Hot and sour soup is a delectable blend of flavors that engages your palate with its complexity, spiciness, and tartness. This popular Chinese dish is remarkably easy to make at home with a medley of ingredients that include chicken, tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, among others. The intriguing touch of chile-garlic paste gives it a delightful hot kick, while white vinegar adds a sour undertone to balance the heat.
Photos of Homemade Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe can be found in a typical household kitchen. However, some elements like chile-garlic paste, bamboo shoots, and firm tofu might require a trip to your local supermarket or an Asian grocery store. Chile-garlic paste is a spicy condiment that adds a flavorful heat to the soup. Bamboo shoots add a unique crunch, and firm tofu, which retains its shape and texture in the soup, provides a source of protein.
Ingredients for the Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
Chicken broth: A flavorful base for the soup, providing depth and richness.
Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and texture.
Chicken: Adds a source of protein and substance to the soup.
Soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami taste.
Chile-garlic paste: Provides the 'hot' element to the soup.
Garlic cloves: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Firm tofu: Offers a contrasting texture while absorbing the flavors of the soup.
Bamboo shoots: Contribute a unique crunch and taste.
White vinegar: Provides the 'sour' element to the soup.
Ground white pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Cold water: Used to dissolve cornstarch for thickening the soup.
Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the soup to the desired consistency.
Egg: Adds richness and a silky texture when stirred into the soup.
Green onions: Gives a slight crunch and refreshing taste.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma and flavor.
One reader, Katleen Pruitt says:
This homemade hot and sour soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the ingredients are easy to find. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's become a staple in my kitchen. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
How to simmer the chicken broth: Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a 2-quart saucepan.
How to add the cornstarch mixture: Combine the water and cornstarch in a cup, stirring until smooth, then add the mixture to the soup and stir well.
How to beat the egg: Beat the egg in a cup, then slowly pour it in a fine stream into the soup, stirring well as you pour.
How to mix in the green onions and sesame oil: Mix in the green onions and sesame oil thoroughly before removing the soup from the heat.
How To Make Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
Made with tofu and bamboo shoots, this hot and sour soup has the perfect fusion of flavors that will surely warm and fill the stomach.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupschicken broth
- ½cupmushrooms,diced
- ¼cupchicken,cooked, shredded
- 3tbspsoy sauce
- 1tbspchile-garlic paste
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 3ozfirm tofu,drained, cut into cubes, optional
- ⅓cupbamboo shoots,cut into matchsticks, optional
- ¼cupwhite vinegar
- ground white pepper,to taste
- 2tbspcold water
- 2tbspcornstarch
- 1egg
- 2green onions,diced
- 1tsptoasted sesame oil
Instructions
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Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a 2-quart saucepan.
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Add the mushrooms, chicken, soy sauce, chile paste, and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add the tofu, bamboo shoots, vinegar, and white pepper, then simmer for 5 more minutes.
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Combine the water and cornstarch in a cup, then stir until smooth. Add the mixture to the soup, then stir well.
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Let simmer for about 5 minutes more until soup thickens.
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Beat the egg in a cup, then slowly pour it in a fine stream, into the soup.
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Stir well and heat through for 30 seconds.
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Mix in the green onions and sesame oil. Remove from heat.
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Serve hot, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 196.53kcal
- Fat: 8.37g
- Saturated Fat: 1.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.59g
- Carbohydrates: 15.90g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 4.75g
- Protein: 14.24g
- Cholesterol: 53.75mg
- Sodium: 1030.29mg
- Calcium: 174.90mg
- Potassium: 515.54mg
- Iron: 1.80mg
- Vitamin A: 28.19µg
- Vitamin C: 6.60mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
When adding the egg into the soup, make sure to pour it slowly and in a thin stream while stirring the soup. This will create beautiful, delicate egg ribbons throughout your hot and sour soup. If you pour the egg in all at once, it may clump together and not distribute evenly in the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Hot and Sour Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made broth: Save time by using store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare other components of your meal.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner before you start cooking to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Quick-cooking protein: Opt for thinly sliced or diced chicken to reduce cooking time.
Efficient chopping: Master the art of efficient chopping to speed up the prep work.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a single pot for both prep and cooking to minimize clean-up time.
Streamline steps: Look for opportunities to combine or simplify steps in the recipe to save time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base for the soup and works well for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter option.
mushrooms - Substitute with wood ear mushrooms: Wood ear mushrooms have a similar texture and can provide a different earthy flavor to the soup.
chicken - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp can add a seafood twist to the soup and provide a different protein option.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can provide a similar salty and savory flavor.
chile-garlic paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can provide a spicy kick and garlicky flavor similar to chile-garlic paste.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
firm tofu - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can provide a smoother texture and a different mouthfeel to the soup.
bamboo shoots - Substitute with water chestnuts: Water chestnuts can provide a similar crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
white vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to white vinegar.
ground white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spiciness to the soup.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent similar to cornstarch.
egg - Substitute with egg substitute: For a vegan option, an egg substitute can be used to add a similar texture and binding properties.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
toasted sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can provide a nutty flavor similar to toasted sesame oil.
How to Beautifully Present Hot and Sour Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hot and sour soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with precision: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the soup with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a delicate touch of texture by topping the soup with a few crispy wonton strips. This will provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the placement of ingredients in the bowl. Ensure that the tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious balance in each spoonful.
Emphasize the drizzle: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of toasted sesame oil on top of the soup. This will add a subtle nuttiness and elevate the overall aroma of the dish.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation. Attention to detail is crucial in presenting a dish to Michelin-starred professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Hot and Sour Soup at Home
Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients without damaging countertops or knives.
Stockpot: Ideal for making soups and broths in large quantities, providing ample space for simmering ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Hot and Sour Soup
Allow the hot and sour soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the soup from becoming watery or the ingredients from becoming mushy.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together in the refrigerator.
When ready to reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup, as this may cause the tofu and vegetables to break apart.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
Hot and sour soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Alternatively, place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen hot and sour soup, as this may compromise the texture and quality of the ingredients.
How To Reheat Leftover Hot and Sour Soup
The best way to reheat leftover hot and sour soup is to pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the soup heats evenly and the flavors meld together once again, allowing you to enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes that make this soup so irresistible.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Keep in mind that the microwave might cause the soup to heat unevenly, so be sure to stir it well before serving.
For those who prefer a thicker consistency, you can whisk together a small amount of cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the soup while reheating. This will help to thicken the broth and give it a silky smooth texture that clings to the tender pieces of chicken, tofu, and mushrooms.
If you find that the flavors have dulled slightly after refrigeration, feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce to brighten things up. A sprinkle of freshly ground white pepper can also help to reinvigorate the soup's signature heat.
Lastly, don't forget the garnishes! A drizzle of sesame oil, a handful of chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of crispy fried noodles can take your reheated hot and sour soup from good to great, adding a fresh burst of flavor and texture to every spoonful.
Interesting Fact About Hot and Sour Soup
The hot and sour soup is a traditional Chinese dish that is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province. It is known for its unique combination of flavors, with the hotness coming from the white pepper and the sourness from the vinegar. This soup is not only delicious but also has potential health benefits. The combination of ingredients like garlic, mushrooms, and tofu can provide a good source of nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, the hot and sour flavors are believed to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.
Is Making Hot and Sour Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade hot and sour soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken broth, mushrooms, chicken, tofu, bamboo shoots, and green onions, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and white vinegar also keeps the cost down. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious flavors.
Is Homemade Hot and Sour Soup Healthy?
The homemade hot and sour soup recipe is a relatively healthy dish, packed with protein-rich ingredients like chicken and tofu. The mushrooms and bamboo shoots provide additional nutrients and fiber. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The soup relies on soy sauce and chile-garlic paste for flavor, which can be high in sodium. Reducing these ingredients or opting for low-sodium alternatives would be beneficial.
- The recipe calls for white vinegar, but using a more natural and less processed option like rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar could be a healthier choice.
- While the soup does contain some vegetables, increasing the variety and quantity of veggies would boost its nutritional value.
To make this hot and sour soup even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of mushrooms and add other vegetables like carrots, bok choy, or bell peppers to enhance the fiber and vitamin content
- Swap the white vinegar for rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which are less processed and offer additional health benefits
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace some of the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a healthier alternative
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as skinless chicken breast or extra-firm tofu, to reduce the fat content
- Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
This homemade hot and sour soup recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of chicken broth, mushrooms, and chicken creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of tofu, bamboo shoots, and vinegar provides a satisfying tanginess. The use of chile-garlic paste adds a subtle heat, and the incorporation of egg and green onions at the end adds a beautiful finish. The soup is well-rounded and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in.
Enhance Your Homemade Hot and Sour Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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