Fiery and Fragrant Authentic Hot and Sour Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup that'll warm you right up? Honestly, this Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup is yummy food at its finest, packing a flavor punch that's both comforting and exciting.
It's like a hug in a bowl, but with a little kick!
Brief Overview
This authentic Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish. It's celebrated for its balanced flavors. Don't be scared off! This easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe is beginner friendly.
It takes about 45 minutes, and it makes 4-6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner!
Main Benefits
This soup is more than just delicious; it's good for you too! It's loaded with protein and veggies. Plus, the spices can help clear those sinuses.
Imagine serving this spicy Chinese soup on a chilly evening. It's a total crowd pleaser that is so tasty! What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of hot and sour .
You'll want to make it again and again!
Time to gather those Hot and Sour Soup ingredients . Let's get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup ! Don't worry, it's easier than you think.
I've simplified everything, so even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this yummy food. It's all about getting those flavors singing together.
This easy Hot and Sour Soup is going to knock your socks off!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Let's break down what you'll need. Don't fret! I'll tell you what really matters.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 Liters) . Low sodium is best. We want to control the salt, yeah? Get a good quality broth for the best homemade Hot and Sour Soup.
- Rice Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . This is where the "sour" comes from.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Light or all-purpose. Go easy on it. Dark soy sauce is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . It's for colour, really.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Don't skip this! Adds a lovely nutty flavour.
- Ground White Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Key for that signature heat!
- Ground Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds warmth.
- Sugar: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Balances the sourness.
- Chili Oil: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) . Or more, if you're feeling brave! This Spicy Chinese Soup is all about personalization.
- Pork or Chicken: 4 oz (115g) , thinly sliced. Marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch trust me on this.
- Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: 1/2 cup (50g) , rehydrated and sliced.
- Firm Tofu: 1 cup (100g) , cut into strips.
- Bamboo Shoots: 1/2 cup (50g) , sliced.
- Green Onions: 2 , sliced, white and green parts separated.
- Cornstarch: 4 tablespoons (30g) + Water 1/4 cup (60 ml) . This will thicken our soup.
- Eggs: 2 Large , beaten. For that classic egg drop effect.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, so this Authentic Hot and Sour Soup is all about that balance. White pepper is essential . Honestly, it makes all the difference.
If you haven't got any, order some now! Chili oil? Make your own, if you're feeling adventurous! A dash of sesame oil at the end adds a lovely aroma.
You know? It just elevates it.
Equipment Needed
Alright, here's what you need, no fancy gadgets required!
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: To cook everything in.
- Small Bowls: For prepping. Mise en place, darling!
- Whisk: To avoid lumps when you thicken the soup.
- Slotted Spoon: Handy for scooping.
And there you have it! Don't be scared by the list. Once you have everything prepped, the rest is a breeze. Get your ingredients ready. Let's make some Hot and Sour Soup!
Cooking Method: Making Authentic Hot and Sour Soup
Fancy a bit of Yummy Food ? Ever tried making your own Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup ? It's easier than you think.
Honestly, once you nail it, you'll be ditching the takeaway menus. So let's get started with this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe !
Prep Steps: The "Mise en Place" Magic
First things first: get organised! That's what the fancy chefs call "mise en place." Roughly translated as "everything in its place".
Chop your pork or chicken. Slice the tofu. Rehydrate those wood ear mushrooms. Having everything prepped saves a ton of time and avoids that frantic "Oh my gosh, I forgot the bamboo shoots!" moment.
Rehydrate your Wood Ear Mushrooms: Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in hot water until softened ( 20- 30 minutes ).
Drain and slice thinly.
step-by-step: From Broth to Bowl
Here's the Easy Hot and Sour Soup process in a nutshell:
- Simmer the base: Combine 8 cups Chicken Broth , 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar , 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce , 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce , 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil , 1 teaspoon White Pepper , 1/2 teaspoon Ginger , and 1/4 teaspoon Sugar in a pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Add goodies: Introduce your sliced pork/chicken, rehydrated mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Cook for about 3- 5 minutes .
- Thicken up: Mix 4 tablespoons Cornstarch with 1/4 cup Cold Water . Drizzle into the soup, stirring until thickened.
- Egg drop time: Slowly pour in 2 lightly beaten Eggs , stirring gently to create lovely ribbons.
- Spice it up: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons Chili Oil (or to taste). Garnish and serve this Spicy Chinese Soup .
Pro Tips: Secrets to Soup Success
Want to really nail this Authentic Hot and Sour Soup ? A little bit more sour or a little less hot can drastically alter the dish.
This requires a bit of attention and maybe a little taste testing along the way. Don't overcook the pork or chicken it'll get tough.
Also, freshly cracked white pepper makes a world of difference. And remember, tasting as you go is crucial! And, use freshly cracked white pepper makes a HUGE difference.
So there you have it! A cracking Homemade Hot and Sour Soup that'll impress your mates. Now get cooking and enjoy this amazing Chicken Hot and Sour Soup !
Recipe Notes for Your Yummy Food Adventure
So, you're about to whip up some Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup ? Ace! Let's run through a few notes to make sure your Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is an absolute winner.
Seriously, this Hot and Sour Soup is proper lush.
Nailing the Presentation
Alright, after you've slaved away making this Spicy Chinese Soup , don't just lob it into a bowl! Think restaurant vibes, yeah? Ladle the Easy Hot and Sour Soup into deep bowls.
Garnish with extra sliced green onions and a drizzle of that chilli oil you used. If you're feeling fancy, a sprig of coriander works a treat.
On the side, some simple prawn crackers or even just a slice of sourdough to soak up that delicious broth.
Want to kick it up a notch? Try pairing your Homemade Hot and Sour Soup with a crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc.
It cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, for a non-alcoholic option, some jasmine tea works wonders.
Storage Like a Pro
Got leftovers? Bonus! Once the Chicken Hot and Sour Soup has cooled down, pop it into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing this is also a shout! Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It will last up to 2 months.
Honestly, it's great for a quick lunch.
Reheating it? Easy peasy. Microwave or gently simmer it on the hob until piping hot. A little heads up: the texture of the tofu might change slightly after freezing but it still tastes amazing.
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a twist? Here are a few ideas. Going veggie? No dramas. Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable stock and ditch the pork or chicken.
Bulk it up with extra tofu or some mushrooms.
Feeling adventurous? Add a glug of sake to give it a real umami boost. It's so delicious!.
Nutrition Bits
Okay, so this Authentic Hot and Sour Soup is tasty and reasonably good for you. Each serving is about 220 calories .
You're getting a good dose of protein (around 20g) , plus some carbs (15g) and fats (10g) . Plus, all those Hot and Sour Soup Ingredients like ginger and chilli have anti inflammatory properties.
Bonus points for being packed with flavour!
Right then, time to get cooking! You got this! If you want more Chinese Soup Recipes , just ask! Honestly, once you get the hang of this, you'll be making it every week.
Trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does "hot and sour" mean in Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup? Is it really that spicy?
Think of it like a perfectly balanced seesaw! "Hot" refers to the subtle heat usually coming from white pepper and chili oil, giving it a warming kick. "Sour" is the tangy flavor mainly from rice vinegar, which provides a refreshing counterpoint. The spiciness is adjustable, so you can tailor it to your tolerance.
If you are looking for something that is mild, then use a small amount of chili oil to begin with!
Can I make Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian? I'm not a massive meat eater!
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. Skip the pork or chicken, and load up on extra tofu, or add other veggies like sliced carrots, shiitake mushrooms, or spinach. You'll still get all the amazing flavor without the meat. It's like a garden party in a bowl, innit!
I'm a bit of a rubbish cook, is this recipe really "medium" difficulty? And how can I store leftovers?
Don't let "medium" put you off! The chopping takes a bit of time but it's mostly just combining ingredients and tasting to get the flavour right! For storage, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The texture of the tofu and mushrooms might change slightly, but it'll still taste amazing. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stove will have it ready to go.
What can I use instead of wood ear mushrooms in my Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup? They're a bit tricky to find in my local Tesco.
No worries if you can't find wood ear mushrooms! Shiitake mushrooms, either fresh or dried and rehydrated, are a fantastic substitute. They have a similar earthy flavor and add a lovely texture to the soup. Just slice them thinly, like you would the wood ears.
It's all about making do and keeping calm, carry on and all that jazz!
Can I freeze Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup? I often cook in bulk to save time during the week.
Freezing is possible, but bear in mind the texture of the tofu and egg might change after thawing. To minimize this, remove the egg ribbons before freezing, and add them fresh when reheating. Cool the soup completely before portioning into freezer safe containers or bags.
It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, simmer gently on the stove and add fresh green onions to brighten it up.
Is Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup good for you? What's the nutritional information like?
Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup can be a healthy and delicious meal! As a guide, each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 20g of protein, 10g of fat, and 15g of carbohydrates. It's packed with protein from the pork and tofu, and it's relatively low in carbohydrates.
Be mindful of the sodium content (around 700mg per serving), so if you're watching your salt intake, use low-sodium broth and soy sauce. Remember that these are just estimates, the nutritional content will vary with the specific ingredients you use.
Fiery And Fragrant Authentic Hot And Sour Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
