Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful dish that combines spicy and tangy flavors in a comforting bowl. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With its rich taste and quick preparation time, this soup has become a favorite in homes everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – Ready in just 20 minutes, this soup is perfect for those hectic days.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The combination of mushrooms, tofu, and spices creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish – Enjoy as a main course or as a side; it fits perfectly into any meal.
• Healthy Option – Packed with protein from eggs and tofu, it’s a nourishing choice without heavy ingredients.
• Customizable Heat – Adjust the chili pepper to suit your spice preference—make it mild or fiery!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some tools you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot – A medium-sized pot is crucial for heating the stock and simmering the ingredients to perfection.
• Mixing bowl – Use this to prepare your cornstarch slurry easily and avoid lumps in your soup.
• Whisk – A whisk helps to blend the beaten eggs smoothly into the soup for those beautiful ribbons.

Ingredients

For this tasty Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (ends removed or substitute with button mushrooms)
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)

For Vegetables

• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced, optional)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

For Tofu & Seasonings

• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or substitute with medium to firm tofu)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 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 Thickening

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)

For Final Touches

• 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. Set this aside as your cornstarch slurry.

Step 2: Start the Soup Base

In a medium-sized pot, pour in the chicken stock. Season it with regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium. Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and red chili pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently lower in thin strips of soft tofu. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the tofu.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in your cornstarch slurry into the soup. Let it simmer for another 30-60 seconds until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Add Beaten Eggs

While stirring the soup in a circular motion, pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Stir again gently to create beautiful ribbons of egg.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Add chopped green onions along with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper according to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Serving your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can enhance the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate this classic dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Basil: Add Thai basil for a unique aromatic touch that complements the soup’s spices.

Accompanied by Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice on the side, allowing guests to add it to their soup as desired.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, pair with brown rice, which adds nuttiness and texture.

With Extra Toppings

• Chili Oil: Drizzle chili oil over the soup for an extra kick of heat.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

As Part of a Larger Meal

• Dim Sum Platter: Serve alongside a selection of dim sum for an authentic experience.
• Spring Rolls: Pair with fresh or fried spring rolls for a crispy contrast to the soup’s warmth.

How to Perfect Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

To ensure your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and mushrooms will enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
• Adjust sourness: Experiment with vinegar to find your preferred level of tartness; adding more will intensify the sour flavor.
• Control spice levels: Modify the amount of red chili used based on your heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy it comfortably.
• Whisk eggs gently: When adding beaten eggs, stir slowly in one direction to create beautiful ribbons in the soup.
• Thicken wisely: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to avoid lumps in your soup.
• Taste as you go: Always taste your broth before serving to adjust seasoning according to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of sautéed seasonal vegetables adds nutrients and complements the soup’s flavors.
2. Steamed Dumplings: Soft or crispy dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken provide a delightful contrast in texture.
3. Cold Noodle Salad: A refreshing noodle salad with sesame dressing offers a cool balance against the hot soup.
4. Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in light vinaigrette brings freshness and enhances each bite of soup.
5. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice, packed with veggies, can be a hearty side that rounds out the meal nicely.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles can add an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with hot soup.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso provides additional umami flavors while keeping the meal light and comforting.
8. Seaweed Salad: This nutritious salad adds a unique texture and complements the flavors of hot and sour soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.

• Overcooking the Tofu: Tofu should be added gently and cooked just until heated through. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
• Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the soup. Omitting it will result in a watery consistency.
• Neglecting to Taste: Always taste before serving. Adjust seasoning with vinegar, salt, or pepper as needed for the perfect balance.
• Ignoring Prepping Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepped before cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents overcooking.
• Using Too Much Soy Sauce: While soy sauce adds flavor, too much can make the soup overly salty. Measure carefully and adjust according to your taste.
• Not Letting It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a few minutes helps meld flavors together. Skipping this step can lead to a bland soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup.

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes! You can substitute with any mushrooms you prefer, such as button mushrooms or oyster mushrooms.

How can I customize Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use plant-based proteins instead of tofu if desired.

How spicy is this soup?

The spiciness largely depends on the amount of red chili used. You can adjust according to your own spice preference.

How do I store leftovers of Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is an appealing dish that combines spicy, sour, and savory flavors into one delightful bowl. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try today!

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Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful fusion of spicy and tangy flavors that delivers comfort in every bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, this quick and satisfying soup features a blend of mushrooms, soft tofu, and aromatic spices. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a nourishing soup that stands as a meal on its own or pairs beautifully with your favorite sides. Whether you’re craving something warm and hearty or looking to spice things up at dinner, this recipe has you covered.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (or button mushrooms)
• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into strips)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp white vinegar

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry; set aside.
2. In a medium pot, heat the chicken stock and season with soy sauce.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add shiitake mushrooms, seafood mushrooms, carrots, and optional chili peppers. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
4. Gently stir in the tofu strips.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened (30-60 seconds).
6. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring to create ribbons.
7. Finish with green onions, white vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 186mg