Beijing Dou Zhi (Soy Milk Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsweetened soy milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar or rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 whole scallions, dark green parts only
• 2 tablespoons crispy fried shallots or wonton strips (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour 2 cups of unsweetened soy milk and 1 cup of vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat and stir gently to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer — you should see small bubbles rising steadily but not a rolling boil, which can break down the soy milk's delicate proteins.

2. 2

   While the soy milk heats, create a slurry: pour 2 tablespoons of cold water into a small bowl and add 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps — this prevents the starch from clumping when it hits the hot liquid.

3. 3

   Once the soy milk is simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight pattern. This distributes the starch evenly and prevents lumps. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens noticeably — it should coat the back of the spoon but still flow easily.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of black vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 0.25 teaspoon of white pepper powder. Stir well and taste — the soup should taste savory, slightly tangy, and aromatic, with a delicate sesame fragrance. Adjust vinegar or soy sauce if needed.

5. 5

   Thinly slice the dark green parts of 2 scallions on a sharp diagonal. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and scatter the scallion slices on top. If using crispy fried shallots or wonton strips, sprinkle 2 tablespoons across each bowl for textural contrast. Serve immediately while steaming.

Tools you’ll need

• medium saucepan
• small mixing bowl
• wooden spoon
• fine-mesh strainer
• whisk
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• ladle

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