Hot and Sour Soup

Story behind the dish

Few soups evoke the vibrant flavors of China quite like Hot and Sour Soup. This comforting bowl combines tangy vinegar, spicy chili, earthy mushrooms, and tender tofu, delivering a warm and invigorating experience with every spoonful. Whether you're seeking a hearty starter or a satisfying main, this soup’s depth of flavor and signature heat make it a beloved classic across the globe.

Imagine a bubbling wok filled with rich chicken broth, fragrant sesame oil, and a splash of hot sauce—each ingredient coming together to create a symphony of taste sensations. When you serve it hot, garnished with sliced green onions and tender pork, it becomes a dish that’s both nostalgic and universally loved.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Mushrooms (about 1.5 oz / 42 g)
• 1/3 cup Wood Ear Mushrooms (about 1.5 oz / 42 g)
• 2/3 cup Tofu, cubed (about 5.3 oz / 150 g)
• 1/2 cup Pork, cooked and sliced (about 4 oz / 113 g)
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock (about 20 fl oz / 591 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seed Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Vinegar (about 12 fl oz / 355 ml)
• 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1/4 cup Spring Onions, sliced (about 1 oz / 28 g)

Step-by-step

1. In a wok, pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the salt, sugar, sesame seed oil, pepper, hot sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir everything together for a few seconds to combine the flavors.
3. Add the cubed tofu, both types of mushrooms, and sliced pork to the wok.
4. To thicken the soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Lightly beat one egg with a fork or knife. Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup in a thin stream while gently stirring, and let it cook for about 8 seconds—this will create delicate egg ribbons.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing each with freshly sliced spring onions for a burst of freshness and color.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra richness, add a few drops of sesame oil just before serving.
• Serve this soup as a starter or pair it with steamed dumplings or fried rice for a full meal.

Closing thoughts

This Hot and Sour Soup is your ticket to a cozy, flavorful escape right from your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare yetendlessly versatile, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a warm sip, you'll taste the rich history and vibrant storytelling embedded in every bowl—delighting your senses and warming your soul.