There’s something truly magical about the first whiff of Hot and Sour Soup wafting through the kitchen. The spicy, tangy aroma dances in the air, teasing your senses with promises of warmth and comfort. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl, with vibrant colors swirling together like a culinary masterpiece. You take that first spoonful, and your taste buds are instantly treated to a delightful clash of flavors—a perfect balance between heat and sourness that makes your heart sing. For more inspiration, check out this main dishes recipes recipe.
I vividly remember the first time I tried Hot and Sour Soup at my friend’s birthday party. It was an unexpected guest at the table, but boy did it steal the spotlight! Everyone was raving about it, and I found myself going back for seconds (and thirds), hoping nobody would notice my growing obsession. There’s just something about this soup that makes it ideal for cozy nights in or as a star attraction at gatherings—it’s hard not to fall in love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hot and Sour Soup is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The bold flavor profile will impress your family and friends without keeping you stuck in the kitchen for hours
- Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins!
Sharing a pot of this soup during a chilly evening brought smiles all around; everyone kept asking for my secret recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier base that allows other flavors to shine.
Button Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add an earthy depth; slice them thinly for even cooking.
Tofu: Silken tofu works best here; it provides creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still packing a punch.
Szechuan Peppercorns: These little gems add a unique numbing heat, making every bite exciting.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar brings that essential tang; don’t skimp on this crucial ingredient!
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color to your finished dish.
Cornstarch: This is your thickening agent; mix it with water before adding it to achieve that perfect consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Base: Start by bringing 4 cups of chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot over medium heat. The savory scent will start filling your kitchen.
Add Your Veggies: Toss in sliced button mushrooms along with cubed tofu, letting them simmer until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Season It Up!: Stir in soy sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, and rice vinegar, allowing those incredible flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t be afraid; let those aromas swirl around!
Thicken It Up!: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly drizzle this mixture into the boiling soup while stirring continuously until thickened—about 2 minutes.
Add Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions and any additional spices you prefer. They will bring an extra zing as they mingle with that hot broth.
Enjoy your vibrant bowl of Hot and Sour Soup! Serve it immediately while it’s still steaming hot—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- This delightful hot and sour soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The perfect balance of flavors will warm your heart while the aroma fills your kitchen with comforting spices
- It’s a great addition to any meal or perfect on its own
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your aromatics first, then add the broth to create a rich flavor base before incorporating vegetables and proteins.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap tofu for chicken or add some mushrooms for an extra umami punch. Experiment with chili oil for added heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat gently over medium heat on the stove.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best soup, always use fresh ingredients—they enhance flavor significantly!
- Adjust the vinegar and soy sauce to suit your taste preference, ensuring balanced acidity and saltiness
- Lastly, don’t skip on garnishing; it adds both flavor and visual appeal!
There was this one rainy evening when I decided to whip up hot and sour soup. Little did I know my friends would declare it a “soup-sational” masterpiece, leaving me wondering if I should open a restaurant!
FAQ
What are common ingredients in hot and sour soup?
Typical ingredients include tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Can I make hot and sour soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How do I adjust the intensity of the flavors?
Modify the soy sauce or vinegar amount according to your taste preferences for desired intensity.
Hot and Sour Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful blend of spicy and tangy flavors that warms the heart and soul. This comforting dish combines fresh ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and vibrant spices into a steaming bowl of goodness. Perfect for cozy nights or as a showstopper at gatherings, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. With its enticing aroma and rich flavor profile, Hot and Sour Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced button mushrooms
- 1 cup cubed silken tofu
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cubed tofu; simmer for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, Szechuan peppercorns, and rice vinegar; let the flavors meld.
- Gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture while stirring until the soup thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
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: 0mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. Customize by adding vegetables like bamboo shoots or extra spices for additional heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.