Hot and Sour Soup: A Flavorful Asian Delight for Your Taste Buds
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Asian dish that’s revered for its bold and complex flavors. This comforting soup strikes a perfect balance between the heat of spices and the tanginess of vinegar, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a little zing in their meals. Whether you’re looking for a soul-warming soup or want to explore the diverse world of Asian cuisine, Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful choice that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 1/2 cup sliced wood ear mushrooms (or dried black fungus, rehydrated)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt to taste
For Thickening the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Garnish:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced red chilies (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Preparing the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Thickening the Soup: 3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.
- Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup while stirring continuously. The soup will thicken as you do this. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more slurry as needed.
Adding the Garnish: 5. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently. This will create silky ribbons of egg throughout the soup. Cook for another minute.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding salt or more white pepper if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy: 7. Ladle the Hot and Sour Soup into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced red chilies for those who love extra heat.
Cook’s Notes:
- You can customize this soup by adding ingredients like cooked chicken, pork, or shrimp for protein, or vegetables like mushrooms and baby corn for variety.
- Adjust the vinegar and heat to your liking. Some prefer their Hot and Sour Soup with extra tang and spice, while others prefer a milder version.
- Wood ear mushrooms, also known as black fungus, add a delightful crunch to the soup. If using dried ones, rehydrate them in warm water before adding to the soup.
Hot and Sour Soup is a burst of flavors that awaken your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, this Asian delight offers a memorable culinary experience that combines the perfect balance of heat and tang. Savor each spoonful of this comforting and zesty soup. 🍲🌶️🥢
