Description
This Hot and Sour Soup is a cozy, restaurant-style Chinese classic made with mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a tangy-spicy broth. Low in calories yet big on flavor, it’s healthy, satisfying, and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, sliced into thin strips
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or Chinese black vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: chili oil for heat, scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a gentle boil. Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper. Adjust to taste. Add chili oil for extra heat if desired.
- Thicken the Broth: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Egg: Turn off the heat. Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs in a thin stream while stirring gently to form ribbons.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in sesame oil, garnish with scallions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use quality stock for the best flavor.
- White pepper provides authentic heat compared to black pepper.
- Adjust vinegar slowly—start with less and add to taste.
- Don’t skip cornstarch—it gives body to the broth.
- Pour eggs slowly to avoid scrambling and achieve silky ribbons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: Hot and Sour Soup, Chinese Soup Recipe, Healthy Asian Soup, Easy Hot and Sour Soup