Hot and Sour Soup

Short Description

Hot and Sour Soup is a savory, spicy, and tangy Asian-inspired soup loaded with mushrooms, tofu, eggs, and a flavorful broth infused with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili. This quick and comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a bold, restaurant-style dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients
• Balanced taste—spicy, tangy, and savory
• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Customizable with protein or vegetables
• Naturally low in calories and high in flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Broth:

• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• Chili paste (Sambal Oelek or Sriracha)
• Sesame oil
• Sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

For the Soup Base:

• Shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
• Firm tofu, cut into strips
• Bamboo shoots, julienned
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water)
• Eggs, lightly beaten
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced

For Garnish (Optional):

• Green onions, chopped
• White pepper (for extra heat)
• Fresh cilantro

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a pot over medium heat, bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

1. Add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, cooking for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.

Step 3: Add the Egg Ribbons

1. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring gently.
2. Let cook for 1–2 minutes until egg strands form.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with white pepper, extra vinegar, or soy sauce.
2. Garnish with green onions and cilantro, then serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Hot and Sour Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken.
• Extra Spicy: Increase chili paste or add red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and add bok choy.
• Seafood Twist: Add shrimp for a unique flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip cornstarch or use xanthan gum for thickening.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change.
• Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

What makes Hot and Sour Soup “hot” and “sour”?

The spicy heat comes from chili paste or white pepper, while the tangy sourness comes from vinegar.

Can I use dried mushrooms?

Yes! Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 15 minutes before slicing and adding.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Increase the cornstarch slurry or let the broth simmer longer.

Can I skip the eggs?

Yes! The soup will still be delicious without the egg ribbons.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I add noodles?

Yes! Cooked ramen or rice noodles work well.

What’s the best vinegar to use?

Rice vinegar is best, but white vinegar also works.

How do I prevent the eggs from clumping?

Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs while stirring gently in one direction.

Can I use ground meat instead of tofu?

Yes! Ground pork or chicken works well—sauté it before adding broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store the broth separately and add eggs when reheating for the best texture.

Conclusion

Hot and Sour Soup is a warm, bold, and comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. With spicy, tangy, and umami-rich flavors, this soup is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes!

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