Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup

If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, tangy, and satisfyingly spicy soup without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup recipe is your new secret weapon. It’s packed with a lively blend of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients that come together effortlessly in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a longtime fan of hot and sour soup or trying it for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Bold and balanced flavors: The perfect harmony of spicy, sour, and savory tastes will delight your taste buds every time.
• Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and flavorful broth for a healthy yet hearty meal.
• Customizable ingredients: Easily swap proteins or veggies to suit your dietary preferences and pantry staples.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen as the soup sits, making next-day servings even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup plays an important role, contributing to the depth of flavor, texture, and color, but remains simple and easy to find in most grocery stores.

• Chicken or tofu: Adds protein and soaks up the bold broth flavors beautifully.
• Mushrooms: Provide a meaty texture and earthy richness that enhances the soup’s umami.
• Bamboo shoots: Bring a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness to every spoonful.
• Rice vinegar: Infuses the broth with tangy brightness that defines the “sour” in hot and sour soup.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness, balancing the spices and acidity perfectly.
• Fresh ginger and garlic: Give the broth a warm, aromatic kick and boost the overall flavor profile.
• Chili garlic sauce or Sriracha: Adds gentle heat and a tasty, mellow spice punch.
• Eggs: Swirled in at the end to create delicate ribbons and a silky texture.
• Green onions: Bring a fresh, crispy bite as a final flavorful garnish.
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth: The base that carries all the vibrant flavors together into a soul-satisfying soup.

Variations for Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tailor to your taste buds, dietary needs, or what you have on hand in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, pork, or keep it vegetarian with extra tofu or tempeh.
• Adjust the heat level: Add extra chili garlic sauce for serious spice lovers or reduce it for a more mild soup.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
• Switch up the veggies: Try water chestnuts, baby corn, or bell peppers for different textures and flavors.
• Use homemade broth: Boost flavor and control ingredients by making your own chicken or vegetable broth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and green onions, mincing garlic and ginger, and cutting the chicken or tofu into bite-sized pieces. Having everything chopped and ready streamlines the cooking process.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and protein to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to mix evenly.

Step 3: Cook on Low Heat

Set your slow cooker on low and let the soup cook for about 4-5 hours, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully and the protein to become tender.

Step 4: Add Cornstarch Slurry and Eggs

Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup to thicken the broth slightly. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the pot while stirring gently, so they form silky ribbons throughout the soup.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add sliced green onions for freshness and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, vinegar, or chili sauce if needed before serving hot.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will make a huge difference in flavor depth.
• Don’t rush the cooking time: Let the slow cooker fully develop the rich, complex flavors for the best result.
• Add delicate ingredients late: Tofu and eggs should be added towards the end to maintain texture and prevent overcooking.
• Adjust tanginess gradually: Add vinegar little by little and taste frequently to hit your perfect sour balance.
• Thicken carefully: Slowly stir in cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps and achieve a silky broth.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup

Garnishes

Finishing the soup with fresh green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil brightens flavors and adds inviting textures that make each bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup with simple steamed jasmine rice, crunchy spring rolls, or light Asian-style salads for a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in colorful bowls with crisp wonton chips on the side, or ladle into small cups for a fun appetizer at your next dinner party or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more as it sits.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the soup smooth and prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after cooling.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken with firm tofu or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful and meat-free.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level is moderate by default but can be easily adjusted by adding more or less chili garlic sauce or Sriracha according to your heat preference.

Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of chili sauce?

Yes, fresh chopped chili peppers add a bright and fresh heat, but be sure to add them gradually to avoid overpowering the soup.

What should I serve with this soup?

Simple sides like steamed rice, egg rolls, or an Asian cucumber salad complement the flavors nicely and round out the meal.

How thick should the soup be?

Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup has a pleasantly thick, but still broth-like texture—which you control by adjusting the amount of cornstarch slurry added to the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hot and Sour Soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy rich, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to customize, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress their taste buds without a fuss. Give it a go and watch it become your go-to weeknight dinner!

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