Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish celebrated for its bold contrast of spicy heat and tangy sourness. With its silky broth, crisp vegetables, and warming spices, this soup is both invigorating and deeply satisfying. It’s a favourite starter in Chinese restaurants around the world, loved for its complex yet harmonious taste.
Hot and Sour Soup:
This soup brings together simple pantry ingredients—vinegar, pepper, soy sauce, and vegetables—transformed into something extraordinary. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a light appetizer before a hearty meal, Hot and Sour Soup delivers warmth, depth, and balance in every spoonful.
History:
Hot and Sour Soup originated in northern China, particularly in regions with colder climates where warming, spice-forward foods were preferred. Traditional versions relied on black vinegar and white pepper to create the signature sour and hot flavors. Over time, the soup evolved with regional variations and adaptations, eventually becoming a staple in Chinese-American cuisine.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- ½ cup bamboo shoots, julienned
- ½ cup firm tofu, thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the broth in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, white pepper, and chili oil.
- Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Gently drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Finish with sesame oil, adjust seasoning, and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Black vinegar gives the most authentic flavour.
- White pepper is essential for traditional heat.
- Adjust vinegar and pepper to your taste balance.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Serve hot for best flavor.
Tips for Hot and Sour Soup:
- Slice ingredients thinly for better texture.
- Add egg last to keep strands silky.
- Do not overboil after adding vinegar.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning.
- Add shredded chicken or pork for a heartier soup.
FAQs for Hot and Sour Soup:
Q1: Is Hot and Sour very spicy?
No, it’s moderately spicy and can be adjusted to taste.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit meat.
Q3: What makes it sour?
Rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar provides the sourness.
Q4: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Q5: Is it healthy?
Yes, it’s low in calories and rich in vegetables and protein.
Conclusion:
Hot and Sour is a timeless classic that beautifully balances spice, tang, and umami. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a perfect way to start any meal or enjoy a light, comforting dish on its own. With every spoonful, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and tradition.