Hot and Sour Soup is a quintessential Chinese dish that expertly balances savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a cold day or when you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with rich flavors. Known for its signature combination of heat and acidity, this soup has become a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine. This recipe brings together a variety of fresh ingredients like bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and a perfect balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices to create a warm, hearty, and flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Broth and Aromatics:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: This serves as the base of your soup, providing a rich and savory foundation.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant start to your soup.
- 1 tbsp grated ginger: Adds a bright, aromatic spice that cuts through the richness of the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic deepens the savory flavor of the soup and works well with the ginger.
Vegetables and Tofu:
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced: These lend a slight crunch and mild, earthy flavor to the soup.
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced: Shiitake mushrooms provide an umami richness, enhancing the depth of flavor in the broth.
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced: Tofu takes on the flavors of the broth while adding a creamy texture.
Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds the tangy element that defines Hot and Sour Soup. It balances the richness of the broth and complements the other flavors.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: This gives the soup its salty, umami base.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup, making it silky and rich.
- 1/4 tsp white pepper: A subtle spice that adds heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: This gives the soup its signature heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your soup.
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth to the soup at the end.
Garnishes:
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Stirred into the soup to create delicate ribbons of egg, adding texture and richness.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Fresh green onions add color and a mild, crunchy element to garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step is essential for releasing the oils and flavors of the ginger and garlic, which will form the aromatic foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the ginger and garlic are fragrant, add the bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms. Stir them for 2-3 minutes to soften the mushrooms and allow the bamboo shoots to absorb some of the flavors from the garlic and ginger. The vegetables should be tender but still maintain some texture.
Step 3: Mix the Broth
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the broth. Once mixed, pour the broth mixture into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the cornstarch will thicken the broth into a silky consistency. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning. Adjust the soy sauce, vinegar, or spices to your liking.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir in the sesame oil for added flavor, and slowly pour in the lightly beaten egg while stirring gently to create silky ribbons of egg throughout the soup. Add the diced tofu and sliced green onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tofu to heat through and the egg to set.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is fully incorporated and heated, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional green onions or a drizzle of soy sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the complex, bold flavors of this classic Hot and Sour Soup.
Expert Tips
- Add Wood Ear Mushrooms: For an additional texture, consider adding wood ear mushrooms. These mushrooms are slightly chewy and add a fun contrast to the other vegetables in the soup.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the cayenne pepper or use less white pepper. Conversely, for a spicier version, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add chili oil.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to add more protein, cooked shredded chicken is great additions that pair well with the flavors in the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: If you like your soup even thicker, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and add it to the soup during the simmering stage.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
This Hot and Sour Soup is a healthy and nutritious choice, providing a good source of protein from tofu and fiber from the mushrooms and bamboo shoots. It’s low in calories but rich in flavor, making it a satisfying yet light meal. The sodium content can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce or broth if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, while shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Hot and Sour Soup, you can also use other types of mushrooms like button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or even dried mushrooms that need to be rehydrated. Each type of mushroom will offer its own unique flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Hot and Sour Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more flavorful the next day. Simply reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add extra chili oil to increase the spice level of the soup. Adjust to your personal taste by starting with small increments and tasting as you go.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the egg if you want to keep it vegan. The soup will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the soy sauce, vinegar, and mushrooms.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
While Hot and Sour Soup can technically be frozen, the texture of the tofu may change when thawed. It’s best to freeze the soup without the tofu and add it in after reheating the soup. The broth and vegetables freeze well on their own.
6. What can I serve with Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot and Sour Soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with steamed rice, egg rolls, or dumplings for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a starter for a larger Chinese meal with several dishes.
Conclusion
Hot and Sour Soup is a bold, comforting dish that combines savory, spicy, and tangy flavors in a perfect balance. The rich, flavorful broth paired with tender tofu, crunchy bamboo shoots, and savory mushrooms makes this soup a favorite in Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a hearty starter for your meal or a comforting dish to enjoy on its own, this Hot and Sour Soup recipe is sure to deliver. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and customizable to your taste. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting, flavorful experience with every spoonful.