Irresistible Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: A Flavor Adventure

Catch the wafting aroma of a steaming bowl of Hot and Sour Soup, where the spicy tang dances on your taste buds, and the silky broth wraps around tender morsels of chicken like a warm hug. Each spoonful is a delightful adventure of flavors—sharp, spicy, and just the right amount of sourness that makes you feel alive. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that beckons you to come back for more.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re cozied up on the couch with your favorite blanket when suddenly, you remember that last bowl of Hot and Sour Soup you had at that little corner restaurant. It was glorious! You felt like a culinary explorer diving into an ocean of flavor. Well, good news! You can recreate that magic right in your kitchen. Perfect for dinner parties or just a cozy night in, this soup will have everyone asking for seconds while you bask in the glory of your cooking prowess.

Ingredients for Hot and Sour Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 1 pound will provide a hearty protein base for your soup.
• Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms: These add an earthy flavor; make sure they are firm and plump when selecting.
• Carrots: For sweetness and color; julienne them thinly for even cooking.
• Green Onions: Use these as both an ingredient and garnish for freshness.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still packing in flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: A key component for depth; go with low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.
• Rice Vinegar: This brings in the much-needed acidity—choose unseasoned rice vinegar for best results.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives your soup that luscious texture we all love.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If you have any leftover chicken from last night’s dinner—score! Just shred it up and skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and half of the green onions. Sauté until softened—about five minutes—while letting those aromas fill your kitchen like an inviting hug.

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour in about six cups of vegetable broth along with the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine everything together into one happy family reunion of flavors.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Increase heat until the soup comes to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat back down so it simmers beautifully while you whisk together cornstarch with some water in a small bowl until smooth—this will be our secret potion for thickening up our beloved soup.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into your simmering soup while stirring continuously (you don’t want clumps!). Let it cook for another few minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in any leftover chicken (if using) along with remaining green onions just before serving. Taste test and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe more soy sauce or vinegar depending on how adventurous you’re feeling!

Transfer to bowls and enjoy hot as-is or with a sprinkle of extra green onions on top! Serve alongside crispy wontons or steamed rice for an unforgettable meal experience.

Now go ahead! Dive into your homemade Hot and Sour Soup—a delightful symphony of flavors that warms both heart and belly!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your ingredients: chop veggies, slice chicken, and mix the broth. Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then stir-fry the vegetables while the broth simmers. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in your fridge—zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach work great! Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing or toss in some tofu for a plant-based twist. Customize it to fit your palate!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to preserve flavors and texture. Add a bit of broth if it thickens too much.

It reminds me of that time I made this Hot and Sour Soup for a dinner party. My friends were so impressed that they insisted I start a cooking blog—little did they know this was just my way of getting them to stop by more often!

FAQs :

What is Hot and Sour Soup made of?

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Typically, it includes chicken or tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms. The soup gains its heat from white pepper and its tanginess from vinegar. To achieve a perfect consistency, cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent. For a plant-based version, substitute chicken with tofu or vegetables. This soup can be customized to suit different palates while maintaining its signature profile.

How do I make Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?

To make Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian, simply replace the meat with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base. Adjust the seasoning with vinegar for tang and white pepper for heat. Agar-agar can serve as a gelling agent if you desire a thicker texture. This version retains the classic flavors while being entirely plant-based.

Can I store leftovers of Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, you can store leftover Hot and Sour Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore its original consistency. If you used cornstarch for thickening, expect it to thicken further when cooled. For best taste, consume within two days for optimal flavor retention.

What are some variations of Hot and Sour Soup?

There are many variations of Hot and Sour Soup depending on regional preferences. Some versions incorporate shrimp or beef instead of chicken for added flavor. Others might include different vegetables such as spinach or bok choy for extra nutrition. Experimenting with vinegars—like rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar—can also enhance the soup’s tangy profile while staying true to its essence.

Conclusion for Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Using ingredients like chicken or tofu allows everyone to enjoy this classic recipe without compromising on flavor. The balance of heat from white pepper and tang from vinegar creates an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you opt for a traditional preparation or experiment with vegetarian options, this soup remains a comforting choice perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Hot and Sour Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Hot and Sour Soup is a savory blend of bold flavors and comforting warmth that tantalizes your taste buds. This delightful dish features tender chicken, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a silky broth with the perfect balance of heat and tanginess. Perfect for chilly evenings or dinner parties, this recipe lets you recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, impress family and friends with this satisfying culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• ½ cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Sauté shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and half the green onions for about five minutes until softened.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar; stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer. Whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually add to the soup while stirring continuously.
5. Cook for an additional few minutes until thickened. Stir in leftover chicken (if using) and remaining green onions just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg