Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

Experience the lively blend of spicy, sour, and savory flavors in this classic Hot and Sour Soup. It's a warming dish that's perfect as a starter or light meal.

Pork

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

3

Hot and Sour Soup is a cherished dish in Chinese cuisine known for its perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess that awakens your taste buds. Traditionally enjoyed as an appetizer, it combines a medley of ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and pork simmered in a rich chicken broth that is both comforting and flavorful. This recipe features the use of wood ear mushrooms, which add a distinctive texture and earthy undertone, while the combination of hot pepper sauce and vinegar creates the characteristic 'hot and sour' profile. The finishing touch of whisked egg ribbons adds a silky texture, making this soup both hearty and elegant. Ideal to pair with steamed rice or simple vegetable dishes, Hot and Sour Soup also serves as a delightful companion to fried spring rolls or dim sum selections. It's a soup that carries history and cultural significance, often served during traditional meals to stimulate the palate and prepare it for the dishes to come.

Ingredients

  • 0.33 cup Mushrooms
  • 0.33 cup Wood Ear Mushrooms
  • 0.67 cup Tofu
  • 0.5 cup Pork
  • 2 -1/2 cup Chicken Stock
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seed Oil
  • 0.25 tsp Pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Hotsauce
  • 1 -½ cup Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tb Cornstarch
  • 2 tb Water
  • 0.25 cup Spring Onions

Instructions

Begin by pouring the chicken broth into a wok and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, creating the flavorful base for your soup. Once boiling, season the broth with salt, sugar, fragrant sesame seed oil, white pepper, a dash of hot pepper sauce, tangy vinegar, and savory soy sauce. Stir these ingredients just a few seconds to blend the vibrant flavors evenly. Gently add the tender tofu cubes, fresh mushrooms, and earthy black wood ear mushrooms to the bubbling broth. These ingredients will infuse the soup with wonderful textures and subtle flavors. To achieve the perfect silky consistency, prepare a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup while stirring to avoid lumps, and continue cooking until the soup thickens to your desired richness. Lightly beat one egg with a fork until slightly frothy. Slowly drizzle the egg into the simmering soup, stirring gently for about 8 seconds to form delicate egg ribbons that enhance the soup's texture. Serve the soup piping hot in bowls, garnished with savory BBQ pork slices and a sprinkle of fresh, sliced green spring onions to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Tip: Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce and vinegar to tailor the heat and acidity to your taste preferences. For extra depth, use homemade chicken stock if possible. Enjoy the soup immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Quick Info

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3

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