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Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

A classic Chinese hot and sour soup bursting with tangy flavors and tender ingredients, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. This recipe balances the warmth of white pepper and the zing of dark vinegar with nourishing tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and a delicate egg swirl.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
  • 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
  • 1/3 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup ham, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese dark vinegar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper powder (adjust to taste)

Thickening & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1/3 cup water (for corn starch slurry)
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh coriander

Instructions

  1. Build the soup base: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and fry the minced garlic until it turns lightly golden and aromatic. Then add 3 cups of water along with bamboo shoots, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, shredded carrot, and sliced ham. Season with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese dark vinegar, and white pepper powder. Cook until all the ingredients are tender and infused with the savory broth.
  2. Thicken and add the egg: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Prepare a slurry by mixing the corn starch with 1/3 cup of water and gradually stir it into the simmering soup to thicken it. Then slowly drizzle in the whisked egg while stirring gently to create silky, delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.
  3. Finish and serve: Add sesame oil and fresh coriander to the pot for a fragrant finish. Serve the soup hot with extra salt, additional vinegar, and white pepper powder on the side so each person can customize the flavor to their liking.

Notes

  • Adjust vinegar and white pepper powder amounts according to your preferred balance of sourness and spiciness.
  • Use firm tofu to help it hold shape when cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit ham or replace with mushrooms or other vegetables.
  • The soup is best served immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
  • Fresh coriander adds a bright finish but can be substituted with green onions if preferred.

Find it online: https://miracooking.com/chinese-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe/