Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish. It’s simple to make at home.  You can add 2 to 3 teaspoons of finely chopped ginger if you want.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

Steps to Make It

01

Cut the pork into thin strips. Mix the marinade ingredients and let the pork sit in it for 20 minutes.

02

Cut the tofu into small cubes. Slice the bamboo shoots into thin strips and then into smaller pieces. Soak the fungus in warm water for 20 minutes to soften, then rinse and slice it thin. (If you’re using dried Chinese mushrooms, soak them until soft, remove the stems, and slice into thin strips. For fresh mushrooms, wipe them clean with a damp cloth and slice them.)

03

Soak the dried lily buds in hot water for 20 minutes, or until they are soft. Cut off the tough ends.

04

Boil the water, then add the bamboo shoots, mushrooms or fungus, and lily buds. Stir everything. Next, add the tofu, bring it back to a boil, and then add the marinated pork.

05

Add the salt, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil, and stir well.

06

Taste the broth and change the flavor if you want. (If you’re using chicken broth, you might need to add a little more rice vinegar.)

07

Combine the cornstarch and water. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the soup while stirring. Let the broth return to a boil, and once it starts boiling, take it off the heat.

08

Gently pour in the beaten egg while stirring in one direction. Add the green onion and white pepper to taste. If you like, drizzle some chili oil on top. Serve hot.

FAQs

What is Hot and Sour Soup?

Hot and Sour Soup is a classic and popular Chinese dish known for its bold combination of spicy and tangy flavors. It typically features a clear broth enriched with a variety of ingredients such as tofu, pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms (or fungus), and lily buds. The heat comes from chili oil, and the sourness is provided by vinegar, usually rice vinegar. It’s a savory soup that is both comforting and invigorating.

What are the main ingredients in Hot and Sour Soup?

The core ingredients include tofu (typically firm or extra-firm), cooked pork (often tenderloin), bamboo shoots, mushrooms (Wood Ear mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms), lily buds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch to thicken the broth. Eggs are often added to create silky ribbons, while sugar, salt, and white pepper balance the overall flavor.

Can Hot and Sour Soup be made vegetarian?

Yes, Hot and Sour Soup can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the pork. You can replace the pork with additional vegetables like mushrooms or tofu, and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version.

How spicy is Hot and Sour Soup?

The level of spiciness in Hot and Sour Soup is generally moderate, depending on the amount of chili oil or chili paste used. If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the chili oil, and if you want it spicier, you can add more chili oil or fresh chili peppers during cooking.

What can I substitute for the lily buds?

Lily buds provide a unique texture in the soup, but if you cannot find them, you can easily skip them. Other vegetables like sliced water chestnuts or even bean sprouts can be added for a similar crunchy texture.

Can I use any type of mushrooms in Hot and Sour Soup?

While the traditional recipe calls for Wood Ear mushrooms (a type of black fungus), you can substitute them with other mushrooms like shiitake, button mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, provide a nice earthy flavor that complements the soup well.

How do I make Hot and Sour Soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, a cornstarch-water slurry is typically used. This mixture is added slowly to the boiling broth, stirring constantly until the soup reaches the desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how thick you want the soup.

How do I store Hot and Sour Soup?

Hot and Sour Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen. However, if freezing, it’s recommended to leave out the tofu, as freezing may change its texture. Add the tofu when reheating the soup.

Can I freeze Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, Hot and Sour Soup freezes well, but for the best results, leave out the tofu before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup, reheat, and then add the tofu. This ensures the tofu retains its best texture.

What can I add to Hot and Sour Soup to make it heartier?

To make the soup more filling, you can add frozen dumplings or wontons. These can be cooked directly in the broth as it simmers, adding both flavor and substance to the soup, making it a more complete meal.

Is Hot and Sour Soup healthy?

Hot and Sour Soup can be a healthy dish, especially when made with lean meats like chicken or pork, and loaded with vegetables like mushrooms and bamboo shoots. It’s typically low in calories and high in protein, though you can control the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the amount of salt.

How do I make Hot and Sour Soup less salty?

If the soup turns out too salty, you can dilute it by adding extra water or unsalted broth. You can also balance the flavor by adding more vinegar (to enhance the sourness) and a pinch of sugar (to balance the flavors).

Can I make Hot and Sour Soup spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, you can add more chili oil or chili paste, or even fresh chopped chili peppers. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference by adding small amounts and tasting as you go.

What vinegar is best for Hot and Sour Soup?

Rice vinegar is the most commonly used vinegar for Hot and Sour Soup due to its mild acidity and subtle sweetness. If rice vinegar is unavailable, red wine vinegar or white vinegar can be used as alternatives, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

What is the purpose of the egg in Hot and Sour Soup?

The beaten egg creates delicate, silky egg ribbons in the soup, adding both texture and richness. This step is essential to the soup’s final appearance and mouthfeel, enhancing the overall experience.

Can I use chicken instead of pork in Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute for pork. Cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works well and can be shredded or sliced thinly before being added to the soup. This makes the soup a good alternative for those who prefer poultry over pork.

What is the best tofu to use in Hot and Sour Soup?

Firm or extra-firm tofu is ideal for Hot and Sour Soup, as it holds its shape well in the broth. Soft or silken tofu may break apart too easily in the soup, so it’s better to use firmer tofu to maintain texture and structure.

Can I add other vegetables to Hot and Sour Soup?

Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Popular choices include bok choy, spinach, shredded carrots, and baby corn. These vegetables will add color, texture, and additional nutrients to the soup.

How can I adjust the sourness of Hot and Sour Soup?

The sourness in Hot and Sour Soup comes primarily from the vinegar. If the soup isn’t sour enough for your taste, you can add more vinegar. If it’s too sour, balance it out with a little sugar or adjust the salt level to taste.

Is it necessary to marinate the pork in Hot and Sour Soup?

Marinating the pork enhances its flavor, making it more tender and flavorful. While it’s not strictly necessary, marinating is a key step that adds depth to the soup. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the pork directly to the soup, though the flavor may be less intense.