Description
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. This comforting soup features a medley of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and a flavorful broth thickened with cornstarch and enriched with delicate egg ribbons. It’s quick to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth & Base
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 cup sliced shiitake or wood ear mushrooms
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (julienned)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu (cut into thin strips)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Salt to taste
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Simmer the broth and vegetables: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu to the broth.
- Add seasonings: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the soup develops a fragrant aroma.
- Thicken the soup: Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry mixture and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the soup slightly thickens to a silky consistency.
- Create egg ribbons: While stirring the soup in one direction, slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten egg. This technique forms delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup. Cook for an additional 1 minute to set the egg.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the salt or heat level as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with thinly sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add cooked shredded chicken or pork for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit meat-based additions.
- Adjust vinegar or chili garlic sauce to match your preferred level of tanginess and spice.
