easy hot and sour soup

easy hot and sour soup


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easy hot and sour soup

Hot and sour soup, a culinary delight originating from China, is renowned for its vibrant balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. While traditional recipes can be time-consuming, this guide provides a streamlined approach to crafting a delicious and authentic-tasting hot and sour soup with minimal effort. This easy hot and sour soup recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick and satisfying lunch.

What Makes Hot and Sour Soup "Hot" and "Sour"?

The "hot" in hot and sour soup comes primarily from chili garlic sauce, chili oil, or dried chilies, delivering a pleasant kick without overwhelming the other flavors. The "sour" is achieved through the addition of rice vinegar or black vinegar, which provides a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the broth. The perfect balance is key, and this recipe helps you achieve just that.

Ingredients for Easy Hot and Sour Soup

This recipe focuses on readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks.

  • Broth: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • Protein: 1 cup cooked chicken, pork, tofu, or shrimp (optional) – diced
  • Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button work well)
  • Vegetables: ½ cup bamboo shoots (canned, sliced), ½ cup wood ear mushrooms (dried, rehydrated and sliced - optional but adds great texture) , 2 scallions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
  • Sauce: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium), 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference), ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Garnish: Chopped scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes (optional)

How to Make Easy Hot and Sour Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prepare the broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.

  2. Add the vegetables and protein: Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and your choice of protein to the simmering broth. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

  3. Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and ginger until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

  4. Thicken the soup: Slowly pour the sauce into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.

  5. Add the egg: Slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring gently to create thin ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup. Don't overcook the egg.

  6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the protein and use vegetable broth. Tofu adds a great protein boost and texture. Ensure you check your soy sauce is vegetarian/vegan friendly.

What kind of mushrooms are best for hot and sour soup?

Shiitake mushrooms add a deep umami flavor, while button mushrooms provide a more mild taste. Wood ear mushrooms, if you can find them, provide a unique texture. Feel free to experiment!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and cook just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How do I adjust the spiciness?

Start with 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce and add more to your liking. You can also use a different chili sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute, but rice vinegar offers the most authentic flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to let it thaw thoroughly before reheating.

This easy hot and sour soup recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic Chinese dish. Enjoy!

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