Hot and Sour Soup a Taste of China in Your Kitchen
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Hot and Sour Soup: A Taste of China in Your Kitchen
Fancy a bit of Chinese Takeout Soup without, you know, leaving the house? Honestly, who doesn't? This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is dead easy.
Seriously, it's a cracking way to get that authentic flavor in your kitchen. Have you ever tried Chinese Style Hot and Sour ? It's amazing!
What's the Story, Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot And Sour Soup hails from Sichuan province. It is a brilliant example of culinary balance. Savoury, tangy, and a bit spicy.
This Authentic Hot and Sour Soup version takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Makes about 4 servings, perfect for sharing.
Why You'll Love This Spicy Chinese Soup
The main benefit? Well, apart from tasting fantastic, it's packed with goodness. This Chinese Soup offers a vitamin punch from the mushrooms and veggies.
Think of this soup as a hug in a bowl. This is great for a chilly evening or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
Also great as a starter before a big Homemade Chinese Food feast.
Getting Started
Alright, you'll need a few bits and bobs from the shops. Don't worry if you can't find everything. I've got subs that can work just as well.
Let's get cooking this Sichuan Soup Recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right then, fancy making some cracking Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup ? To make a proper Hot And Sour Soup , let’s gather everything we need first.
I once tried to wing it, and honestly, it tasted like dishwater. So, pay attention!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's what you'll need for about 4 servings of this Spicy Chinese Soup , listed in both US and metric.
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) . Low sodium is best, you know.
- Pork Tenderloin: 4 oz (115g) , thinly sliced. Quality pork smells fresh and isn't slimy.
- Firm Tofu: 4 oz (115g) , diced. Go for firm or extra firm, not silken!
- Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: 1/2 cup (2 oz / 55g) , rehydrated and sliced. They plump up nicely when soaked.
- Bamboo Shoots: 1/4 cup (1 oz / 30g) , thinly sliced.
- Dried Lily Buds (Optional): 1/4 cup (1 oz / 30g) , rehydrated.
- Scallions: 2 , white parts sliced.
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) , minced. Fresh ginger is the one!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Black Vinegar (Chinkiang Vinegar): 1 tbsp (15ml) . Honestly, this is key for that authentic flavour.
- White Pepper: 1-2 tsp , to taste. It is hot, mind!
- Sesame Oil: 1 tsp .
- Cornstarch: 3 tbsp (25g) .
- Cold Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Large Eggs: 2 , lightly beaten.
- Scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced, for garnish.
- Chili Oil, optional, to taste, for garnish.
Seasoning Notes: Bang for Your Buck
We're going for that classic hot and sour combo here. White pepper is essential for the heat. The Authentic Hot and Sour Soup uses black vinegar - It gives a unique tang.
Soy sauce is for umami, like you expect in Chinese Soups . Don't be shy with the white pepper; this is all about that punchy flavour, right?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gear for this Chinese Soup , thankfully.
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Small bowl for soaking mushrooms, if you are making a Homemade Chinese Food .
- Whisk.
- Chopping board.
- Sharp knife.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, no worries, any large pot will do the trick. Right, with the gear and Hot and Sour Soup Recipe nailed down, let’s get cooking! You're ready to cook now!
Hot and Sour Soup: A Taste of China in Your Kitchen
Fancy making some Homemade Chinese Food ? This Chinese Style Hot and Sour soup recipe is a flavour explosion!. I’ve tweaked it over time, channeling my inner chef to get it just right .
Trust me, it's easier than you think! I reckon that its the perfect balance of savoury, tangy, and spicy.
It's a bit of a Medium difficulty, if I'm honest. You might need to hunt down some specialist ingredients. However, the actual cooking is straightforward.
Prep takes about 20 minutes , cooking is about 25 minutes , so all-in about 45 minutes .
This recipe makes 4 servings , by the way.
Prep Steps: Setting Up for Soup Success
First, the essential mise en place . Rehydrate your 1/2 cup Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms and 1/4 cup Dried Lily Buds .
This bit is crucial!. It unlocks their flavour. It also stops them being like little rubber bullets in your soup! For a time saving tip, do this while you prep the other ingredients.
For safety, remember to always use a clean chopping board for your pork. We don't want any cross contamination, do we?.
step-by-step to Spicy Chinese Soup
Here's how to make this lovely Spicy Chinese Soup :
- Soak the wood ear mushrooms and lily buds until soft.
- Sauté 2 Scallions (white parts) , 1 inch minced Ginger , and 2 cloves minced Garlic in sesame oil until fragrant.
- Add 8 cups Chicken Broth , 1 tbsp Soy Sauce , 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar , 1 tbsp Black Vinegar , and 1-2 tsp White Pepper . Simmer.
- Chuck in 4 oz Pork Tenderloin , 4 oz Tofu , mushrooms, lily buds, and 1/4 cup Bamboo Shoots .
- Simmer for 10- 15 minutes .
- Thicken with 3 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup Cold Water .
- Slowly add 2 beaten eggs , stirring gently.
- Taste! Add more vinegar for tang or pepper for heat.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Hot and Sour Game
Here's a tip, splurge on good black vinegar; it makes a difference. The Authentic Hot and Sour Soup flavour comes from it.
If you can't find it, a tiny splash of balsamic in with rice vinegar will do the trick. Also, thinly slice your pork, its a game changer!.
Partially freezing it helps. It will be easier!. Don't overcook the eggs, either! That's the secret to my family's favorite Hot And Sour Soup .
A common mistake is adding too much white pepper at once. It's potent stuff. Start small and add more to taste.
You can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days .
So there you have it!. My Easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe. I hope this dish brings you as much happiness as it does my family.
Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out.
Recipe Notes for Your Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup
Right then, before you dive into making this amazing Hot and Sour Soup Recipe , let's have a quick chinwag about a few bits and bobs.
Little things that'll make your Homemade Chinese Food experience even better. Think of these as friendly pointers, yeah?
How to Serve This Spicy Chinese Soup Like a Pro
Presentation matters, doesn't it? Ladle that gorgeous Chinese Soup into bowls. Swirl a little chili oil on top if you're feeling brave.
A sprinkle of those green scallion bits adds a fresh pop. I like serving mine with a side of steamed rice.
Or even some crispy spring rolls for a proper Chinese Takeout Soup vibe at home! Honestly, it looks proper fancy.
Nifty Storage Tricks for Leftover Hot and Sour Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll happily keep for about 3-4 days.
Freezing isn't ideal, as the tofu texture can change a bit. But, if you must, freeze it for up to a month.
When reheating, gently simmer it on the hob, or microwave it in short bursts. Stir occasionally. You know? Just don’t let it bubble away like crazy.
Twists and Turns: Variations on the Hot and Sour Soup Theme
Fancy a change? This Sichuan Soup Recipe is versatile. For a veggie version, just swap the chicken broth for vegetable stock and ditch the pork.
More tofu, perhaps? And if you want to adapt the recipe due to dietary requirements, ensure to use a gluten-free Tamari soy sauce to reduce sodium and make the recipe gluten-free.
For the Authentic Hot and Sour Soup experience, consider the seasons and use fresh, in-season ingredients.
Nutrition Lowdown: The Good Stuff Inside
Alright, let's keep it real. This Easy Hot and Sour Soup is relatively healthy. It’s packed with protein from the pork and tofu.
Plus, veggies like mushrooms and bamboo shoots bring fibre and vitamins. It's low in fat and sugar, but be mindful of the sodium content from the broth and soy sauce.
All that white pepper? Boosts metabolism, apparently! I read that somewhere, anyway.
Honestly, making this Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup is easier than you think. Have a go, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it.
You might just create your own signature Hot And Sour Soup . Happy cooking, loves!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup supposed to taste like? Is it REALLY that hot?
Think of it as a culinary yin and yang! Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup is a complex balance of savoury, tangy, and spicy flavours. The "hot" comes from white pepper (and optionally chili oil), offering a pleasant warmth rather than a blow your-head off kind of heat.
The "sour" element is a lovely tang from vinegars like rice vinegar and especially black vinegar.
I can't find black vinegar! What can I use instead to make my Chinese Style Hot and Sour soup taste authentic?
Black vinegar, also known as Chinkiang vinegar, is key for that authentic flavour depth, but don't fret if your local supermarket is playing hard to get! You can substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the slightly smoky, malty notes.
Just be careful with the balsamic a little goes a long way!
Can I make this Chinese Style Hot and Sour recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! It's easy to adapt this recipe. Swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. Instead of pork, use extra firm tofu, and make sure to press it well to remove excess water for a better texture. Double check that your soy sauce and other ingredients are also vegan friendly.
How long does Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
The soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. However, the texture of the tofu and mushrooms might change slightly. Freezing isn't ideal as the tofu and egg tend to get a bit rubbery upon thawing.
But if you must, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months; just be prepared for a slight texture change.
Is Chinese Style Hot and Sour soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Hot and Sour Soup can be a relatively healthy option! It's packed with protein from the pork and tofu, and the broth provides hydration. Plus, ingredients like wood ear mushrooms are low in calories and high in nutrients. To keep it even healthier, use low-sodium broth and watch the amount of chili oil you add.
As with any dish, moderation is key!
My soup is too sour/too spicy! How do I fix it?
Oops, no worries, easy fix! If it's too sour, add a touch of sugar (a tiny pinch!) or a splash more soy sauce to balance the acidity. Too spicy? Stir in a little extra broth to dilute the heat, or add a touch of sesame oil to mellow the flavours. Taste as you go, just like Mary Berry would advise!
Hot And Sour Soup A Taste Of China In Your Kitch
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |