Hot and Sour Soup

This Hot & Sour Soup is a perfect balance of heat and tang, making it a comforting dish for any season. The mushrooms and tofu add richness and protein, while the aromatic ginger and garlic give the broth depth. This classic Asian soup is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your preference and even substitute ingredients like meat for tofu or add more veggies. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, Hot & Sour Soup is an ideal weeknight meal that will satisfy both spicy and sour cravings. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or serve a flavorful starter, this soup is guaranteed to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms
• 8 oz Extra Firm Tofu
• 1 Tsp Grated Ginger
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Grated
• 1 Fresno Pepper (Red Jalapeño)
• 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
• 2 Stalks Green Onion
• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Chili Garlic Paste
• 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• 3 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp Water
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil

Directions:

1. Slice the mushrooms and tofu. Grate the ginger and garlic. Finely mince the Fresno pepper.
2. In a pot, heat avocado oil on medium. Add ginger, garlic, and chili. Sauté until fragrant (around 2 minutes).
3. Add the mushrooms and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the tofu and all the vegetable broth. Stir and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Season the soup with soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic paste, and sesame oil.
6. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water. Add to the soup, stirring to avoid clumping.
7. Whisk two eggs well and swirl them into the soup. Let the eggs bloom before stirring to create egg ribbons.
8. Garnish with scallions and black pepper. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The History Behind Hot & Sour Soup

Hot & Sour Soup originated in the Sichuan province of China, a region famous for its bold, spicy cuisine. The Sichuan peppercorn, a key ingredient in many of the province’s dishes, contributes to the distinctive mouth-numbing heat that is often associated with Hot & Sour Soup. However, this recipe has evolved over the years, and many variations now exist, each bringing its own regional twist or adaptation based on ingredient availability.

Traditionally, this soup was made using animal-based ingredients such as pork, chicken, and sometimes blood tofu. However, with the rise of plant-based diets and the demand for more accessible ingredients, it’s become common to find versions of Hot & Sour Soup that use tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable broth instead. These vegetarian or vegan versions maintain the signature taste of the soup while catering to a broader audience.

Key Ingredients That Make Hot & Sour Soup Unique

While many soups rely on a singular base flavor, Hot & Sour Soup uses a combination of ingredients that add depth and complexity. The primary tastes, as the name suggests, are heat (spicy) and sourness, but other elements such as umami from soy sauce, richness from tofu and mushrooms, and the aromatic notes from garlic, ginger, and chili peppers also come together to create an unforgettable dish.

1. The Heat: The spiciness of Hot & Sour Soup typically comes from chili peppers, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients give the soup its characteristic warmth and slight pungency. Fresno peppers are often used in modern recipes because they provide a good level of heat without overpowering the other flavors. Chili garlic paste is another common ingredient, offering both spice and a bit of acidity due to the fermentation of the chili.
2. The Sourness: Rice vinegar is the traditional ingredient used to add the “sour” component to the soup. It’s a milder, sweeter vinegar than other types, which makes it a good match for the broth’s other intense flavors. If rice vinegar is unavailable, white distilled vinegar can be used as a substitute, but the soup might take on a sharper taste. The balance between the heat and the sourness is what makes this soup so unique. Each spoonful is a dynamic interplay of both, resulting in a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
3. The Thickening Agent: Hot & Sour Soup has a thick, almost silky texture that sets it apart from broth-based soups. This comes from the cornstarch slurry, which is essential for achieving the soup’s signature consistency. The slurry thickens the soup while keeping it light and smooth. Some recipes may use potato starch as a substitute for cornstarch, but cornstarch remains the most common and accessible choice.
4. Mushrooms and Tofu: For plant-based eaters, mushrooms and tofu are the go-to ingredients to give the soup its hearty, meaty texture. Shiitake mushrooms are often used for their deep, earthy flavor, but in this recipe, Baby Bella mushrooms provide a similar richness while being more readily available. Tofu, especially firm or extra-firm tofu, holds its shape well in the soup, absorbing the flavors of the broth without becoming mushy. These two ingredients add a substantial protein boost to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying as a meal on its own.
5. Egg Ribbons: One of the most visually appealing elements of Hot & Sour Soup is the beautiful ribbons of egg that float throughout the broth. By slowly pouring whisked eggs into the hot broth while stirring gently, you create delicate strands that add both texture and flavor. For those following a vegan diet, the egg can be omitted, but it is often a defining feature in traditional versions of the soup.

Customizing Hot & Sour Soup to Fit Your Needs

One of the great things about Hot & Sour Soup is how adaptable it is. You can easily adjust the heat by changing the amount or type of chili used, and the sourness can be dialed up or down with the amount of vinegar added. You can even swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.

If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with chicken or pork, as was done traditionally in many recipes. For a vegan option, simply omit the egg or use a plant-based egg alternative. You can also get creative with the vegetables. Add bamboo shoots, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition. The recipe is a great way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge, and it’s forgiving enough to accommodate different additions.

Nutritional Benefits of Hot & Sour Soup

This soup is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. It is packed with plant-based protein from the tofu, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Mushrooms, another key ingredient, are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, including selenium, which supports immune function. The soup’s aromatics, such as ginger and garlic, are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This makes Hot & Sour Soup a healthy choice, especially during cold and flu season when you want to warm up and boost your immune system.

For those following a low-calorie or low-fat diet, this soup is an excellent choice. The base of the soup is made from vegetable broth, which is low in calories but high in flavor. A single serving of Hot & Sour Soup is generally low in fat and can be customized to be lower in sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Why Hot & Sour Soup is Perfect for Any Season

Although soup is often associated with cold weather, Hot & Sour Soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Its bright, fresh flavors make it light enough for a summer meal, while the warmth from the ginger, garlic, and chili peppers makes it comforting during the winter months. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for something flavorful, quick, and satisfying.

Since the soup can be prepared in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal but don’t have time for something more elaborate. It also stores well, meaning you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers the next day. Simply reheat and adjust the seasoning as needed for an easy lunch or dinner.

Conclusion:

Hot & Sour Soup is a testament to the beauty of simple yet bold flavors. Combining spicy heat with tangy sourness, this soup satisfies the palate in a way that few dishes can. Whether you’re making it as a starter or as a main course, it delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience with every spoonful.

The soup’s versatility, allowing for a wide variety of ingredients and customizations, ensures that it can suit nearly any dietary preference. The ease of preparation and the use of common ingredients make it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or someone looking to expand their culinary repertoire, Hot & Sour Soup is a recipe worth trying.