Hot and Sour Soup is a traditional Chinese dish renowned for its perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy sourness. This flavorful soup combines a rich broth with ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, creating a hearty and satisfying appetizer or main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot and Sour Soup recipe offers a delightful combination of bold flavors and varied textures. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice and sourness to your preference and add proteins like chicken or pork for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth serves as the flavorful base.
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are preferred for their rich taste, but baby bella or button mushrooms can also be used.
Bamboo Shoots: Provide a subtle crunch and are commonly used in traditional recipes.
Tofu: Firm tofu adds protein and a soft texture.
Eggs: Create silky ribbons throughout the soup.
Rice Vinegar: Imparts the characteristic sourness.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Provides heat; adjust to taste.
Ground Ginger: Enhances the aromatic profile.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the broth.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty finish.
Green Onions: For garnish and added freshness.
White Pepper: Offers a distinct, sharp heat.

Directions

Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of broth with cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, combine the remaining broth, sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Thicken the Soup: Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine, then slowly pour it into the simmering soup, stirring continuously. Cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens.
Add the Egg Ribbons: While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. Continue stirring gently to form silky egg ribbons.
Incorporate Tofu and Seasonings: Add the cubed tofu, half of the sliced green onions, and sesame oil. Season with white pepper and additional salt or soy sauce to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining green onions. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Protein Additions: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken or thinly sliced pork for added protein.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
Adjusting Heat and Sourness: Modify the amount of chili garlic sauce for spiciness and rice vinegar for sourness to suit your taste.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the egg ribbons. Note that the soup may thicken upon cooling; you can add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency when reheating.

FAQs

What is Hot and Sour Soup?

Hot and Sour Soup is a traditional Chinese soup known for its spicy and tangy flavors, typically featuring ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and egg ribbons in a flavorful broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions to make a vegetarian version of this soup.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

To adjust the heat level, modify the amount of chili garlic sauce used. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Is it necessary to use shiitake mushrooms?

While shiitake mushrooms are preferred for their rich flavor, you can substitute them with other varieties like baby bella or button mushrooms if needed.

Can I freeze Hot and Sour Soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze this soup, as the texture of the egg ribbons and tofu may change upon thawing and reheating.

What can I serve with Hot and Sour Soup?

This soup pairs well with dishes like fried rice, spring rolls, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I create the egg ribbons?

Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the simmering soup while stirring gently in a circular motion to form silky egg ribbons.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for additional texture and nutrition.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How should I reheat the soup?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the egg ribbons.

Conclusion

This Hot and Sour Soup recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy and tangy flavors, combined with a variety of textures that make it a satisfying dish. Its quick preparation time and customizable nature allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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Author: Mariem
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 2–3 bowls

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Description

This chicken rice bowl with yum yum sauce is packed with vibrant veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a creamy, tangy sauce. A perfect high-protein, balanced meal!