Hot And Sour Soup is a delightful dish that beautifully blends spicy and tangy flavors. This traditional Chinese soup, filled with mushrooms, tofu, and silky egg ribbons, is perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a standout choice for soup lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of total time, you can enjoy this flavorful soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices, vinegar, and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously complex taste that is both hot and sour.
- Health Benefits: Packed with nutritious ingredients like mushrooms and tofu, this soup is not only tasty but also wholesome.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether as an appetizer or a hearty main dish, Hot And Sour Soup fits seamlessly into any dining experience.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Hot And Sour Soup a breeze. Below are the essential items you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Allows ample space for boiling broth and combining ingredients without spilling.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of spices and liquids for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Traditional Chinese soup combining spicy and tangy flavors with mushrooms, tofu, and silky egg ribbons.
For the Broth
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 teaspoons fresh ginger or 1½ teaspoon dried
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 5 dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked
For the Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
For the Soup Base
- 8 ounces bamboo shoots
- 8 ounces firm tofu, cubed
For Thickening and Garnishing
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Crispy chow mein noodles for garnish
How to Make Hot And Sour Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Combine all broth ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for 6-8 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 2: Add Tofu and Bamboo Shoots
Once the broth is boiling, add cubed tofu and bamboo shoots. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Create Egg Ribbons
Slowly pour the whisked eggs into the simmering soup while stirring gently. This will create beautiful silky ribbons of egg. Allow them to set for one minute.
Step 5: Final Touches
Adjust your desired spice level by adding more chili garlic sauce if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and crispy chow mein noodles before serving hot.
Enjoy your homemade Hot And Sour Soup filled with wonderful flavors!
How to Serve Hot And Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it can be paired with different accompaniments to elevate the experience.
Garnish with Green Onions
- Freshly sliced green onions add a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your hot and sour soup.
Add Crispy Chow Mein Noodles
- Topping the soup with crispy chow mein noodles provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky broth.
Pair with Steamed Rice
- Serving hot and sour soup alongside steamed rice makes for a hearty meal, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Serve with Spring Rolls
- Crispy spring rolls complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the soup, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Enjoy with Dumplings
- Adding dumplings as a side enhances the meal’s richness, offering another delicious option to savor between spoonfuls of soup.
Accompany with Pickled Vegetables
- The tanginess of pickled vegetables can balance out the heat of the soup, making each bite wonderfully refreshing.
How to Perfect Hot And Sour Soup
To ensure your hot and sour soup reaches its full potential, keep these tips in mind for a perfect bowl every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, ginger, and tofu will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Balance Your Flavors: Adjust the vinegar and chili garlic sauce to find your ideal mix of heat and tanginess.
- Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch; if you like it thinner, reduce the amount used.
- Whisk Eggs Slowly: When adding whisked eggs, pour them slowly while stirring to create beautiful ribbons throughout the soup.
- Taste as You Go: Always sample your broth at various stages to adjust seasoning before serving.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a few extra minutes helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Hot And Sour Soup
Pairing hot and sour soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Consider these options for a delightful combination.
- Fried Rice: A classic side that pairs well with any Asian dish; try adding peas and carrots for color.
- Chili Garlic Noodles: Spicy noodles tossed in garlic sauce make an excellent accompaniment that matches the soup’s bold flavors.
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites are perfect for dipping into soy sauce or vinegar while enjoying your soup.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of sautéed veggies adds freshness and crunch alongside your hot and sour bowl.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: This light salad offers a refreshing contrast to the heat of the soup with its cool crunch.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat complement the spicy notes of hot and sour soup perfectly.
- Chicken Satay Skewers: Tender grilled chicken skewers served with peanut sauce create a mouthwatering pairing.
- Miso Soup: A lighter option that balances out the richness of hot and sour soup while keeping within an Asian theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hot And Sour Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures it turns out perfectly every time.
- Using low-quality broth: Always use a good quality chicken or vegetable broth. It enhances the flavor and richness of your soup.
- Adding too much vinegar: Balance is key. Start with less vinegar and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering acidity.
- Skipping the mushrooms: Mushrooms add essential texture and umami. Don’t skip them; they are a vital ingredient in Hot And Sour Soup.
- Overcooking the tofu: Tofu should be gently added and only warmed through. Overcooking can ruin its texture.
- Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like green onions and crispy noodles add flavor and presentation. Don’t forget them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hot And Sour Soup in an airtight container.
- It is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Hot And Sour Soup
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Hot And Sour Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hot And Sour Soup.
What is Hot And Sour Soup?
Hot And Sour Soup is a traditional Chinese soup that combines spicy and tangy flavors with ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
Can I make Hot And Sour Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I adjust the spice level in Hot And Sour Soup?
To adjust spice levels, add more chili garlic sauce for heat or reduce vinegar for less tanginess. Taste as you go!
What can I substitute for tofu in Hot And Sour Soup?
You can use tempeh or seitan as substitutes for tofu if you prefer different textures or flavors.
Final Thoughts
Hot And Sour Soup is an enticing blend of spicy and tangy flavors that makes it both comforting and satisfying. The recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try today!
Hot And Sour Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Hot And Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors. This hearty soup features a delightful combination of fresh mushrooms, silky tofu, and vibrant bamboo shoots, all enveloped in a rich, savory broth. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Each spoonful bursts with flavor, making it a comforting favorite among soup lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 5 dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked
- 8 ounces firm tofu, cubed
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 8 ounces bamboo shoots
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken or vegetable broth with fresh ginger, sliced mushrooms, and soaked wood ear mushrooms. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let simmer for 6-8 minutes.
- Add cubed tofu and bamboo shoots to the pot; stir gently.
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth and gradually stir into the soup. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour whisked eggs into the simmering soup while stirring gently to create silky ribbons. Let it set for one minute.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili garlic sauce if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions and crispy chow mein noodles before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
