Name: Chinese Hot Sour Soup: 5 Reasons to Try This Authentic Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 liters chicken stock; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine; 1 carrot (julienne); 1 bunch enoki mushroom; 4 wood ear mushroom (rehydrated and thinly sliced); 4 shiitake mushroom (rehydrated and thinly sliced); 1 cup bamboo shoots (thinly sliced); 0.5 block firm tofu (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon white pepper; salt (to taste); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 3 tablespoons of water); 2 eggs (beaten); cilantro or green onion (for garnish); chili oil (optional)

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Chinese Hot Sour Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly nights. This easy recipe combines rich flavors and textures that will warm your soul. With its spicy and sour notes, it brings a delightful balance to your dining experience. Let’s get into the details of this classic dish and how to make it at home!

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Hot Sour Soup

There are countless reasons to love this Chinese Hot Sour Soup. First, it’s a fantastic blend of flavors that satisfies your cravings. Secondly, the use of fresh ingredients makes it a healthy choice, featuring a mix of vegetables and protein. Thirdly, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adapt it for different diets, including vegan hot sour soup. Additionally, this soup is rich in nutrients, providing health benefits such as boosting your immune system. Finally, the warmth and aroma of this dish will fill your kitchen with inviting scents, making it a favorite for family dinners.

Chinese Hot Sour Soup: 5 Reasons to Try This Authentic Dish - Chinese Hot Sour Soup - main visual representation

Ingredients for Chinese Hot Sour Soup

Gather these items:

1.5 liters chicken stock
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
1 carrot (julienne)
1 bunch enoki mushroom
4 wood ear mushroom (rehydrated and thinly sliced)
4 shiitake mushroom (rehydrated and thinly sliced)
1 cup bamboo shoots (thinly sliced)
0.5 block firm tofu (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon white pepper
salt (to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 3 tablespoons of water)
2 eggs (beaten)
cilantro or green onion (for garnish)
chili oil (optional)

How to Make Chinese Hot Sour Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot, pour 1 ½ liters of chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 2: Stir in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, julienned carrot, enoki mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and sliced tofu.
Step 3: Pour in 2 tablespoons of Chinese black vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of white pepper, and add salt to taste.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add it to the pot, stirring gently until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 5: Carefully drizzle in your 2 beaten eggs, swirling them into the soup. Let them cook for about a minute.
Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro or sliced green onion. Drizzle with chili oil if you crave a little extra heat!

Chinese Hot Sour Soup: 5 Reasons to Try This Authentic Dish - Chinese Hot Sour Soup - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chinese Hot Sour Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use freshly made chicken stock for a richer flavor.
Adjust the level of vinegar and white pepper to fit your taste preferences.
For a vegan option, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the eggs.
Thickening the soup can be achieved by adding more cornstarch slurry gradually.
Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for added nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Hot Sour Soup

This hot sour soup recipe is best served hot and can be enjoyed as a starter or main dish. Pair it with steamed rice or crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside your favorite Chinese dishes for a delightful combination. If you like a little heat, serve with additional chili oil on the side!

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Hot Sour Soup

To store, simply let the soup cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be mindful that the soup may thicken in the fridge; just add a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Hot Sour Soup

What is Hot Sour Soup?

Hot Sour Soup is a traditional Chinese dish characterized by its spicy and tangy flavors, made with a variety of ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. For more information, you can check out this detailed guide on Hot Sour Soup.

Can I make Chinese Hot Sour Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when needed. The flavors will meld beautifully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Hot Sour Soup?

To avoid mistakes, ensure you balance the vinegar and pepper to your taste. Additionally, don’t overcook the vegetables to maintain their crunch.

Variations of Chinese Hot Sour Soup You Can Try

There are numerous variations of this soup you can experiment with. Consider making a vegan hot sour soup by using vegetable stock and omitting eggs. You can also try adding proteins like chicken or shrimp for a different twist. Another fun variation is to include different mushrooms like portobello for unique flavors. Adjust the spice levels to create a milder or spicier version as per your preference!

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