Zesty Asian Hot and Sour Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Steaming bowls of hot and sour soup dance with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the heart of authentic Chinese cuisine.

This delectable hot and sour soup recipe bursts with bold, complex tastes that awaken every sense.

Tender strips of protein mingle with silky tofu and crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of textures.

Each spoonful offers a perfect blend of heat and tanginess that tingles your palate.

The soup’s rich broth tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Robust ingredients come together in a symphony of seasoning that promises comfort and excitement in every bite.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Hot and Sour Soup That Hits the Spot

• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, warming foundation that carries all the soup's complex tastes.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami depth and subtle saltiness to enhance overall flavor profile.
• White Pepper: Delivers a gentle, warming heat with a sophisticated aromatic kick.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and spicy notes, creating a harmonious taste sensation.

• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a bright, sharp tanginess that cuts through the richness.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Brings vibrant, spicy zest and authentic Asian-inspired heat.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, toasted essence that adds complexity and depth.

• None listed in the current instructions.

Tools for Crafting Authentic Hot and Sour Flavors

• Large pot: Essential for simmering broth and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring soup and mixing seasonings evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of soy sauce, vinegar, and other seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Useful for accurately measuring chicken broth.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients if chopping is required.

Cooking Instructions for That Just-Right Tang

• Warm Up the Broth Kickstart your culinary adventure by pouring chicken broth into a spacious pot and letting it dance over medium heat until it starts simmering gently.
• Spice It Up Add a splash of excitement with soy sauce, a tangy dash of vinegar, a bold punch of chili garlic sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, a whisper of white pepper, and a hint of sugar. Stir these flavor heroes together, creating a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing.
• Build Depth Drop in your favorite protein and sliced mushrooms, letting them mingle and absorb the vibrant broth's personality.
• Thicken the Plot Whisk cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then slowly pour this magical thickening potion into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, silky texture.
• Add Egg Ribbons Gently pour beaten eggs in a slow, steady stream while stirring, watching them transform into delicate, cloud-like ribbons that float through the soup.
• Final Touch Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, crisp finish that adds a burst of color and zesty flavor to your amazing hot and sour soup.

Tweaks to Make This Soup Uniquely Yours

• Flavor Boost: Add extra depth by using a combination of rice vinegar and black Chinese vinegar for a more complex tangy profile.
• Texture Magic: Whisk eggs separately and drizzle slowly into the hot soup to create delicate, silky egg ribbons that enhance the soup's overall mouthfeel.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add tofu for a vegetarian version, or include shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili garlic sauce quantity to match personal heat preference – start with less and gradually increase for perfect spiciness without overwhelming the palate.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare soup base in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding fresh garnishes and eggs just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Serving the Soup with Traditional Flair

• Spicy Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls for a delightful crunch that complements the soup's tangy broth.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer Pairing: Accompany the hot and sour soup with steamed pork dumplings or chicken wontons to create a complete meal with contrasting textures.
• Rice Companion: Ladle the soup over a small bowl of freshly cooked white rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful broth and make the dish more filling.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Top with fresh chopped green onions, cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add brightness, color, and an extra layer of flavor to the soup.

Best Way to Store Leftovers for a Flavorful Reheat

• Soup Freshness Tactics: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool soup completely before sealing and refrigerating, which helps prevent bacterial growth and preserves taste quality.
• Longevity Management: Refrigerated soup stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly stored in sealed glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Reheating Performance: Warm soup gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of fresh chicken broth to restore original consistency and prevent flavor degradation.

Tantalizing Hot And Sour Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hot and sour soup from China delights diners with complex layers of tangy and spicy flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple cooking techniques create a comforting meal that warms you to the core.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 cup shiitake or button mushrooms (sliced)
• ½ cup bamboo shoots (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup firm tofu (cut into thin strips)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten, for egg ribbons)
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch + ¼ cup water (for thickening slurry)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp white pepper (for authentic heat!)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances flavors, optional)

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Instructions

1. Broth Preparation: Warm chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat, creating a foundational flavor base for the soup.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar into the simmering broth, developing a robust and intricate taste profile that balances heat, acidity, and sweetness.
3. Flavor Infusion: Maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the seasonings to harmonize and deepen the soup’s complex flavor, creating a rich and aromatic liquid that promises a tantalizing culinary experience.

Notes

• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili garlic sauce carefully to control heat intensity, allowing personalized spiciness without overwhelming the delicate soup flavor.
• Whisk with Precision: Blend seasonings thoroughly and consistently to prevent ingredient separation and ensure an even, harmonious taste distribution throughout the broth.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to preserve ingredient textures and prevent overcooking of delicate components.
• Layer Flavor Gradually: Add seasonings incrementally and taste frequently, enabling you to build complexity while maintaining the soup’s authentic hot and sour profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg