JOA Mom
✨ Introduction: Expanding the Palate with Plant-Based Protein
Hi everyone, JOA Mom here! 👩🍳
As babies move into the middle stage of weaning (around 7–9 months), feeding becomes less about swallowing smooth purées and more about practicing gentle chewing while expanding ingredient variety.
After focusing heavily on iron-rich beef in Stage 1, I wanted to introduce a lighter, plant-based protein option. That’s when I began making Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge.
This recipe is soft, moist, and slightly textured — perfect for supporting chewing development while maintaining balanced nutrition. Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge is especially helpful for babies who are adjusting to new textures during this middle stage.
If you’re navigating this phase, you can also review my detailed guide here: 👉Korean Baby Food Roadmap – Stage 2 Guide
🌍 Backed by Global Nutrition Guidance
As part of my Korean Baby Food Guide, I align recipes with internationally recognized nutrition principles.
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods, including vegetables, plant-based proteins, and whole grains as part of a balanced dietary pattern.
You can review the official guideline here: 👉Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 (Official PDF)
This broader guidance supports incorporating gentle plant proteins like tofu and leafy greens such as spinach into balanced meals such as Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge.
🥬 Why Tofu & Spinach Work Well for the Middle Stage
Between 7–9 months, babies typically:
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Eat twice a day
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Practice tongue and jaw movements
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Begin diversifying protein sources
This combination offers gentle balance between plant protein, iron, and steady energy.
Here’s a simple breakdown of why each ingredient matters during Stage 2:
| Ingredient | Key Nutrients | Role in Stage 2 (7–9 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Tofu | Plant Protein & Calcium | Supports muscle development and bone growth. |
| Spinach | Iron, Folate & Vitamin A | Helps maintain healthy blood circulation and immune function. |
| Rice | Complex Carbohydrates | Provides steady energy for active movement and growth. |
When combined, these ingredients create a balanced and gentle middle-stage meal. Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge provides both nutritional diversity and manageable texture for babies learning to chew.
You may have heard that spinach contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Blanching spinach in boiling water significantly reduces oxalates. I remember feeling unsure about spinach at first, but once I understood this simple step, I felt much more confident serving it.
Balance and preparation matter more than perfection.
🔍 Texture Guide: The “½ Rice Grain” Rule
The biggest difference in middle-stage porridge is texture.
Unlike early-stage “Mium,” middle-stage porridge should contain very small, soft lumps.
Ingredient Size: About half the size of a grain of rice.
Consistency: Thick enough to briefly hold its shape on a spoon before gently spreading.
Preparation Method: At this stage, try reducing blender use and preparing ingredients manually.
Gently mash tofu with a spoon and finely mince spinach with a knife. The goal of Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge at this stage is to balance softness with gentle chewing practice, helping babies build oral motor skills safely.
📋 Ingredients (1 Serving)
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25g soft tofu (silken or very soft tofu recommended)
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15g fresh spinach (tender leaves only)
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20g medium-grain rice (soaked for 30 minutes) or pre-made porridge base
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250–300ml water or light vegetable stock
Tools: Small pot, knife, cutting board, spoon or masher
👩🍳 5 Simple Steps to Make Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge
1️⃣ Prepare the Rice Base (10x–12x Ratio)
Cook soaked rice with water or stock using a 1:10–1:12 ratio. Simmer until the grains are soft enough to crush easily between your fingers.
2️⃣ Blanch and Mince the Spinach
Blanch spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Rinse briefly under cool water and squeeze out excess moisture. Finely mince into very small pieces.
3️⃣ Prepare the Tofu
Briefly blanch tofu to improve texture. Drain well and gently mash with a fork. Keep small, soft lumps rather than blending smooth.
4️⃣ Combine and Simmer
Add minced spinach and mashed tofu into the rice base. Simmer over low heat for 3–5 minutes while stirring gently.
5️⃣ Final Texture Check
If the porridge feels too thick, add a small splash of water. The final texture should resemble a soft risotto — moist, slightly textured, and easy to swallow.
Allow to cool to body temperature before serving. Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge can also be portioned into small cubes for convenient meal prep during busy weeks.
💛 JOA Mom’s Experience
When I first offered Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge, I worried it might feel too mild compared to beef.
But to my surprise, my baby seemed more relaxed during feeding. The gentle texture allowed her to focus on chewing practice rather than reacting to a stronger flavor.
Spinach took a few tries. Green vegetables are new at this stage. Offering small amounts calmly and consistently made a difference.
Middle-stage feeding isn’t about rushing progress. It’s about building confidence with each small bite.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use firm tofu instead of soft tofu?
For 7–8 months, soft tofu is easier to mash and safer for chewing practice. Firmer tofu can be introduced closer to 9–10 months.
Q: Is frozen spinach okay?
Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen can work if it contains no added salt or seasoning. Always blanch and mince thoroughly.
Q: My baby is gagging on the texture. What should I do?
Gagging is a natural reflex during learning. If needed, mash the lumps slightly smaller — but avoid returning to a completely smooth purée.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 weeks (freeze in 30g silicone cubes)
Reheat gently and add a small splash of water to maintain moisture.
🥰 Closing: Growing Strong with Gentle Variety
Middle-stage feeding is about exploration.
New textures.
New ingredients.
New reactions.
Korean Tofu & Spinach Porridge offers a calm and balanced way to introduce plant-based protein while continuing iron support.
Not every bite will be perfect — and that’s okay.
Each spoonful is a step toward confident eating.
And you’re guiding that growth beautifully. 💛
