Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Ingredients Summary:
- Pork (or chicken): 100g, thinly sliced (optional)
- Tofu: 1 cup, cut into small cubes
- Dried shiitake mushrooms: 6-8, rehydrated and sliced
- Bamboo shoots: 1/2 cup, julienned
- Egg: 1, lightly beaten
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- White pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili paste: 1 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken)
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Green onions: For garnish
Instructions Overview:
- Prepare the Broth: In a pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste (if using).
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the pork (or chicken), tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meat is cooked and the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Soup: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup, and then slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Finish and Serve: Add sesame oil, and garnish with green onions before serving.
For full details and variations, visit The Woks of Life – Hot and Sour Soup.
Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. This hot and sour soup recipe combines ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a broth flavored with vinegar, soy sauce, and white pepper for that signature taste. It’s often thickened with a touch of cornstarch and can include proteins like pork or chicken, though it’s equally delicious as a vegetarian option. Serve this hearty soup as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Chinese dishes for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.