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Amazing Hot Sour Soup in Under 30 Mins

Hot Sour Soup

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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.

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

  1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a gentle boil.
  2. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
  3. Season the Soup: Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper. Adjust to taste. Add chili oil for extra heat if desired.
  4. Thicken the Broth: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the Egg: Turn off the heat. Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs in a thin stream while stirring gently to form ribbons.
  6. 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.

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