Hot and Sour Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, balancing bold flavors with a delightful kick that dances on your taste buds. Imagine spooning through a steaming bowl filled with vibrant ingredients, each bite promising a perfect blend of heat and tanginess that makes you feel alive. crispy potatoes with pesto.
Whenever I whip up this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe, it transports me back to family gatherings where laughter and the scent of spices filled the air. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress at dinner parties. cozy creamy potato soup You’ll want to keep this recipe handy; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners effortless
- Its bold flavors are sure to impress anyone at your table
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, inviting everyone in for a taste
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry
I remember the first time I made this soup; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! Their smiles were priceless as they slurped away. For more inspiration, check out this Chinese Beef Dumplings recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Broth: A rich chicken or vegetable broth forms the base; homemade is best for flavor.
- Tofu: Use firm tofu for texture that holds up well in the soup.
- Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake or button mushrooms add an earthy quality to the mix.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zingy warmth; opt for fresh ginger over powdered for best results.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aromatic profile beautifully; fresh cloves are preferred. garlic herb mashed potatoes.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: This ingredient brings that necessary sour punch; choose unseasoned rice vinegar. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
- Chili Paste: Adjust the spice level with your favorite chili paste; sriracha works well too!
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh finish and beautiful color contrast.
- Cilantro (optional): For garnish, cilantro adds brightness and herby flavor if you enjoy it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Broth Base: In a large pot, pour in about 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat while you prep other ingredients.
Add Aromatics for Flavor: Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally until you can smell their fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen—about 2 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Tofu: Next, add sliced mushrooms and cubed tofu into the pot. Allow them to simmer together until mushrooms soften—roughly 5 minutes should do it.
Season Your Soup Right: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste to introduce that signature hot-and-sour flavor combination. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference!
Add Finishing Touches : Once everything is well combined, remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, garnish with cilantro just before serving.
This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe will tantalize your taste buds while filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that calls everyone to gather around. pumpkin hummus dip Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful hot and sour soup recipe is more than just a bowl of warmth; it’s a journey through flavors
- The unique balance of heat and tang makes it a comforting dish for any occasion
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your aromatics first; this step builds the foundation of flavor. Then, add broth and ingredients sequentially for optimal texture and taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding proteins like tofu or chicken, or switch up the vegetables based on what you have. The beauty of soup is its versatility!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently simmer on the stove until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect hot and sour soup, always balance heat with acidity for flavor harmony
- Use fresh ingredients for vibrant taste and optimal texture
- Taste as you go—you’re the chef here!
The first time I made this hot and sour soup, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rock star that night.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in hot and sour soup?
Essential ingredients include mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, vinegar, and white pepper for that signature kick.
Can I make hot and sour soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and omit meat while loading up on veggies.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To control spiciness, adjust the amount of white pepper added according to your preference.
Hot and Sour Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting bowl of deliciousness, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe features a tantalizing blend of bold flavors, combining spicy and tangy notes that awaken the palate. With vibrant ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and fresh spices, each spoonful is an invitation to savor a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tsp chili paste (adjust for spice)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cubed tofu; simmer for approximately 5 minutes until mushrooms soften.
- Mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste; taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions. Garnish with cilantro if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
