Easy Hot and Sour Soup Recipe for Bold Flavors in Just 20 Minutes

Hot and Sour Soup is the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory in a single, heartwarming bowl. This recipe captures the essence of classic Chinese soup but adds the ease of preparation so you can whip it up right at home. Whether you’re craving a warming starter or a satisfying main course, this soup is rich in umami from shiitake mushrooms, hearty with tofu, and enhanced with the gentle heat of chili garlic sauce.

Photo byRecipe Smooth

I stumbled across this recipe while exploring soup ideas and felt immediately inspired to give it my own twist. Thanks to the incredible community over at the Recipe Smooth Facebook group, I found new ways to amp up the flavor and create a truly satisfying version. I’m thrilled to share it here and give credit to that group for inspiring this take on Hot and Sour Soup!

This dish has roots in both Chinese and other Asian cuisines, where hot and sour flavors come together to create a meal that’s as soothing as it is invigorating. While traditionally enjoyed as a starter, this soup is also filling enough to enjoy as a main dish, especially when paired with a light salad or dumplings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

Start by bringing your broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot. The aroma alone will start setting the stage for this cozy, savory dish. Once the broth is heated, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, julienned bamboo shoots, and cubed tofu. Let them cook in the broth for about 5-7 minutes, softening and releasing their unique flavors into the soup.

Next, stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, which together create that unmistakable hot and sour flavor profile. Allow these ingredients to simmer for another 5 minutes, intensifying the soup's rich and tangy notes.

For thickness, gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture, which will give the soup that lovely, velvety texture. Now, here comes the magic moment: pour in the beaten egg slowly, stirring as you pour to create delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.

Season the soup with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. For garnish, add the chopped green onions, which give the dish a fresh pop of color and flavor. Drizzle a little sesame oil on top for a hint of nuttiness if desired.

Cooking Tips and Variations:

For a vegan option, simply use vegetable broth and skip the egg. If you like a bit more heat, add extra chili garlic sauce or a few drops of Sriracha. This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed dumplings or a side of jasmine rice, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Did you enjoy this easy homemade Hot and Sour Soup recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes like this one. Happy cooking!