart 3 Water

• 1 Small 1 Head of Napa Cabbage

• 8 oz 8 Egg Tofu

• 1/4 cup 1/4 Dried Shrimp

• 1 tbsp 1 Oil

• 1 tbsp 1 Minced Garlic

• 1 tbsp 1 Sugar

• 1 tbsp 1 Chicken Bouillon

• 2 tbsp 2 Fish Sauce

• Salt and Pepper

• Garnishes:

• Green Onions

• Cilantro

• Fried Garlic

Directions

• Prep:
• Rehydrated dried shrimp in room temperature tap water for 10 minutes, then drain
• Remove the outer layers of napa cabbage, then cut off the bottom end. Peel each napa cabbage leaf and then stack on top of each other. Cut in half lengthwise and then into 2″ pieces. Wash and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or sediment
• Remove egg tofu from the packaging. Cut in half lengthwise and then into half-moon pieces
• Finely chop green onions and cilantro to use as a garnish later
• Cook:
• Add oil and sauté minced garlic to a small stock pot until fragrant. Add rehydrated dried shrimp, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes
• Add in water, bring up to a boil, and skim off any impurities. Add napa cabbage and egg tofu—season with sugar, chicken bouillon, fish sauce, salt and pepper. Bring back up to a boil, and let the soup simmer for five minutes. Taste and make any final adjustments to the seasoning
• Serve:
• Serve directly over a bowl of rice or on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and fried garlic. Enjoy it on its own or as part of a whole family meal!

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