Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful blend of spicy and tangy flavors, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is quick to prepare and packed with a variety of textures from mushrooms, carrots, and soft tofu. It’s not only perfect for weeknight dinners but also a great starter for gatherings. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic Chinese dish that can be made in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of total cooking time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices, mushrooms, and tofu creates a savory explosion with every spoonful.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories yet satisfying, this soup is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light meal without compromising on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry without creating a mess.
• Whisk or fork: Helps in beating the eggs quickly, ensuring they incorporate evenly into the soup.

Ingredients

To prepare this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, gather these 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 & 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)
• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced, optional)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

Thickening Agents & Seasoning

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

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 and cold water until well combined. This mixture will help thicken your soup later.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

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

Step 3: Bring to Boil

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

Step 4: Add Vegetables

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

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently add thin strips of soft tofu into the pot and stir carefully to avoid breaking them apart.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in the cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the soup. Allow it to simmer for another 30-60 seconds until thickened.

Step 7: Create Egg Ribbons

While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Stir gently to form ribbons.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Add green onions at this stage. Finally, season with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper according to your taste preference. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Serving Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is just as important as preparing it. This soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil for an extra kick of spiciness.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.

Pair with Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice to balance the flavors.
• Fried Rice: Pair with vegetable or chicken fried rice for a hearty meal.

Enjoy as a Starter

• Small Bowls: Serve in small bowls as an appetizer before the main course.
• Sharing Style: Present in a larger pot on the table for guests to serve themselves.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread for a savory twist that complements the soup.

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

To achieve the best results with your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and mushrooms elevate the taste significantly.
• Adjust Vinegar Levels: Experiment with vinegar amounts to find your preferred level of sourness.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust red chili usage based on your heat preference; start with less if unsure.
• Whisk Eggs Gently: Pour beaten eggs slowly while stirring to create delicate ribbons in the soup.

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

Pairing side dishes with Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can create a satisfying meal experience. Consider these options that complement the soup’s bold flavors:

1. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crunchy rolls filled with fresh vegetables make a great starter.
2. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables provide a delightful contrast.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool element to balance the heat.
4. Asian Noodle Salad: A light noodle salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette pairs well with the soup’s warmth.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf with herbs offers a wholesome side option.
6. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers add protein that complements the soup’s flavors.
7. Spicy Edamame: Tossed in sea salt and chili flakes, spicy edamame makes a fun finger food option.
8. Roasted Cauliflower Bites: Seasoned roasted cauliflower bites add crunch and earthy flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can be a breeze, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of this dish.

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Not preparing this mixture properly can lead to a soup that is too thin. Always mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth before adding it to the soup.
• Overcooking the tofu: Adding tofu too early can make it mushy. Gently stir in the soft tofu just before thickening the soup to keep its texture intact.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient contributes unique flavors. Taste the soup before serving and adjust vinegar, salt, and pepper according to your preference.
• Using low-quality stock: A flavorful chicken stock is key. Opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re watching your sodium intake but ensure it’s still rich in taste.
• Not slicing vegetables uniformly: Uneven cuts can lead to inconsistent cooking. Julienning carrots and slicing mushrooms evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Pouring eggs too quickly: This can create clumps instead of ribbons. Pour beaten eggs slowly while stirring in circular motions for a delicate texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup? Here are some answers!

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

Yes! You can replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use more mushrooms or other veggies for added flavor.

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

Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas, or adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili peppers used.

What type of mushrooms work best for this soup?

Seafood mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms are ideal due to their unique flavors, but any variety you enjoy will work well.

Can I use firm tofu instead of soft tofu?

Yes! Firm tofu can be used; however, it may require longer cooking time to absorb flavors as soft tofu does.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try; you might discover your new favorite soup!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

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

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Description

Experience the warmth and zest of Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, a delightful combination of spicy and tangy flavors that will elevate any meal. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive starter for gatherings. With a medley of fresh vegetables, soft tofu, and aromatic spices, each spoonful bursts with savory goodness. In just 20 minutes, you can create a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Customize it easily by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite veggies for a personalized touch. Dive into this delicious bowl of homemade hot sour soup today!

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1/2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 5 shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/4 cup carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into strips)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• Salt & white pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
2. In a medium pot, heat chicken stock and season with soy sauces, sugar, bouillon powder, and sesame oil.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and optional red chili. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gently stir in soft tofu.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup; simmer for another 30-60 seconds.
6. Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring to create ribbons.
7. Finish with green onions, vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 120mg