Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only packed with flavor but also exceptionally easy to prepare. Featuring tender mushrooms, vibrant vegetables, and silky tofu, this soup strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sour, making it a beloved dish in many households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A combination of fresh mushrooms, carrots, and chili peppers adds depth to every spoonful.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of red chili to suit your spice preference.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with protein from tofu and vitamins from vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile Meal: Serve as a main course or a side dish; it complements various meals beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Perfect for simmering the soup ingredients while allowing enough space for boiling.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the cornstarch slurry without mess.
• Whisk or fork: Helps incorporate the beaten eggs smoothly into the soup for beautiful ribbons.

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Ingredients

For the Broth

• 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

For the Vegetables

• 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)

For the Protein

• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or substitute with medium to firm tofu)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

For Thickening and Seasoning

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)

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 combined. This will be your cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Start the Broth

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

Step 3: Boil the Stock

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, and red chili pepper. 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. Let it simmer for an additional 30-60 seconds until thickened.

Step 7: Create Egg Ribbons

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

Step 8: Final Touches

Add green onions to the soup. Season with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste before serving.

Enjoy your delicious 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 meal experience. This flavorful dish is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor that complements the soup’s spices.
• Basil: Thai basil can lend a unique aromatic touch to the dish, enhancing its overall profile.

Accompanying Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect base to soak up the spicy broth and balance out the flavors.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Adding Crunch

• Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the silky tofu.
• Fried Shallots: These provide an aromatic crunch that adds depth to each spoonful of soup.

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

Perfecting your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is simple with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and mushrooms will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the vinegar and soy sauce to find your ideal balance of sourness and saltiness.
• Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili based on your heat preference for a personalized kick.

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

Pairing side dishes with Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with fresh vegetables make an excellent crunchy contrast.
2. Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods provide protein and are easy to prepare as a side.
3. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Garlic sautéed bok choy offers vibrant greens that complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
4. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles with a light sauce can balance out the warmth of the soup, providing a refreshing bite.
5. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad adds crispness and refreshes the palate between spoonfuls.
6. Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu bites seasoned with spices can be both filling and flavorful alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the broth – Using water instead of chicken stock can make your soup bland. Always use a good quality broth for depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the tofu – Adding soft tofu too early can cause it to disintegrate. Gently lower it in just before thickening the soup.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Not tasting your soup before serving may result in a lack of balance. Adjust soy sauce, vinegar, and spices to suit your preference.
• Not stirring enough while adding eggs – Pouring beaten eggs without stirring may lead to clumps rather than ribbons. Stir continuously in a circular motion for best results.
• Using stale mushrooms – Fresh ingredients are key. Always check your mushrooms for freshness to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
• Ignoring the vinegar level – The sourness is crucial! Taste and adjust the vinegar to achieve your desired sourness level.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space in the container as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts for extra nutrition and texture.

How spicy is this soup?

The spiciness largely depends on how many chili peppers you add. Feel free to adjust according to your taste.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Seafood mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms provide great flavor, but you can substitute with button mushrooms if needed.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omit any meat-based ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Its balance of spicy and sour flavors makes it a delightful choice for any meal. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning as per your taste preferences!