Hello, soup enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors, you’ve come to the right place. This Hot and Sour Soup recipe is the perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy sourness, making it a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, flavorful meals. Whether you’re craving something to warm you up on a cold day or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality soup, this recipe will deliver every time. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its bold, invigorating flavors and delightful textures. With origins tracing back to various regions of China, it has become a staple in restaurants worldwide. The combination of spicy and tangy notes, along with hearty ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, creates a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. This soup is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing option for a healthy meal. Packed with proteins, vitamins, and a medley of flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Hot and Sour Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 pieces Shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
- 1/2 package firm tofu, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienne
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust according to your taste)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to your liking)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (add more if you like it extra sour)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons corn starch + 1/4 cup water
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Hot and Sour Soup
Follow these detailed steps to create your own bowl of Hot and Sour Soup:
Slice the tofu, carrot, and mushrooms. Set them aside as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
In a large pot, boil 6 cups of chicken broth over medium-high heat. Once the broth reaches a rolling boil, add the mushrooms, carrot, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and infuse the broth with their flavors.
While the soup is cooking, prepare the eggs and the cornstarch slurry. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set them aside. In another bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until fully dissolved. This slurry will be used to thicken the soup.
Add the soy sauce, sugar, Sriracha hot sauce, white pepper, white vinegar, and sesame oil to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Let the soup cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the seasonings to meld with the broth and vegetables.
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the soup while stirring continuously. This will thicken the soup, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. Continue stirring until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Pour the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream while stirring gently in one direction. This technique creates delicate ribbons of egg throughout the soup, enhancing both the flavor and appearance.
Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors in every spoonful!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hot and Sour Soup
For the best results, use fresh Shiitake mushrooms for their earthy flavor and meaty texture. If unavailable, dried Shiitake mushrooms rehydrated in warm water can also be used.
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha hot sauce or adding chili oil for an extra kick.
To make the soup vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure that all other ingredients, such as soy sauce, are plant-based.
If you like your soup extra tangy, add more white vinegar in small increments until it reaches your preferred level of sourness.
Use firm tofu for the best texture. Silken tofu can break apart easily and may not provide the same satisfying bite.
Serving Suggestions
Hot and Sour Soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as spring rolls, fried rice, or dumplings. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this soup makes an excellent appetizer to set the stage for a delicious meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Hot and Sour Soup
This soup is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients. Shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots provide essential vitamins and minerals, while tofu adds a healthy dose of protein. The broth is light yet satisfying, making this a great choice for a wholesome, low-calorie meal. Sesame oil and soy sauce contribute heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 10%
Storage and Leftovers
Hot and Sour Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the tofu and eggs from breaking down.
If you plan to freeze the soup, omit the cornstarch slurry and eggs. Add these ingredients fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Hot and Sour Soup spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of Sriracha hot sauce or add red chili flakes for an extra fiery kick.
What if I don’t have bamboo shoots?
Bamboo shoots can be substituted with julienned zucchini or sliced water chestnuts for a similar crunch and mild flavor.
Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken, thinly sliced pork, or shrimp make excellent additions to this soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
How do I keep the eggs from clumping?
Pour the beaten eggs in a thin stream while stirring the soup gently in one direction. This will create delicate egg ribbons.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, you might enjoy these other Asian-inspired soups and dishes:
Conclusion
Hot and Sour Soup is a timeless classic that never fails to delight. With its unique balance of spicy and tangy flavors, combined with hearty ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even a quick lunch, it’s versatile, healthy, and satisfying. Try this recipe today, and bring the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant to your kitchen. We’d love to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!