Hot and Sour Soup

Introduction

Hot and Sour Soup is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to every meal, and it has quickly become a family favorite in my house. It strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sour, savory, and umami flavors, all wrapped in a soothing broth. This soup is the epitome of a satisfying meal, whether you’re having it on a cold winter night or simply craving something with a kick. When I first made it, my family was hooked right away. The heat from the sriracha, combined with the tanginess from the vinegar, gives this soup an unforgettable flavor. What’s even better is how customizable this dish can be, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking and add extra sourness or sweetness based on your preferences. With its fresh vegetables, tofu, and comforting broth, this Hot and Sour Soup is a delicious and easy way to bring a taste of Asia right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. This comforting bowl of soup is packed with nutrients, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables like carrots and mushrooms, and plant-based protein from tofu. The tangy, spicy broth gives it an unforgettable depth of flavor, while the silky texture of the tofu and the crunch of the bamboo shoots offer a satisfying contrast. Whether you’re making it as a starter for a larger meal or enjoying it on its own, Hot and Sour Soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. It’s perfect for vegetarians, gluten-free eaters (just be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce), and anyone looking to enjoy a tasty, warming dish that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 8 pieces Shiitake mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 1/2 package firm tofu, thin sliced
• 1 cup carrot, julienne
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar (adjust according to your taste)
• 1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce (adjust to your liking)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 cup white vinegar (add an additional if you like more sour)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons corn starch + ¼ cup water
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Tofu
   Slice the tofu, carrot, and mushrooms, then set them aside. It’s important to cut everything into thin slices or julienne style to ensure they cook quickly and evenly in the soup.
2. Cook the Soup Base
   In a large pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is boiling, add the sliced mushrooms, julienned carrots, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Let the soup cook for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables and tofu to soften and absorb the flavors of the broth.
3. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
   While the soup is cooking, whisk the two eggs in a bowl and set them aside. In a separate small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the soup slightly once added.
4. Add Flavorings to the Soup
   Now it’s time to add all the essential flavors to the soup. Add soy sauce, sugar, sriracha hot sauce, white pepper, white vinegar, and sesame oil to the broth. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to develop a rich, balanced flavor.
5. Thicken the Soup
   Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly as you add it to the soup. This will thicken the soup just enough to give it a silky texture. Continue stirring until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
6. Add the Eggs
   Once the soup has thickened, slowly pour the beaten eggs into the pot, stirring gently to create ribbons of egg throughout the soup. This adds a beautiful texture and richness to the soup.
7. Final Touches
   Add sliced green onions for a fresh, sharp contrast to the hot and sour flavors. Season with salt to taste. Give everything one final stir, and the soup is ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 150 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve Hot: This soup is best served hot, directly after cooking.
• Garnish: For added flavor and color, garnish with extra green onions or cilantro.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice or a side of dumplings for a complete meal.
• Serving Style: Ladle the soup into individual bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous amount of tofu, vegetables, and broth.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce. For extra heat, add more to taste.
2. Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and swap the eggs for a tofu-based alternative to make the soup vegan-friendly.
3. Thicken It More: If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry by an additional tablespoon.
4. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or spinach for additional nutrition and flavor.
5. Customize the Tofu: For a firmer texture, use extra-firm tofu, or for a softer consistency, go with silken tofu.

FAQ

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
   Yes, vegetable broth works great if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option.
2. Can I use different mushrooms?
   While shiitake mushrooms are the traditional choice, you can substitute them with other varieties like cremini or button mushrooms.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari), this soup can easily be made gluten-free.
4. How do I store leftover soup?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made in advance, but it’s best to add the eggs right before serving so they don’t overcook.
6. How do I make the soup spicier?
   Add more sriracha hot sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
7. Can I add noodles to this soup?
   Absolutely! You can add cooked noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles to make the soup more filling.
8. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
   Yes, Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
9. How can I make the soup less sour?
   If you prefer a milder sourness, reduce the amount of white vinegar used. You can always add more vinegar to taste once the soup is cooked.
10. Can I make the soup spicy without sriracha?
    If you don’t have sriracha, you can substitute with chili paste, hot chili oil, or your favorite hot sauce.

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s easy to customize to your taste preferences. With its balance of heat, sourness, and umami, it’s the perfect comforting soup to enjoy year-round!

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