Hot and Sour Soup Wok This Way to Flavour Town
Recipe Introduction: Wok This Way to Flavour Town!
Ever crave that zingy , savoury deliciousness from your local Chinese takeout? Honestly, who doesn't? I'm sharing my recipe for Hot and Sour Soup , which brings restaurant quality flavour right to your kitchen.
This soup is a rollercoaster of taste! It is spicy, tangy, and packed with yummy mushrooms.
A Brief History Lesson (and a Cooking Class!)
This Hot and Sour Soup originates from the Sichuan province of China. I think of it like a culinary hug! It's a simple recipe, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.
One batch yields 4-6 servings. Perfect for sharing or, let's be real, enjoying all by yourself over a couple of days.
Hot and Sour Soup : More Than Just a Treat
Did you know that mushrooms, a key ingredient in this tasty Asian Soup Recipe , are packed with antioxidants? This Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for a chilly evening, or when you want a flavourful pick-me-up.
I call it my secret weapon against the dreaded winter blues! What makes this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe special? It's all about that balance.
Sweet, sour, and spicy all mingling together in one slurpable bowl.
Now, are you ready to see what Hot Sour Soup ingredients we need for this Sichuan Soup Recipe ? Keep reading!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right, so you wanna make Hot and Sour Soup ? Sorted! Here's what you need. This Easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe is surprisingly achievable! I'm gonna break down everything you need.
Trust me, it's worth it.
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavour!
Listen up, these are the essentials for your Hot Sour Soup .
- Chicken or Veggie Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters). Get a good one; it's the base! Low sodium is your mate here.
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: 4 oz (115g). Rehydrate these bad boys. Quality dried shrooms are meaty and aromatic.
- Wood Ear Mushrooms: 4 oz (115g). These give a great texture.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp . Adds that umami kick.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (plus more to taste). The sour bit!
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp . Adds that nutty aroma.
- White Pepper: 1 tsp . Don't skip this! It's subtle but important.
- Ground Ginger: ½ tsp . Adds warmth.
- Chili Flakes: ¼ tsp (or more to taste). Gotta get that Hot and Spicy Soup vibe!
- Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced.
- Firm Tofu: 4 oz (115g), diced. Adds great texture to this Tofu Soups .
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 4 oz (115g), shredded. Or pork, or shrimp. Whatever floats your boat.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Cornstarch: 2 tbsp .
- Cold Water: 2 tbsp .
Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Flavour Bomb
Right, the spices are crucial for a proper Sichuan Soup Recipe ! Don't be shy with the chilli flakes. You want that satisfying burn, yeah? Feel free to sub a dash of Sriracha for extra heat! Also, rice vinegar is king here, but if you're in a pinch, white wine vinegar works.
But honestly? Try and get the proper stuff.
For an authentic Chinese Takeout Soup flavour, don’t skimp on the sesame oil! A little goes a long way, so don't go overboard.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Honestly, you don’t need fancy gear. Just the essentials for this Homemade Hot and Sour Soup .
- Large pot or wok.
- Chopping board.
- Sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Whisk.
- Slotted spoon.
If you don't have a wok, a large, deep frying pan will work. Get cooking!. This is gonna be brilliant! And if you fancy a slightly Sweet Sour Soup , a touch of honey can work wonders.
But keep it subtle!. Enjoy these Asian Soup Recipes .
Hot and Sour Soup: Wok This Way to Flavour Town!
Fancy a flavour adventure? Let's talk Hot and Sour Soup . Honestly, this soup is like a hug in a bowl.
It’s got that perfect balance: a bit of spice, a bit of tang, and loads of deliciousness. Think of it as your go-to Chinese Takeout Soup , only way better because you made it yourself.
And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like a bowl of Homemade Hot and Sour Soup on a chilly evening.
I remember the first time I tried making this. Oh my gosh, it was a disaster! Too much vinegar, not enough spice.
But hey, that’s how we learn, right? Now, it's one of my favourite Asian Soup Recipes and it is pretty simple to make.
The best part? You can totally tweak it to your liking. Want more heat? Go for it! Prefer it a bit sweeter? No problem!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Alright, before we fire up the wok, let's get organised. This is the secret to a stress free cooking experience.
- Essential mise en place: Chop those veggies! Dice 115g of tofu into ½-inch cubes. Shred 115g of cooked chicken or pork. Slice the shiitake and wood ear mushrooms, and green onions.
- Time saving organization tips: Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. Trust me, it will save you loads of time later.
- Safety reminders: Be careful when chopping. Keep your fingers out of the way, you know?
Stir Fry Your Way to Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Success
This Easy Hot and Sour Soup Recipe can be done with these steps:
- Soak and soften . Soak the dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms for 30 minutes in hot water. Then, drain and slice them up.
- Broth Bonanza . In a large pot, add 1.9 litres of broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ground white pepper, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp chili flakes, and the shiitake mushroom stems. Simmer it.
- Mushroom magic . Add the sliced mushrooms. Simmer for 10 minutes and let those flavours mingle and work together, becoming even more deliscious.
- Protein Power . Stir in that tofu and shredded chicken. Heat it all through.
- Thicken things up . Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Slowly pour it into the simmering soup, and keep stirring until it gets thicker.
- Egg-cellent addition . Drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring gently.
- Season and serve . Add the white parts of the green onions. Taste and add more vinegar or chili flakes if you like.
- Garnish and go . Ladle into bowls, top with cilantro, a drizzle of sesame oil, and the green parts of the green onions. Serve it hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Sour Soup
Wanna take your Hot and Sour Soup to the next level? Here are a few tricks:
- Use quality broth: The broth is king, so pick a good one.
- Adjust the heat: Don't be shy with those chili flakes! That how you get a Hot and Spicy Soup right at home.
- make-ahead option: You can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days . Just add the tofu and egg when you are ready to serve.
Honestly, give this a go. You won't regret it. Let me know how it turns out!
Recipe Notes for Your Hot and Sour Soup Adventure
Alright, you're about to embark on a Hot and Sour Soup journey. Here are a few extra bits to help you nail it! Trust me, these tips make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Hot Sour Soup
Let's talk presentation! To make your Homemade Hot and Sour Soup look as good as it tastes, try serving it in those cute little Chinese soup bowls.
You know, the ones you see at your favourite Chinese takeaway? Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a tiny drizzle of sesame oil.
It elevates the whole experience! For sides, steamed rice is a must. Spring rolls or dumplings are awesome too, if you're feeling extra fancy.
You might want to offer extra soy sauce or chilli oil. Everyone likes different levels of heat.
Storage Tips: Tofu Soups Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond!
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Hot and Spicy Soup keeps pretty well. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Honestly, I’ve stretched it to 5 once or twice. But don't tell anyone! If you want to freeze it, that works too.
Just be aware that the tofu might get a slightly different texture after thawing. To reheat, just simmer it gently on the stove until heated through.
You can microwave it too if you're in a rush. But the stove is always better, innit?
Variations: Your Sweet Sour Soup , Your Way!
Fancy a change? You could switch it up with different proteins, such as pork, or even shrimp. Or, for a veggie version, just ditch the chicken and double up on the tofu or mushrooms.
You could also add some bamboo shoots for extra crunch. If you're after more Asian Soup Recipes , you can find inspiration everywhere.
For a seasonal twist, use whatever mushrooms are in season. Honestly, it is a recipe which is not that hard to adapt!
Nutrition Basics: Easy Hot and Sour Soup That's Good for You!
Okay, let's keep it real. This Sichuan Soup Recipe isn't exactly a health food. But it's not bad either. It has protein from the tofu and chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms and broth.
Plus, the chilli flakes give your metabolism a little kick! Just watch out for the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.
So, I recommend using low-sodium broth when possible.
Now, go on and give this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe a go. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, you lovely lot!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Hot and Sour Soup, and why is it so popular?
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese soup originating from the Sichuan province, known for its, well, hot and sour flavour profile! It’s a delightful combination of savoury broth, fiery spices (the "hot" part), and tangy vinegar (the "sour" part), balanced with umami and interesting textures.
Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a brilliant rom-com comforting, exciting, and always satisfying! Plus, it's often touted as a great remedy for a cold, like your nan's chicken soup, but with a serious kick.
Can I adjust the spice level of this Hot and Sour Soup recipe? I'm not exactly a chilli champion!
Absolutely! The beauty of Hot and Sour Soup is that you can tailor it to your own taste. Start with a smaller amount of chilli flakes (or omit them entirely) and add more to taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more heat, but taking it away is like trying to un-ring a bell.
Some people like to add a drizzle of chilli oil at the end for an extra kick - or serve sriracha on the side.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still enjoy Hot and Sour Soup? What substitutions can I make?
You bet! To make a vegetarian or even vegan Hot and Sour Soup, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Omit the chicken, pork, or shrimp, and make sure your tofu is firm or extra firm to hold its shape. You can also add extra mushrooms, like enoki or oyster mushrooms, for a more substantial soup.
It’s like a veggie makeover for a classic still utterly delicious!
How do I store leftover Hot and Sour Soup? And how long will it last?
Leftover Hot and Sour Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, bring it to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, especially the tofu, but the flavour will still be fantastic.
Best enjoyed sooner rather than later, so dig in!
What can I serve with Hot and Sour Soup to make it a full meal?
Hot and Sour Soup is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. A side of steamed rice is a classic choice, acting like a sponge for all that lovely broth. You could also serve it with spring rolls, dumplings, or even a stir fry for a complete Chinese inspired feast.
Think of it as your culinary supporting act always there to enhance the main event!
My Hot and Sour Soup isn't thick enough! Help!
Don't panic, it's easily fixable! The cornstarch slurry is the secret thickening weapon in Hot and Sour Soup. Make sure you mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the soup.
If it's still too thin, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and slowly drizzle it in, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Hot And Sour Soup Wok This Way To Flavour Town
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
