How to Make Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with Mushrooms
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup is a flavorful dish that perfectly balances spicy and tangy flavors, making it a favorite among soup lovers. This recipe will guide you through making a delicious version of this classic soup with mushrooms.
Ingredients Needed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 to 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 2: Add the Mushrooms
Once the broth is simmering, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 3: Incorporate Tofu and Bamboo Shoots
Gently stir in the diced tofu and bamboo shoots. Let them heat through for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Flavor the Soup
Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt according to your taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. This will give your soup a nicely thickened texture.
Step 6: Add the Egg (Optional)
If you’d like to add an egg for extra richness, slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently. This creates beautiful egg ribbons.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Let it sit for a minute to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the hot and sour soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy the delightfully spicy and tangy flavors!
Tips for Making the Best Hot and Sour Soup
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or bok choy.
- For a vegan version, ensure to use vegetable broth and tofu.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of white pepper used.
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with mushrooms is a comforting, savory dish that you can easily make at home. With this step-by-step guide, you'll impress your family and friends with your culinary skills and enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup anytime!