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Easy Hot and Sour Soup

A cozy and punchy hot and sour soup that mimics the classic restaurant version, perfect for a weeknight dinner cravings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Broth and Base
  • 4 cups Chicken or veggie broth Chicken broth is the default; veggie broth works too.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Regular soy sauce is fine. Adjust amount if using low sodium.
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar Chinese black vinegar is classic; use rice or apple cider if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper Signature warm heat; use black pepper if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil Adds a nice flavor at the end.
Vegetables and Proteins
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (shiitake or baby bella) Shiitake gives the best flavor.
  • 1 cup Bamboo shoots Optional for crunch.
  • 1 cup Tofu (soft, medium, or firm) Firm works if you prefer larger cubes.
Thickening
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Mix with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
Aromatics
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced If only one is available, prefer ginger.
  • 2 large Eggs, beaten Creates the egg ribbons.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prep your add-ins: Slice mushrooms, cube tofu, open bamboo shoots, and beat the eggs in a small bowl.
Cooking Broth
  1. In a pot, warm a little oil, then add minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in the chicken or veggie broth.
  3. Add soy sauce and vinegar, then season with a little white pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Adding Hearty Ingredients
  1. Add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Simmer again until the mushrooms are tender, usually 5 to 7 minutes.
Thickening Soup
  1. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a cup, then stir it into the soup. Allow it to thicken slightly.
Adding Egg Ribbons
  1. Lower the heat to gently simmering, then slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring in one direction.
Finishing Touches
  1. Turn off the heat, add a few drops of sesame oil, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

This soup is all about balancing flavors. Final taste adjustments are key before serving. Serve with toppings like green onions and extra white pepper if desired.