Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

4 servings
Recipe video above. A firm Chinese starter favourite! A glossy soup broth that's savoury, sour and as spicy as you want it to be, filled with mushrooms, tofu and bamboo shoots. Skip the chicken to make it meat free, or add shrimp/prawns or fish pieces. Serves 6 - 8 as a starter, or 4  as a light meal.

Ingredients

  • 7oz chicken breast
    220 g
  • dried shiitake mushrooms)

    (or 150g/5oz fresh

    12
  • wood ear mushrooms)

    , chopped 1.5cm/ 3/5" pieces (note 1

    ½ c
  • dried chilli / red pepper flakes)
    1 tsp
  • dark soy sauce)

    (note 3

    2 tsp
  • light soy sauce)

    (note 3

    1 tbsp
  • ginger

    , finely grated

    1 tsp
  • white pepper)

    (sub black

    ½ tsp
  • chicken or veg stock/broth

    , low sodium

    6 c
  • sesame oil
    1 tsp
  • sugar
    1 tsp
  • white vinegar)
    ¼ c
  • 4oz firm tofu)

    ~ 1 cup

    125 g
  • bamboo shoots)

    , thinly sliced (note 5

    ¼ c
  • eggs

    , whisked

    2
  • cornstarch/cornflour
    ¼ c
  • water
    ¼ c
  • salt to taste
  • shallot/scallion

    , finely sliced

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Cover shiitake mushrooms with plenty of boiling water. Stand 20 - 30 minutes until soft, drain, then slice thinly. (Discard or reserve liquid for other use)

Poached chicken:

  1. 1

    Place chicken broth, ginger, soy sauces, chilli, sugar, pepper and sesame oil in a large pot over medium high heat.

  2. 2

    Once simmering, add chicken, cover and reduce heat so it's simmering.

  3. 3

    Cook 10 minutes, remove chicken and shred.

Finish soup:

  1. 1

    Add vinegar, shiitake, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu and shredded chicken into the soup.

  2. 2

    Stir, simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Mix cornflour with water. While stirring soup at a medium pace, slowly pour the cornflour mixture in (ensures no lumps).

  4. 4

    When it starts simmering again, stir constantly and slowly pour egg in a thin stream - this will create the signature "egg ribbons".

  5. 5

    Taste - add salt if desired, more chilli if you want.

  6. 6

    Add shallots and serve!

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

5.0(92)40 min4 servings216 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 92 ratings

recipetineats.com
5.0(92 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving that comforting, restaurant-style hot and sour soup experience right at home? This recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, sour, and customizable spice, bringing a Chinese starter favorite to your kitchen table.

Why This Hot and Sour Soup Works

What truly sets this hot and sour soup apart is its commitment to a glossy broth that forms the perfect canvas for its vibrant flavors. It’s a soup designed to be as spicy or mild as you desire, making it a versatile choice for any palate. The combination of classic ingredients ensures an authentic taste profile that satisfies every time.

What to Expect

You'll be greeted by a deeply savory and tangy broth with a delightful kick, all elevated by the aromatic notes of ginger and sesame oil. Each spoonful offers a textural journey, combining tender chicken (or your chosen protein) with earthy shiitake and wood ear mushrooms, firm tofu, and crisp bamboo shoots. This hearty soup is designed to serve 6-8 as a starter or make a light, satisfying meal for 4 people, making it perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible for various preferences. To make it a delicious meat-free hot and sour soup, simply omit the chicken. Alternatively, you can easily incorporate shrimp, prawns, or delicate fish pieces for a different protein. Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the dried chili flakes. If you don't have white pepper, black pepper can be used as a substitute, and the white vinegar can be adjusted to your desired level of sourness.

Serving & Context

Serve this hot and sour soup piping hot as a standout starter for a multi-course meal or as a warming, light main course. It's a fantastic choice for a comforting lunch or an elegant dinner opener, offering a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with simply steamed rice or other Asian-inspired dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions