This Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful Chinese classic featuring mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots in a tangy, spicy broth. It’s a healthy and satisfying option that’s easy to make at home.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Soup, Appetizer
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
1 cup shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, sliced into thin strips
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or Chinese black vinegar)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional: chili oil for heat, scallions for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a gentle boil.
Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
Season the Soup: Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper. Adjust to taste. Add chili oil for extra heat if desired.
Thicken the Broth: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Egg: Turn off the heat. Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs in a thin stream while stirring gently to form ribbons.
Finish and Serve: Stir in sesame oil, garnish with scallions, and serve hot.
Notes
Use quality stock for the best flavor.
White pepper provides authentic heat compared to black pepper.
Adjust vinegar slowly—start with less and add to taste.
Don’t skip cornstarch—it gives body to the broth.
Pour eggs slowly to avoid scrambling and achieve silky ribbons.