Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a beloved dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese. It’s known for its distinctive balance of heat and tang, combined with the rich, savory flavors of broth, mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables.
The broth is flavored with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste, while the soup’s texture is enhanced with the addition of ingredients such as bamboo shoots, tofu, and egg ribbons.
This comforting and flavorful soup is perfect for a quick meal, and it’s highly customizable to suit your spice tolerance and preference for ingredients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a delicious bowl, this hot and sour soup will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
2 cups water
1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms (or fresh if preferred)
1 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
1/2 cup tofu, firm, cut into strips or cubes
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup baby corn, sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp chili paste (or more, to taste)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp white pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
1 large egg, beaten
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Hot and Sour Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
If using dried shiitake mushrooms, place them in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, or until soft. Once softened, slice them thinly.
If you’re using fresh mushrooms, simply slice them thinly.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the soaked (or fresh) mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, carrots, and baby corn. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. These ingredients create the signature hot and sour flavor profile of the soup.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more chili paste for additional heat, or more vinegar for extra tanginess.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture into the soup while stirring constantly.
Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes as the broth thickens.
Step 5: Add the Egg
Once the soup has thickened, slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup in a thin stream while gently stirring. The egg will cook immediately, creating soft egg ribbons throughout the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro (if using), and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Chef’s Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste or fresh chili peppers to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili paste or omit it entirely. For an extra kick, add fresh chopped chili peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Vegan Version: For a completely vegan hot and sour soup, use vegetable broth and ensure that the tofu is the main protein. You can also substitute the egg with additional tofu or even mushrooms for a more substantial texture.
Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or let the soup simmer a little longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Toppings: For extra texture and flavor, you can add a dollop of chili oil on top before serving, or even some crispy fried noodles.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 150
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 40% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 6% of the Daily Value
Iron: 8% of the Daily Value
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Hot and sour soup is a simple yet vibrant dish that combines savory, tangy, and spicy flavors in one comforting bowl. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or as a flavorful appetizer to any meal. With its versatile ingredients and easy preparation, this soup can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer it spicier, tangier, or milder, this hot and sour soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the complex flavors and hearty ingredients, and feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own!