Hot and sour soup is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its vibrant balance of spicy and tangy flavors. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with different ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Soup Base:
- 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Protein & Veggies:
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 block (200g) firm tofu, cut into thin strips
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or pork (optional), shredded
- Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable stock to a boil.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sugar (if using). Adjust seasoning to balance the flavors.
- Add Ingredients:
- Add the mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and carrots. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- If using meat, add it at this stage.
- Thicken the Soup:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup slowly, stirring constantly until the soup thickens.
- Egg Drop:
- Increase heat slightly. Gently drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream while stirring slowly in one direction to create ribbons.
- Final Seasoning:
- Add white pepper for heat and adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions and cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use vegetable stock.
- Experiment with vinegar types (e.g., apple cider vinegar) for subtle flavor variations.
- Add a pinch of MSG for a more authentic Chinese restaurant-style taste.
Enjoy this warm, flavorful soup as an appetizer or a light meal!
