Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Hot and Sour Flavors

Why Hot and Sour Soup?

Hot and sour soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. This soup gets its heat from chili paste and its tartness from rice vinegar, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling. Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can have a steaming bowl of hot and sour soup on the table.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp chili paste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Add to pot and stir until soup thickens.

3. Add bamboo shoots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, scallions, tofu, garlic, ginger, and chili paste to the pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

4. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring soup in a circular motion. Cook for another minute until eggs are set.

5. Stir in sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

• Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the eggs. You can also add more veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy to make the soup heartier.
• Meat lovers: If you want to add some meat to your soup, try adding some sliced pork or chicken. Simply brown the meat in a separate pan before adding it to the soup.
• Gluten-free: To make this soup gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free.
• Spicier: If you like your soup extra spicy, add more chili paste or some red pepper flakes to the pot.
• Milder: If you want to tone down the heat, omit the chili paste altogether and add more rice vinegar for extra tartness.

Final Thoughts

Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, this soup is easy to customize to your liking. So why not give it a try tonight? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

FAQ

What type of broth should I use to make Hot and Sour Soup?

You can use chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference. If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.

Can I make Hot and Sour Soup with shrimp or chicken?

Yes, you can add chicken or shrimp to the soup to make it heartier. Just make sure to cook the meat or shrimp before adding it to the soup.

Can I use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Yes, you can use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar. It will give the soup a slightly different flavor, but it will still taste great.

How do I make the soup spicier?

You can add more chili paste or red pepper flakes to make the soup spicier. Just add a little at a time and taste the soup before adding more.

Can I make Hot and Sour Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

How do I make the soup thicker?

You can add cornstarch mixed with water to the soup to thicken it. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the soup.

Can I freeze Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat it on the stove before serving.

Can I use tofu instead of mushrooms?

Yes, you can use tofu instead of mushrooms to make the soup vegetarian. Just make sure to dice the tofu into small pieces before adding it to the soup.

How long does it take to make Hot and Sour Soup?

It takes about 30 minutes to make Hot and Sour Soup from start to finish.

What toppings can I add to the soup?

You can add sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sesame oil to the soup before serving for extra flavor.