hot and sour soup

 

Warm, Tangy, and Spicy: How to Make Classic Hot and Sour Soup at Home

Few dishes can match the comforting yet invigorating flavors of Hot and Sour Soup. This classic Chinese soup combines a perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami, making it an ideal starter or a light meal on its own. With ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and a zesty vinegar-based broth, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1/2 cup shiitake or button mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned

• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon chili paste or hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional)

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth:
   In a large pot, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add mushrooms and bamboo shoots and simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.

2. Add tofu and seasonings:
   Stir in the cubed tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

3. Thicken the soup:
   Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly.

4. Optional egg ribbon:
   If using, drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup in a thin stream while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.

5. Finish and serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

---

Tips for the Perfect Hot and Sour Soup:

• Adjust the heat and tanginess by adding more chili paste or vinegar to suit your taste.

• For extra umami, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of white pepper.

• Fresh mushrooms give the best texture, but canned mushrooms work in a pinch.

Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting bowl of bold flavors that excites the taste buds while warming the soul. Quick to prepare yet richly satisfying, it’s a staple for anyone who loves a balance of spice, sourness, and savory goodness in every spoonful.