How to Make Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the complexity of spiciness and tanginess, making it a perfect comfort food. Adding tofu enhances the nutritional value while providing a satisfying texture. Below is a simple recipe to make this delectable soup at home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: beaten egg for a richer texture

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by chopping the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrot, and green onions. Cube the tofu and set it aside.

Step 2: In a large pot, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. Once boiling, add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and carrots. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Stir in the cubed tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Mix well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot while continuously stirring. This will help thicken the soup. Cook for another couple of minutes until the soup reaches your desired thickness.

Step 5: Season the soup with white pepper and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor. If you prefer a richer texture, you can slowly pour in the beaten egg while gently stirring the soup.

Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more vinegar for tanginess or chili paste for heat according to your preference.

Step 7: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu as a standalone dish or pair it with some freshly steamed rice.

Tips for Perfecting Hot and Sour Soup

• Experiment with the balance of spicy and sour to suit your taste.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for high-quality tofu and fresh vegetables.
• If you enjoy more texture, consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
• For a non-vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth and add shrimp or chicken.

Enjoy making this traditional Chinese dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with health benefits. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends!