Easy Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Get ready to experience the perfect balance of flavors with our delightful Hot and Sour Soup! This classic Chinese dish is a symphony of tastes, combining the fiery heat of chili, the tangy zest of vinegar, and the umami richness of various ingredients. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or craving a comforting, exotic soup, this recipe for four is sure to satisfy your cravings. With a harmonious blend of vegetables, mushrooms, and proteins, this hot and sour soup is a journey for your taste buds. Let’s dive into the enticing world of flavors.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
200g (7 oz) tofu, cubed
200g (7 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated if dried, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and white pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Broth and Tofu

In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer.
Add the tofu cubes and allow them to gently simmer for about 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste. Mix well.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup while stirring continuously until it thickens.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Mushrooms

Toss in the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, and green peas.
Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the hot soup while stirring gently with a fork. This will create the characteristic ribbons of cooked egg in the soup.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Season the soup with salt and white pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level with more chili paste if desired.
Stir in the sliced green onions.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming hot and sour soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Your Hot and Sour Soup is ready to serve. Enjoy this exquisite combination of spicy and tangy flavors with a touch of umami richness. It’s a comforting and exotic dish that’s perfect for four people.