The aroma of a simmering pot of hot and sour soup fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by this fragrant concoction that promises to deliver a delightful punch of flavor.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it faster than I could ladle it into bowls. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re feeling under the weather. Imagine slurping up those spicy, tangy notes while wrapped in a soft blanket—pure bliss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hot and sour soup recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes
- It’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand
- Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying main course!
I still chuckle thinking about how my friends fought over the last spoonful of this soup at our dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness while ensuring a rich base for your soup.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce; it enhances flavor without overwhelming your taste buds.
- Tofu: Firm tofu adds protein and absorbs the delightful flavors of the broth beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake or button mushrooms bring an earthy note to balance the spice.
- Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides that essential tanginess that makes hot and sour soup so irresistible.
- White Pepper: This ingredient packs heat without adding color; adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add freshness as a garnish; they’re like confetti on your flavorful masterpiece.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs create lovely ribbons in the broth, adding texture and richness.
- Cornstarch: This is used to thicken your soup slightly; it gives it that satisfying body we all love.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create Your Flavor Base: Start by bringing 6 cups of chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. The moment you smell that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, you know you’re on the right track.
Add Your Veggies and Tofu: Stir in sliced mushrooms and cubed tofu into the boiling broth. Cook until mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. Enjoy watching those mushrooms transform into juicy morsels!
Spice It Up!: Mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Adjust these ingredients based on your taste preferences—it’s your creation after all! You’ll experience an explosion of flavors as they meld together.
Thicken It Up!: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into your bubbling pot until the mixture thickens slightly—this takes about one minute. Watch as your broth changes from watery to luxuriously silky!
Add Ribbons of Egg: Reduce heat to low while slowly pouring in beaten eggs, stirring gently to create beautiful ribbons throughout the soup. The sight of these delicate strands adds elegance to this hearty dish.
Garnish with Freshness!: Serve hot garnished with sliced green onions for that final touch of brightness. Each bite will be a delightful medley of spicy, sour, creamy goodness.
Now it’s time to grab a bowl! Enjoy every spoonful filled with warmth and comfort—a true homemade treasure!
You Must Know
- This delightful hot and sour soup recipe packs a punch with its vibrant flavors
- The combination of spices creates a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion
- You’ll find that it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for dinner guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients first; chop vegetables and measure spices to streamline cooking. Sauté mushrooms, then add broth, tofu, and seasonings in sequence for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this hot and sour soup recipe with your favorite proteins like shrimp or chicken. You can also adjust spice levels with additional chili paste or omit ingredients for dietary preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover hot and sour soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to retain flavors without losing texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use fresh ingredients like scallions and cilantro
- Avoid overcooking tofu; it should remain firm yet tender
- Experiment with vinegar types to find your preferred sourness level
Cooking this hot and sour soup always brings back fond memories of cozy evenings shared with friends, laughing over bowls of steaming goodness and savoring every spicy sip.
FAQ
What is the best vinegar to use in hot and sour soup?
Rice vinegar works best for authentic flavor, but feel free to experiment with others.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients.
How can I thicken my hot and sour soup?
Cornstarch mixed with water creates a slurry that thickens without altering the taste.

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the perfect blend of spicy and tangy flavors in this comforting hot and sour soup. Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal dish for cozy evenings or flavorful adventures.
Ingredients
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- 1. Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- 2. Stir in mushrooms and tofu; cook until mushrooms soften (about 5 minutes).
- 3. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper; adjust to taste.
- 4. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry; stir into the pot until thickened.
- 5. Reduce heat and slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring gently.
- 6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - Customize the recipe by adding shrimp or chicken for extra protein. - Adjust spice levels with chili paste or omit ingredients based on dietary preferences. - Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.