Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is not just any soup; it’s an explosion of flavors that can brighten up any meal. With its spicy and tangy profile, this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. The combination of mushrooms, tofu, and a flavorful broth makes it both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The balance of spicy and sour flavors creates a deliciously complex taste that will delight your palate.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side; it complements many Asian-inspired meals perfectly.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Ideal for cooking the soup quickly without splattering.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry, ensuring a smooth texture in your soup.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps in efficiently chopping vegetables and tofu for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1/2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1/4 tsp white granulated sugar

For the Vegetables

• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (ends removed or sub with button mushrooms)
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced, optional)

For the Tofu and Eggs

• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or sub with medium to firm tofu)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

For Thickening and Seasoning

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water until fully mixed. This will serve as your thickening agent.

Step 2: Heat the Stock

In a medium-sized pot, pour in the chicken stock. Season with regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Mix well.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Cover the pot and heat on medium-high until the mixture reaches a boil.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium. Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and red chili pepper. Simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently lower thin strips of soft tofu into the pot. Carefully stir to combine without breaking up the tofu.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in your cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the soup. Allow it to simmer for an additional 30–60 seconds until thickened.

Step 7: Add Eggs

While stirring the soup in a circular motion, pour in beaten eggs slowly to create ribbons of egg throughout.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Add green onions and season with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste. Stir gently before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Serving Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and providing an enjoyable experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious soup.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an added burst of flavor.
• Basil: Add Thai basil for a unique twist that complements the spices.

Add Crunch

• Fried Shallots: Top your soup with crispy fried shallots for a crunchy texture.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle chili oil over the soup for extra heat and a beautiful presentation.

Serve with Accompaniments

• Steamed Rice: Offer steamed jasmine rice on the side for those who want to soak up the broth.
• Spring Rolls: Serve with vegetable spring rolls for a delightful appetizer pairing.

Garnish Creatively

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside, allowing guests to customize their sourness.

How to Perfect Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Perfecting Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup requires attention to detail and a few cooking tricks. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Flavor Base: Start with high-quality chicken stock for the best taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of red chili based on your desired heat level.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mushrooms and vegetables to enhance texture and flavor.
• Thicken Wisely: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Egg Ribbons Technique: Stir continuously while adding beaten eggs to create beautiful ribbons in the soup.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

To complement your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice: A savory mix of rice, vegetables, and soy sauce that pairs perfectly with soup.
2. Pork Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork add a hearty element to your meal.
3. Garlic Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy in garlic complements the flavors of hot and sour soup beautifully.
4. Chinese Scallion Pancakes: Crispy pancakes provide a delightful contrast in texture; serve them warm.
5. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy, protein-packed side.
6. Cold Noodle Salad: A refreshing cold noodle salad dressed in sesame sauce offers a nice balance to the spicy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong mushrooms: Not all mushrooms work well in this soup. Stick with seafood or shiitake mushrooms for the best flavor. If unavailable, button mushrooms can be a good substitute.
• Overcooking the tofu: Soft tofu should be added gently and only simmered briefly to prevent it from breaking apart. Stir carefully to maintain its texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is crucial for thickening your soup. Always prepare the slurry beforehand and add it slowly while stirring to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes can vary, so always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, vinegar, and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Pouring eggs too quickly: When adding beaten eggs, pour them in slowly while stirring the soup continuously. This technique creates beautiful egg ribbons instead of clumps.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: In a pot over medium heat, reheat the soup gently while stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup spicy?

The spiciness comes from red chili peppers added during cooking. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I make this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit chicken bouillon powder for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

You can add ingredients like bamboo shoots or bean sprouts for extra texture. Adjust vinegar and soy sauce levels for a personalized flavor.

Is it necessary to use white vinegar in Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

White vinegar adds essential sourness that balances the flavors in the soup. While you can experiment with other vinegars, using white vinegar is recommended for authenticity.

Can I meal prep Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it ideal for quick meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile! With options to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences, this delicious soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today!

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Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful culinary experience that combines spicy and tangy flavors, making it an excellent addition to any meal. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at gatherings with its robust taste profile. Featuring a medley of mushrooms, soft tofu, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights or last-minute meal ideas. Whether enjoyed as a stand-alone dish or paired with sides like steamed rice or spring rolls, this soup promises to elevate your dining experience with authentic Asian flavors.

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Ingredients

• Chicken stock (low sodium)
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Seafood mushrooms
• Carrots
• Green onions
• Soft tofu
• Eggs
• Cornstarch

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
2. In a medium pot, heat chicken stock and season with soy sauces, sesame oil, sugar, and bouillon powder.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and optional red chili.
4. Gently stir in soft tofu.
5. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring until the soup thickens.
6. Pour in beaten eggs while stirring to create ribbons.
7. Adjust seasoning with vinegar, salt, and pepper before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Customize spice levels by adjusting red chili amounts. Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. For vegetarian options, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.