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Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup
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Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that balances tangy, spicy, and savory flavors with a variety of textures like tender tofu and crunchy bamboo shoots. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for warming up on chilly days or enjoying as a nourishing, satisfying meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth Base

  • 4 cups vegetarian broth or chicken stock
  • 6 dried shiitake mushrooms

Main Ingredients

  • 200g firm tofu, sliced
  • 100g bamboo shoots, sliced

Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Finishing

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: Simmer the vegetarian broth or chicken stock with dried shiitake mushrooms for about 10-15 minutes to extract their deep, earthy flavors, creating a rich and flavorful base.
  2. Add bamboo shoots and tofu: Slice bamboo shoots and firm tofu, then gently add them to the simmering broth. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors without breaking apart.
  3. Season perfectly: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper gradually, tasting as you go to strike the ideal balance of heat and tang that defines Hot and Sour Soup.
  4. Thicken the soup: Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Slowly pour it into the boiling soup while stirring constantly until the broth thickens to a smooth, silky texture—be careful not to over-thicken.
  5. Egg ribbons finish: Beat the eggs lightly, then slowly drizzle them into the simmering soup while stirring gently with a bamboo ladle or spoon to create delicate, beautiful egg ribbons that add richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh rice vinegar to brighten the soup’s tangy flavor.
  • Start with a small amount of white pepper and adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Dried shiitake mushrooms add essential depth and earthiness—don’t substitute with fresh mushrooms.
  • Add cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid making the soup too thick.
  • Use a bamboo ladle or gentle stir when adding egg ribbons for delicate texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot and Sour Soup, Chinese Soup, Comfort Food, Tangy Soup, Spicy Soup, Tofu Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Gluten Free Soup

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/hot-and-sour-soup/