Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Introduction:

Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved Chinese dish that balances savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. With its warming broth, fragrant spices, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only satisfying but also nourishing. Whether you’re looking to replicate restaurant-quality flavors or warm up on a cold day, this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Add the bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms, stirring for 2-3 minutes to soften.
  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 until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour the broth mixture into the pot, bringing it to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens.
  5. Finish the Soup: Stir in the sesame oil, beaten egg, diced tofu, and sliced green onions. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the egg is fully set, and the tofu is heated through.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra green onions or a drizzle of soy sauce, if desired.

Expert Tips:

  • For added texture, consider adding wood ear mushrooms along with the shiitakes.
  • Adjust the level of heat by varying the cayenne pepper amount.
  • To make this soup heartier, add cooked shredded chicken or pork.

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

Conclusion:

Enjoy the tangy, spicy, and savory notes of this delightful Hot and Sour Soup. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, bold flavors that make this dish a favorite.

This recipe is simple to follow and yields a flavorful soup that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!n
1/2 cup diced firm tofu
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, white pepper, and cayenne pepper until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Pour the broth mixture into the pot and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
Add the sesame oil, lightly beaten egg, diced tofu, and green onions to the pot and stir gently.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the egg is cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy!