Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its bold, tangy flavor and comforting warmth. This recipe offers an authentic take on the dish, using simple yet flavorful ingredients. With a mix of tangy vinegar, aromatic spices, and rich textures, this soup makes a perfect appetizer or light meal.
1. Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces of dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated and sliced thinly)
- 2-3 pieces of dried black fungus (rehydrated and shredded)
- 3.5 ounces of shredded pork, marinated with:
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 5 ounces of silken or soft tofu, cut into thin shreds
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1/3 cup of shredded carrot
- 1/2 tbsp of minced ginger
Seasonings (to add early)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry)
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt (or adjust to taste)
Seasonings (to add before turning off the heat)
- 2–3 tsp white peppercorn (freshly ground for optimal flavor)
- 3 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
Final Touches (before serving)
- 1.5 tsp sesame oil
- Cilantro and spring onion for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rehydrating the dried shiitake mushrooms and black fungus in warm water for about 20 minutes. Once softened, slice the mushrooms thinly and shred the black fungus. Marinate the shredded pork with soy sauce and cornstarch to give it flavor and tenderness. Cut the tofu into thin slices and prepare the beaten eggs.
Step 2: Cook the Soup Base
In a pot, bring about 4 cups of water or chicken stock to a boil. Add the minced ginger, shredded carrots, rehydrated mushrooms, and black fungus. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to release the flavors of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Pork and Tofu
Gently add the marinated shredded pork to the pot, stirring lightly to ensure it doesn’t clump together. Once the pork is cooked, add the shredded tofu.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Stir in the cornstarch-water slurry to thicken the soup. Make sure to stir constantly while adding the slurry to avoid lumps. The soup should have a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
Step 5: Enhance the Flavor
Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Finish with Eggs and Vinegar
Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup in a steady stream while gently stirring in a circular motion to create delicate egg ribbons. Just before turning off the heat, add freshly ground white pepper and Chinese black vinegar. These ingredients are key to achieving the authentic “hot” and “sour” flavor profile.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Drizzle sesame oil over the soup for a nutty aroma. Garnish with chopped cilantro and spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Tips to Perfect Hot and Sour Soup
Use Freshly Ground Pepper: White peppercorn adds a distinct spiciness to the soup. Grinding it fresh enhances the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook the Eggs: To get silky ribbons, pour the beaten eggs slowly and stir gently. Avoid over-stirring, as this may break the egg strands.
Balance the Flavors: Adjust the amount of vinegar, soy sauce, and pepper to suit your taste. Authentic Hot and Sour Soup should have a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes.
Choose the Right Tofu: Silken or soft tofu works best for this recipe, as its delicate texture complements the soup’s smooth consistency.
Rehydrate Ingredients Properly: Properly rehydrating the dried mushrooms and black fungus ensures they cook evenly and retain their chewy texture.
3. What to Eat With Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Steamed Dumplings: Juicy dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables are a great complement to the soup.
Fried Rice: A simple bowl of fried rice makes for a hearty pairing.
Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp are a delightful side.
Stir-Fried Noodles: A plate of stir-fried noodles balances the lightness of the soup with a hearty main dish.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Hot and Sour Soup can be stored easily for later enjoyment:
Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However, tofu may change texture slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and stir gently to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water or stock to restore its original consistency.
Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s simple to make at home. With its harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory notes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the authentic taste of traditional Chinese cuisine!