Hot and Sour Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that perfectly balances spicy and tangy notes. This classic Asian soup is packed with a medley of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and a rich broth that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, customizable to suit your taste, and a perfect dish for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

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

• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Bamboo shoots
• Firm tofu
• Eggs
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• White pepper
• Chili paste or hot sauce
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Green onions
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic

Directions

1. Prepare the broth by bringing chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to achieve the desired hot and sour flavor balance.
4. Add cubed firm tofu to the pot and gently stir.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the soup to thicken.
6. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle the eggs into the simmering soup while gently stirring to create silky ribbons.
7. Finish with a dash of sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
• Meat Addition: Add thinly sliced chicken or pork for extra protein.
• Extra Heat: Increase the chili paste or add fresh chili slices for a spicier kick.
• Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like enoki or button mushrooms for varied textures.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Hot and Sour Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make Hot and Sour Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

2. Is Hot and Sour Soup gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the amount of chili paste or hot sauce to suit your preference.

4. What can I use instead of tofu?

You can substitute tofu with chicken, shrimp, or additional vegetables.

5. Can I freeze Hot and Sour Soup?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of tofu and eggs may change after thawing.

6. What type of vinegar is best for this soup?

Rice vinegar is traditional, but you can also use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as substitutes.

7. How do I make the soup thicker?

Add more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to achieve a thicker consistency.

8. Can I add noodles to Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, adding noodles like rice noodles or glass noodles can make the soup more filling.

9. What if the soup is too sour?

Balance the sourness by adding a bit of sugar or reducing the vinegar slightly.

10. Is Hot and Sour Soup healthy?

Yes, it’s generally low in calories and packed with vegetables and protein, making it a nutritious option.

Conclusion

Hot and Sour Soup is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy, tangy, with meat, or vegetarian, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for any season, it’s a staple that’s both comforting and nourishing.

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