Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful dish that can elevate any meal or occasion. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something warm and comforting. With its spicy, tangy flavors and rich texture, this soup is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with mushrooms, tofu, and spices, this soup bursts with flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this hot and sour soup as a main course or a side dish; it pairs well with rice or noodles.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels by adding more chili peppers or tweak the sourness with extra vinegar to suit your preferences.
• Nutritious Choice: With wholesome ingredients like chicken stock, vegetables, and protein-rich tofu, this soup offers great nutritional value.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium pot: Ideal for heating the broth and simmering the ingredients together for perfect flavor infusion.
• Small bowl: Useful for mixing cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry that thickens the soup effectively.
• Whisk or fork: Helps to beat eggs evenly before adding them to the soup, ensuring beautiful ribbons in your dish.

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Ingredients

Broth Base

• 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

Vegetables and Tofu

• 1/2 cup seafood mushrooms (ends removed) (or sub with button mushrooms)
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips (or sub with medium to firm tofu))
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced (optional))
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)

Thickening Agent

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)

Eggs

• 2 large eggs (beaten)

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. Set aside this slurry for later use.

Step 2: Heat the Chicken Stock

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

Step 3: Bring Stock to Boil

Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

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

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently lower in thin strips of soft tofu into the pot. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the tofu.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in your reserved cornstarch slurry slowly into the pot. Let it simmer for another 30–60 seconds until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Add Eggs

While stirring in a circular motion, pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Give it another stir gently to form elegant ribbons.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Add finely chopped green onions along with white vinegar; season with salt and white pepper according to your taste preference. Enjoy your hot soup!

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

Serving Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is an opportunity to enhance its delightful flavors with various accompaniments. You can present it in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs or serve it family-style for a cozy gathering.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top for a burst of flavor.
• Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch that complements the soup’s spiciness.

Pair with Crispy Snacks

• Spring Rolls: Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls for added texture.
• Crackers: Offer rice crackers or sesame crisps for a crunchy side.

Add Extra Protein

• Grilled Chicken Strips: Top the soup with tender grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Tofu Cubes: Add more tofu if you want to make it heartier and boost plant-based protein.

Serve with Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A small bowl of steamed jasmine rice makes for a lovely, filling combination.
• Rice Noodles: Incorporate rice noodles into the soup for a more substantial meal.

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

Perfecting your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup ensures every bowl is bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors: Don’t shy away from adjusting the soy sauce or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and veggies for the best texture and flavor in your soup.
• Right Thickness: Ensure your cornstarch slurry is mixed well before adding to avoid clumping.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while adding ingredients to prevent overcooking them.
• Tweak Spice Levels: Adjust the number of chili peppers based on how spicy you want the soup.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your hot and sour soup right after cooking.

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

Complementing your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Vegetable Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of stir-fried vegetables and rice that pairs well with soup.
2. Steamed Dumplings: Lightly seasoned dumplings add satisfying bites alongside the soup.
3. Asian Slaw Salad: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides crunch.
4. Sesame Noodles: Cold or warm sesame noodles offer a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
5. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy snack option.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar complements the soup’s heat perfectly.
7. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick sautéed bok choy adds greens and balances the dish nicely with its mild taste.
8. Crab Rangoons (using imitation crab): Creamy-filled crackers deliver a savory bite that matches well with hot soup flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Incorrect Stock Usage: Using high-sodium stock can overpower the flavors. Opt for low-sodium chicken stock for a balanced taste.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Adding vegetables too early can make them mushy. Follow the order of ingredients in the recipe for optimal texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting before serving can lead to bland soup. Adjust with salt, vinegar, and pepper to achieve your desired flavor.
• Rushing the Cornstarch Slurry: Adding cornstarch too quickly can create lumps. Mix it well with cold water before incorporating it into the soup.
• Skipping Garnishes: Missing out on green onions reduces visual appeal and flavor complexity. Always add garnishes just before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup.

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

This soup stands out due to its quick preparation time while still delivering bold flavors from fresh ingredients.

Can I customize the proteins used in the soup?

Absolutely! You can use chicken or turkey as your protein source or even omit meat for a vegetarian version.

How can I adjust the spice level of this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

To adjust spice levels, simply add more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Pair this soup with steamed rice or dumplings for a complete meal that complements its flavors.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have at home. Give this recipe a try for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!