Hot and sour soup

Table of contents

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Asian dish known for its perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors. This soup is a delightful combination of mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots, all swimming in a savory broth. It’s a comforting dish that warms you up on a chilly day and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Serving Size and Yield

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon chili paste or to taste
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the broth by bringing the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot.
Add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu to the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Adjust the chili paste according to your spice preference.
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the soup while stirring continuously. This will thicken the soup slightly.
Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the sesame oil for a fragrant finish.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Additional Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and ensure the soy sauce is vegetarian. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust the level of chili paste to suit your spice tolerance.