Tangy, Comforting Hot and Sour Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a steaming hot and sour soup transports me back to cozy winter evenings in beijing.

Memories of fragrant spices dancing through my grandmother’s kitchen inspire this classic recipe.

Warmth radiates from each carefully selected ingredient, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Tangy vinegar and rich broth create a harmonious balance that tingles taste buds.

Authentic flavors merge seamlessly, telling a story of culinary tradition and personal passion.

Complex yet simple, this soup delivers a remarkable experience that connects you directly to chinese comfort cooking.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through taste and tradition.

Ingredients Needed for Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that serves as the foundation of the soup, providing depth and warmth.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, savory umami flavor to the soup.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy and slightly acidic taste that balances the other ingredients.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Provides a spicy kick and additional flavor complexity.

• Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and slightly thickened texture in the soup.

• Eggs: Create delicate egg ribbons that add texture and protein to the soup.
• Shiitake Mushrooms, Tofu, Bamboo Shoots: Contribute different textures and earthy flavors to the dish.
• Green Onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

Step 1: Kick Off the Broth Base

Pour chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will create the foundational flavor for your soup adventure.

Step 2: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Chili garlic sauce

Adjust the chili garlic sauce to match your spice tolerance – go wild or keep it mild!

Step 3: Thicken the Magic

Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Egg Ribbon Dance

Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering soup while stirring in one direction. Watch magical egg ribbons form and swirl through the broth.

Step 5: Veggie and Protein Party

• Shiitake mushrooms
• Tofu
• Bamboo shoots
• Green onions

Let everything mingle and soften for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to marry.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Give the soup a final stir to distribute seasonings perfectly.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls and get ready for a flavor explosion! Enjoy immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Expert Tips for Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

• Adjust chili garlic sauce carefully to control spice level without overwhelming the delicate soup flavors.
• Create smooth egg ribbons by pouring beaten eggs slowly and stirring consistently to prevent clumping.
• Enhance soup's depth by using high-quality chicken broth and fresh shiitake mushrooms for richer taste.
• Substitute tofu with cooked chicken or shrimp for protein variation if desired.
• Prepare cornstarch slurry separately to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening of the broth.

Variations to Spice Up Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use extra firm tofu, and add more mushroom varieties like enoki and oyster mushrooms for depth.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap tofu with fresh shrimp or crab meat, use fish sauce instead of soy sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro for ocean-inspired flavors.
• Spicy Korean Style: Add gochujang paste, kimchi, and Korean chili flakes for a fiery Korean-inspired version with complex heat and tangy undertones.
• Hearty Winter Warmer: Include diced chicken, add root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for a more substantial cold-weather soup.

Serving Suggestions for Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's richness, balancing its tangy and spicy profile while refreshing the palate.
• Complement with Steamed Pork Dumplings: These delicate dumplings provide a complementary texture and mild flavor that enhances the hot and sour soup's complex taste without overwhelming its delicate balance.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: The subtle, fragrant rice serves as a perfect neutral base, absorbing the soup's vibrant flavors and offering a comforting counterpoint to its bold seasonings.
• Serve with Green Tea: A light, slightly grassy green tea cleanses the palate between spoonfuls, neutralizing the soup's heat and acidity while adding a traditional Asian dining experience.

Storing Delicious Hot and Sour Soup Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tofu as it can change texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is thoroughly warm.

FAQs About Delicious Hot and Sour Soup

• What is the key to creating perfect egg ribbons in hot and sour soup?

The secret is to slowly pour beaten eggs while continuously stirring the soup. This technique helps create delicate, thin egg ribbons that distribute evenly throughout the broth.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. The core flavors will remain authentic and delicious.

• How do I control the spiciness level of the soup?

Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if you want more heat. This allows you to customize the soup’s spiciness.

What Makes Delicious Hot and Sour Soup So Flavorful

• Create Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili garlic sauce to match your spice tolerance, making this soup perfect for everyone from mild to wild flavor lovers.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality soup in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Packed with Nutritious Ingredients: Enjoy a balanced dish loaded with protein from tofu and eggs, plus vegetables like mushrooms and green onions that boost your daily nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Embrace Versatile Dining: Serve as a starter, light lunch, or complete meal that works beautifully for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you need a soul-soothing recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Delicious Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor hearty Chinese-style Hot and Sour Soup, a spicy symphony of complex flavors dancing through tender ingredients. Balanced textures and warming spices invite comfort while delivering a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Protein-Rich Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup tofu, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Mushrooms:

• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the chicken broth in a spacious pot over medium heat until gently simmering.
2. Incorporate soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, calibrating the spice intensity to personal preference.
3. Create a smooth cornstarch mixture by blending with cold water, then gradually introduce the slurry into the liquid, stirring continuously to develop a silky, thickened consistency.
4. Execute the egg technique by drizzling beaten eggs into the swirling soup, crafting delicate, feathery egg ribbons.
5. Elevate the soup’s complexity by introducing shiitake mushrooms, tender tofu cubes, crisp bamboo shoots, and freshly chopped green onions.
6. Allow ingredients to meld and soften for approximately 5 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer.
7. Fine-tune the flavor profile with measured salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced taste experience.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, presenting a vibrant and aromatic culinary creation ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili garlic sauce, allowing diners to control spiciness according to their preference.
• Create silky egg ribbons by pouring beaten eggs slowly and stirring continuously, ensuring delicate texture throughout the soup.
• Select firm tofu for better texture and stability, preventing disintegration during cooking and maintaining structural integrity in the soup.
• Enhance flavor depth by using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of sesame oil just before serving for an extra aromatic touch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 70 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg