Hot and Sour Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting starter for a larger meal. The Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup brings together the warmth of chicken stock with a delightful combination of spices and textures. Packed with mushrooms, soft tofu, and a hint of chili, this recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and simplicity. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes needed from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A blend of spices, including soy sauce and sesame oil, creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or serve as an appetizer at gatherings—the choice is yours!
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili according to your preference.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium-sized pot
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium-sized pot: Essential for boiling the broth and simmering the ingredients evenly.
- Small bowl: Useful for mixing the cornstarch slurry without making a mess.
- Whisk or fork: Perfect for beating the eggs smoothly before adding them to the soup.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup:
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 Soup Base
- 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (ends removed or sub 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 Thickening
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/4 cup water (cold)
For Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or sub with medium to firm tofu)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 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 mixed. This will be your thickening agent for the soup.
Step 2: Boil the Broth
Pour chicken stock into a medium-sized pot. Add regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low-medium heat. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms, julienned carrots, seafood mushrooms, and red chili pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Tofu
Gently lower in thin strips of soft tofu into the soup mixture. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the tofu pieces.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Stir in your prepared cornstarch slurry slowly while watching for thickness. Simmer for another 30-60 seconds until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Create Egg Ribbons
While stirring the soup in a circular motion, pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Give it another gentle stir to form elegant ribbons throughout the soup.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Add finely chopped green onions along with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste. Stir well before serving hot!
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup!
How to Serve Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is a versatile dish, perfect as a main course or a side. Its rich flavors and unique texture make it enjoyable on its own or paired with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Garnish Options
- Chopped Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions add a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Cilantro Leaves: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a refreshing herbal note.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide added crunch and nuttiness.
Pairing Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy steamed rice complements the soup’s bold flavors.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls are a delightful contrast to the soup’s warmth, making for a satisfying meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth.
Serving Temperature
- Hot: Enjoy the soup piping hot for maximum flavor and comfort.
- Chilled: For a refreshing twist, try serving it slightly chilled in warmer months.
How to Perfect Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
To achieve the best results with your Hot and Sour Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Bold Flavors: Use low-sodium chicken stock to control saltiness while allowing other flavors to shine through.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mushrooms and vegetables for optimal taste and nutrition.
- Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, gradually add more cornstarch slurry until you reach your desired consistency.
- Egg Ribbons: Pour the beaten eggs slowly while stirring to create beautiful ribbons in the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Hot and Sour Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: This flavorful dish is an excellent complement, adding texture and heartiness.
- Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings offer a delightful bite-sized treat alongside the soup.
- Asian Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad brings freshness, balancing the warmth of the soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: Crunchy pickled vegetables add tanginess that complements the sour notes in the soup.
- Tofu Satay Skewers: Grilled skewers with marinated tofu provide protein while enhancing the Asian theme of your meal.
- Seaweed Salad: Light and nutritious, this salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Hot and Sour Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will help ensure a delicious outcome.
- Boldly skip the prep work: Not pre-chopping ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always prepare your vegetables and tofu ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience.
- Boldly ignore the stock quality: Using low-quality or high-sodium stock can ruin the flavor. Opt for low sodium chicken stock to maintain control over seasoning.
- Boldly rush the simmering process: Failing to let the soup simmer properly may result in undercooked vegetables. Allow adequate time for each ingredient to meld together beautifully.
- Boldly overlook seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to bland results. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, vinegar, or spice levels as needed.
- Boldly skip the cornstarch slurry step: Neglecting this step can leave your soup watery. Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water for proper thickening.
- Boldly disregard egg technique: Pouring eggs too quickly can clump them instead of forming ribbons. Stir gently while adding beaten eggs for a lovely texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup that might help you enhance your cooking experience.
How long does it take to make Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?
It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.
Can I customize the ingredients in Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables or substitute different types of mushrooms depending on your preference.
What can I use instead of soft tofu in Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?
Medium or firm tofu works well as alternative options if you prefer a different texture.
How spicy is Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?
The spiciness largely depends on how many chili peppers you add; feel free to adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I make Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use only plant-based ingredients for a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various ingredients based on what you have on hand. Its delightful balance of flavors makes it perfect as a main dish or side soup. Give it a try; you’ll love experimenting with different vegetables and spice levels!
Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup
Indulge in the warmth and vibrant flavors of Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting starter. This quick recipe combines the richness of chicken stock with fresh vegetables, soft tofu, and a hint of chili for a balanced flavor profile that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Ready in just 20 minutes, this soup is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a main course or an appetizer at your next gathering—this soup will impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 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
- 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (sub with button mushrooms)
- 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
- 1/4 cup julienned carrots
- 1–2 tbsp red chili (sliced, optional)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into strips or sub with medium to firm tofu)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more for more sour)
- Salt & white pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- In a medium pot, combine chicken stock, regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add mushrooms, carrots, and red chili; simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently add tofu strips and stir.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring until thickened.
- While stirring, pour in beaten eggs to create ribbons in the soup.
- Stir in green onions, white vinegar, salt, and white pepper; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Feel free to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili pepper you use. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth.