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Hot and Sour Soup

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its bold, tangy flavors and spicy kick. Made with a rich broth, a mix of vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper, this comforting soup is both hearty and satisfying. Itโ€™s quick to prepare and perfect as an appetizer or light meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cut into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili paste or chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1 tsp white pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Broth:ย In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Add Vegetables:ย Stir in the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and carrots. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until tender.
  • Season the Soup:ย Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, white pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  • Add Tofu:ย Gently add the tofu strips to the soup and simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Thicken the Soup:ย Stir the cornstarch slurry to ensure it’s smooth, then slowly pour it into the soup while continuously stirring. Allow the soup to thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the Eggs:ย Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.
  • Finish with Flavor:ย Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give it a final stir.
  • Garnish and Serve:ย Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with green onions and cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Protein Boost:ย Add shredded chicken, pork, or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Vegan Option:ย Use vegetable broth and skip the eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Adjust Spice Level:ย Add more chili paste or fresh chilies for an extra kick.
  • Mushroom Swap:ย If you can’t find shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, button mushrooms work as a substitute.