The aroma of a bubbling pot of hot and sour soup wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with its delightful blend of spicy and tangy notes. Each spoonful bursts with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate, making it impossible not to smile with every bite.
This fantastic hot and sour soup recipe is my go-to comfort food for chilly evenings or when I need an extra boost of warmth during cold winter days. You know those moments when you crave something comforting yet invigorating? Well, this soup delivers just that an explosion of flavors that take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hot and sour soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- With its bold flavors and colorful presentation, it will impress anyone at the dinner table
- The flexibility of ingredients allows you to use what you have on hand, minimizing waste
- Packed with healthy veggies and protein, it’s a comforting meal you can feel good about!
I vividly remember serving this soup on a cozy family game night; everyone slurped joyfully while sharing laughter over board games.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while keeping rich flavor.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh shiitake mushrooms add a deep umami flavor; dry ones are great too but soak them first.
- Firm Tofu: Use firm tofu for its texture; it holds up well in soups without falling apart.
- Rice Vinegar: This tangy ingredient is crucial for achieving that signature sour flavor; don’t skimp!
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended here to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch mixed with water thickens the soup perfectly; no one likes a watery broth!
- White Pepper: White pepper gives a unique heat; it’s milder than black pepper but adds depth.
- Sliced Green Onions: Fresh green onions add brightness as a garnish; they also give a lovely crunch!
- Sriracha Sauce: For those who like it spicy, drizzle some sriracha on top before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the mushrooms and tofu into bite-sized pieces while enjoying the delicious aromas filling your kitchen.
Bring Broth to Life: In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken broth with shiitake mushrooms. Bring this lovely mixture to a simmer while occasionally stirring.
Add Tofu and Seasonings: Gently stir in the cubed tofu along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and sriracha sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Allow these flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to your simmering broth while whisking continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.
Finish with Green Onions: Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions into the pot for added freshness. Stir gently to incorporate their vibrant flavor throughout the soup.
Enjoying homemade hot and sour soup doesn’t just nourish your body—it warms your soul! As you savor each spoonful filled with tender tofu and tantalizing spices, remember that cooking doesn’t have to be stressful; it’s meant to be fun!
You Must Know
- This delightful hot and sour soup recipe is not just warming; it’s a burst of flavor in every spoonful
- The balance of heat and tang invigorates your palate, making it perfect for any season
- Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the aromatics like garlic and ginger first. Then, add your broth and simmer for maximum flavor infusion. Finally, incorporate the vegetables and tofu, adjusting cooking times as needed for perfect tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins or veggies based on what you have available. Adding chili oil or fresh herbs can also elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices for a unique twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to maintain texture and prevent overcooking the ingredients.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect balance of flavors, always taste as you go
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum aroma and ensure your broth is well-seasoned
- Experiment with vinegar types to find your ideal sour note!
Sharing hot and sour soup with friends one rainy evening turned into a hilarious kitchen adventure when we accidentally added too much vinegar! Instead of being discouraged, we laughed our way through a delightful mess that ended up tasting great.
FAQ
What can I use instead of tofu in this hot and sour soup recipe?
You can replace tofu with chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this hot and sour soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead but add fresh herbs just before serving for optimal flavor.
How spicy can I make this hot and sour soup recipe?
Adjust the spice level by adding more chili paste or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Delight your senses with this quick and easy hot and sour soup, a perfect combination of spicy and tangy flavors ideal for cozy nights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Firm tofu
- Rice vinegar
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- White pepper
- Green onions
- Sriracha sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients, chopping shiitake mushrooms and firm tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, bring chicken broth and shiitake mushrooms to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add cubed tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and sriracha (if desired), allowing flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water until smooth; gradually whisk into the simmering soup until thickened to your preference.
- Just before serving, stir in sliced green onions for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - Customize by swapping proteins or veggies based on what you have available. - For enhanced flavor, sauté garlic and ginger before adding the broth. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
