Warm up your meal with a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup, a Spicy Tangy Soup that blends bold flavors of tangy vinegar, spicy chili, and savory broth for a Chinese comfort soup that’s both comforting and invigorating. Packed with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, this zesty Asian soup is perfect as a starter for dinner parties or a cozy light meal on chilly nights. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this savory spicy broth will awaken your taste buds. Let’s dive into this vibrant dish and bring some warmth to your table!
Why You’ll Love Hot and Sour Soup
- Bold Flavors: Tangy and spicy notes create an exciting zesty Asian soup.
- Perfect Balance: Silky tofu and crunchy veggies in a savory spicy broth.
- Warming Comfort: Ideal for cool evenings with its cozy Chinese comfort soup warmth.
- Light Yet Filling: A satisfying starter or meal without feeling heavy.
- Customizable: Easily adapts to vegetarian, vegan, or protein-packed variations.
Ingredients for Hot and Sour Soup
Here’s what you need for this zesty Asian soup (makes ~4–6 servings):
Soup Base:
- 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 1–2 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Add-Ins:
- 8 oz (225g) firm tofu, cubed
- ½ cup (30g) dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- ½ cup (75g) bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cooked chicken or pork
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl (for soaking mushrooms)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Rice Vinegar: Fresh vinegar adds the signature tang to this savory spicy broth.
- Tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape; silken tofu works for a softer Chinese comfort soup.
- Mushrooms: Soak wood ear mushrooms for 20–30 minutes for the best texture in this zesty Asian soup.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free savory spicy broth.
- Chili Paste: Adjust for mild or fiery heat in this Chinese comfort soup.
Directions for Hot and Sour Soup
Let’s make this zesty Asian soup—a flavor-packed delight!
Prep Ingredients
- I soak ½ cup dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20–30 minutes until tender, then slice thinly.
- I cube 8 oz tofu, slice ½ cup bamboo shoots, and chop 2 green onions.
- I keep 6 cups broth, ¼ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1–2 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp white pepper ready for this savory spicy broth.
Heat Broth
- In a large pot, I bring 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat, creating the base for this Chinese comfort soup.
Add Flavors and Veggies
- I stir in mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 1–2 tbsp chili paste, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp sesame oil.
- I simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavors of this zesty Asian soup.
Add Tofu and Protein
- I add tofu cubes and optional ½ cup shredded chicken or pork, simmering for 3–5 minutes to heat through without breaking the tofu in this savory spicy broth.
Thicken and Add Eggs
- I stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken slightly.
- I drizzle 2 beaten eggs slowly into the simmering soup, stirring gently in one direction to create silky ribbons for this Chinese comfort soup.
Adjust and Serve
- I taste and adjust with extra vinegar or soy sauce if needed.
- I ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions for a vibrant zesty Asian soup.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Servings: ~4–6 servings
- Calories: ~150–200 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 8g protein, 8g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Hot and Sour Soup
Try these twists on this zesty Asian soup:
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip meat for a plant-based savory spicy broth.
- Seafood: Add ½ cup shrimp for a luxurious Chinese comfort soup, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad.
- Spicy Kick: Increase chili paste or add fresh chilies for a fiery zesty Asian soup.
- Vegan: Omit eggs and use vegan broth for a vegan savory spicy broth.
- Mushroom Mix: Add shiitake mushrooms for extra depth in this Chinese comfort soup.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for a light pairing.
Storage
I store the savory spicy broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months, noting that tofu texture may change slightly. I reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the Chinese comfort soup’s texture.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in small bowls for a refined starter or a large pot for family-style zesty Asian soup.
- Garnish: Add scallions, chili oil, or sesame seeds for vibrant savory spicy broth flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with jasmine rice or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person as a starter or 2 cups for a light meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for dinner parties, cozy nights, or Asian-inspired meals.
FAQs About Hot and Sour Soup
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
What makes Hot and Sour Soup tangy and spicy?
Rice vinegar provides the tang, while chili paste and white pepper add the heat in this zesty Asian soup.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth and skip meat or eggs for a plant-based savory spicy broth.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with 1 tbsp chili paste and add more gradually for your ideal Chinese comfort soup heat.
Why are my egg ribbons clumpy?
Drizzle eggs slowly and stir gently in one direction for silky ribbons in this zesty Asian soup.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep a day ahead and reheat gently, adding eggs fresh when serving for the best savory spicy broth texture.
More Soups & Stews Recipes
- Chicken Soup
- Tasty Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
- Satisfying Garlic Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
- Garlic Soup
Conclusion
Hot and Sour Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish that brings bold tangy and spicy flavors to your table. This zesty Asian soup, with its silky tofu and crunchy veggies, is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whip up this savory spicy broth and enjoy a Chinese comfort soup that warms the soul!
Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 6 cups 1.5L chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup 60ml rice vinegar
- ¼ cup 60ml soy sauce
- 1 –2 tbsp chili paste adjust to taste
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Add-Ins:
- 8 oz 225g firm tofu, cubed
- ½ cup 30g dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- ½ cup 75g bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water slurry
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cooked chicken or pork
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
- I soak ½ cup dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20–30 minutes until tender, then slice thinly. I cube 8 oz tofu, slice ½ cup bamboo shoots, and chop 2 green onions. I keep 6 cups broth, ¼ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1–2 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp white pepper ready for this savory spicy broth.
Heat Broth
- In a large pot, I bring 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat, creating the base for this Chinese comfort soup.
Add Flavors and Veggies
- I stir in mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 1–2 tbsp chili paste, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. I simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavors of this zesty Asian soup.
Add Tofu and Protein
- I add tofu cubes and optional ½ cup shredded chicken or pork, simmering for 3–5 minutes to heat through without breaking the tofu in this savory spicy broth.
Thicken and Add Eggs
- I stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken slightly. I drizzle 2 beaten eggs slowly into the simmering soup, stirring gently in one direction to create silky ribbons for this Chinese comfort soup.
Adjust and Serve
- I taste and adjust with extra vinegar or soy sauce if needed. I ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions for a vibrant zesty Asian soup.
Notes
- Use fresh rice vinegar to ensure bright and tangy flavors.
- Adjust chili paste gradually to control heat level.
- Stir gently when adding eggs to create thin ribbons instead of clumps.
- Soak wood ear mushrooms thoroughly for optimal texture.
- Simmer instead of boiling to preserve tofu integrity and avoid harsh flavors.
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