Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is an incredibly popular dish that brings together a delightful blend of spices and textures. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, providing a quick yet satisfying meal. The vibrant flavors from mushrooms, chili peppers, and soft tofu make this soup unique and appealing to all palates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for those with a busy schedule.
• Flavor-Packed: Enjoy a rich combination of spicy, sour, and savory notes that tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or add proteins based on your preferences; it’s highly adaptable.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from mushrooms and tofu, this soup is a great choice for a light yet filling meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation smooth, having the right tools at hand is essential. Below are some must-have tools for making this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend beautifully.
• Whisk or fork: Helps in beating the eggs smoothly, ensuring they distribute well into the soup without clumping.

Ingredients

Broth Base

• 4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1/2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1/4 tsp white granulated sugar

Vegetables and Tofu

• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (ends removed or substitute with button mushrooms)
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced, optional)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or substitute with medium to firm tofu)

Thickening Agent

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)

Final Seasoning

• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)

Eggs

• 2 large eggs (beaten)

How to Make Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until well mixed. This will be your cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Stock

In a medium-sized pot, pour in the chicken stock. Season with regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Step 3: Bring to Boil

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium. Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, red chili pepper if using, and let simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently lower in thin strips of soft tofu into the pot and stir carefully.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in the cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the soup. Simmer for another 30-60 seconds.

Step 7: Create Egg Ribbons

While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Stir again to create ribbons of egg throughout the soup.

Step 8: Final Touches

Add chopped green onions at the end. Season with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper according to your taste. Enjoy your hot bowl of Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup!

How to Serve Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Serving Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can elevate your dining experience. This flavorful soup pairs well with a variety of dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some suggestions for serving it just right.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Basil: Add Thai basil for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavors.

Accompanied by Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice to balance the soup’s spiciness.
• Fried Rice: A side of fried rice with vegetables can make the meal heartier.

Pairing with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping into the spicy broth.
• Garlic Naan: Serve warm garlic naan to complement the rich flavors.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls make a perfect appetizer before the soup.
• Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with veggies or chicken can round out your meal.

How to Perfect Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

To ensure your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh mushrooms and crisp vegetables will enhance your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili used. Start with one and add more if desired.
• Cornstarch Slurry Timing: Add cornstarch slurry at the right time to achieve the desired thickness without overcooking.
• Egg Technique: Stir continuously while adding beaten eggs to create beautiful ribbons in your soup, making it visually appealing.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting along the way to find your perfect balance of sourness and saltiness.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like sesame seeds or additional green onions for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

When serving Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully:

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp rolls filled with vegetables offer a refreshing crunch alongside the hot soup.
2. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles provide a nice contrast to the warmth of the soup while adding depth to your meal.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of stir-fried seasonal veggies adds nutrition and completes your plate nicely.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette offers a fresh palate cleanser between bites of soup.
5. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame provides protein and makes for an easy finger food option that pairs well with Asian flavors.
6. Crispy Tofu Bites: Seasoned crispy tofu bites serve as a delightful protein-rich side, enhancing the overall experience of your meal.
7. Noodle Salad: Chilled noodle salad with cucumbers and bell peppers adds a refreshing touch that complements hot soup well.
8. Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls packed with herbs and veggies give a fun twist that pairs beautifully with hot broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Not preparing the cornstarch slurry can lead to a runny soup. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the stock.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Add them at the right time so they maintain some crunch.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust soy sauce, vinegar, and spices to your preference.
• Using low-quality stock: A poor stock can ruin your soup’s flavor. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium chicken stock for the best taste.
• Not controlling egg ribbons: Pouring in beaten eggs too quickly may cause clumping. Stir the soup gently while adding eggs in a thin stream to create beautiful ribbons.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Freeze in suitable containers or freezer bags.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for quality.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup.

What makes this soup hot and sour?

The heat comes from red chili peppers, while white vinegar adds the sourness. Adjust these ingredients according to your taste preferences!

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with other mushrooms like button or oyster mushrooms based on your availability and taste.

How can I customize Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

You can add vegetables like bok choy or snow peas, or swap tofu for shredded chicken or beef for added protein.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any animal-derived products like chicken bouillon powder.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick to prepare but also versatile! You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins according to your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious bowl that’s perfect as a starter or main dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together the perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors in a delicious broth. This quick recipe features tender mushrooms, crisp vegetables, and soft tofu, making it an ideal choice for busy nights or cozy gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a cooking time of only 20 minutes, you can whip up this comforting soup that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family or guests.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (or button mushrooms)
• 1/4 cup julienned carrots
• 1–2 tbsp red chili peppers (optional)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into strips)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• Salt & white pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Set aside.
2. In a medium pot, heat chicken stock with soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil until boiling.
3. Reduce heat and add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and optional red chili; simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gently stir in soft tofu.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup; simmer for another minute.
6. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring to create ribbons.
7. Finish by adding chopped green onions, white vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg