Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Name: Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup canned bamboo shoots, drained; 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup firm tofu, cubed; 1 tsp white pepper (adjust to taste); 3 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Published: March 24, 2025

by teprod

Why You’ll Love This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This hot and sour soup recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Health Benefits: Packed with fresh vegetables like mushrooms and bamboo shoots, this soup is not only flavorful but also nutritious. It’s low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals, providing a guilt-free way to indulge your cravings.

Customizable Ingredients: One of the best aspects of this hot and sour soup recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences—add chicken for protein or use vegetable broth for a vegan version.

Impressive Flavor Profile: The unique combination of heat from white pepper and the tanginess from vinegar makes each spoonful an explosion of flavor. It’s a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth as the base for your soup to control the saltiness while maintaining rich flavors.
Bamboo Shoots: These provide a crunchy texture; choose canned bamboo shoots for convenience.
Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake or button mushrooms add depth; slice them thinly for quicker cooking.
Tofu: Firm tofu works best as it holds its shape well during cooking; cut it into small cubes.
White Pepper: This gives the soup its characteristic heat; adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
Rice Vinegar: Adds the necessary tanginess; opt for unseasoned rice vinegar for better flavor control.

For the Garnish:

Sliced Green Onions: They add freshness; sprinkle them on top just before serving for a burst of color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop vegetables like green onions, mushrooms, and tofu into bite-sized pieces so they’re ready for cooking.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once heated, toss in sliced mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Sauté them for about five minutes until they soften.

Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth along with white pepper and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.

Add Tofu: Carefully add cubed tofu to the pot. Allow it to simmer gently for about five more minutes so that tofu absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Thicken Your Soup: To achieve a slightly thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water until smooth then stir it into the boiling soup. Cook until thickened slightly.

Serve It Up!: Ladle your hot and sour soup into bowls garnished with sliced green onions. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Don’t Overcook Tofu: To maintain texture, avoid overcooking tofu once added to the broth. Simmer just until heated through to keep it firm.

Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less white pepper than suggested. You can always add more later if desired!

Use Fresh Ingredients: For optimal flavor, always opt for fresh vegetables over canned ones whenever possible. Fresh produce enhances both taste and nutrition.

Add Extra Flavor with Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil at serving time for an aromatic lift that complements the flavors beautifully!

Mistakes to avoid

Not Using Fresh Ingredients

Using stale or old ingredients can drastically alter the flavor of your hot and sour soup. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices enhance the taste and aroma of the dish. Always check for freshness when selecting your ingredients to ensure a vibrant and flavorful outcome.

Overcooking the Vegetables

Overcooked vegetables lose their crunch and nutritional value, making your hot and sour soup less appealing. Aim to cook your vegetables until just tender. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling broth. Retaining their texture adds a delightful contrast to the soup.

Ignoring the Balance of Flavors

Hot and sour soup relies on a delicate balance of flavors. If you add too much vinegar or chili paste, you may overpower the other elements in the dish. Taste as you go to find that perfect harmony between heat, tanginess, and umami.

Neglecting Proper Broth Preparation

The broth is the foundation of your hot and sour soup recipe. Using water instead of quality stock can lead to bland results. For rich flavor, simmer chicken or vegetable stock with aromatics for at least an hour before adding other ingredients for a robust base.

Skipping the Garnishes

Garnishes provide not only visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile of your hot and sour soup. Scallions, cilantro, or toasted sesame oil are great additions to finish your dish. Skipping this step can leave your soup feeling incomplete and lacking depth.

Serving Suggestions

This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal that balances flavors and textures. The fluffy rice absorbs the soup’s rich broth, enhancing each bite. You can also enjoy this soup as an appetizer before a main course, such as sweet and sour chicken or stir-fried vegetables, to prepare your palate for the bold tastes ahead. For a lighter option, pair the soup with a fresh salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. This combination provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy notes of the soup.

Pairing with Dumplings

Hot and Sour Soup complements dumplings perfectly. Choose vegetable or pork dumplings for a delightful fusion of flavors. The savory filling of dumplings harmonizes with the soup’s spices, creating a satisfying meal. Steaming the dumplings retains their moisture, making them tender and flavorful. For best results, serve them side by side, allowing diners to dip dumplings into the broth for added enjoyment.

Accompanying Bread Options

For those who prefer bread, consider serving crusty baguettes or soft rolls alongside this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe. The bread acts as an excellent vehicle for soaking up the delicious broth while providing a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s warmth. Lightly toasting the bread adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances your dining experience.

Perfect Beverage Pairings

To elevate your meal further, select beverages that complement Hot and Sour Soup. Iced green tea or jasmine tea offers a refreshing balance to the spicy notes of the soup. If you prefer alcoholic options, consider pairing it with a light lager or pilsner; their crispness cuts through the richness of the broth beautifully.

FAQs

What are key ingredients in Hot and Sour Soup?

The key ingredients in this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe include mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, egg, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. These elements create a perfect balance of hot and sour flavors while providing texture through various vegetables and tofu.

How can I adjust spiciness in Hot and Sour Soup?

To adjust spiciness in your Hot and Sour Soup Recipe, modify the amount of chili paste or pepper used. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always add more later for intensity. Alternatively, add sugar to mellow out excessive spiciness without compromising flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe vegetarian-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure all other ingredients are plant-based too; opt for firm tofu instead of any meat options to maintain protein content while keeping it deliciously hearty.

How long does Hot and Sour Soup last in the fridge?

Hot and Sour Soup can last up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve its flavors before serving again; avoid boiling as it may alter its consistency.