Hot and Sour Soup Recipe (Stove top and Instant Pot)

This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe yields a beloved Chinese dish, that entices taste buds with its contrasting flavors of heat and sourness. 

This article delves into the culinary world of hot and sour soup, exploring its ingredients, cultural significance, and its impact on health. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to this delightful dish, let’s unravel the mystery together.

What is Hot and Sour Soup?

Hot and sour soup, an iconic Chinese creation, is renowned for its unique blend of spicy and tangy flavors. Its popularity extends far beyond China’s borders, finding its place on menus worldwide. 

This delectable concoction features a flavorful broth as its base, often derived from vegetables, chicken, or pork. Including chili peppers or white pepper adds the desired spiciness, while elements like vinegar or citrus juices infuse the signature sourness.

It’s known for its distinctive balance of two contrasting flavors: the heat of spiciness and the tanginess of sourness. 

This soup typically features a combination of ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and sometimes even meat like pork or chicken. 

This soup tantalizes your taste buds with a symphony of flavors. 

Why is Hot and Sour Soup Called Hot and Sour?

The name “hot and sour soup” perfectly encapsulates the contrasting flavors that define this dish. The term “hot” refers to the spiciness, courtesy of the chili peppers or spices used, while “sour” highlights the tanginess achieved through ingredients like vinegar or citrus fruits. This combination of hot and sour flavors creates a dynamic and unforgettable taste experience.

Process Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Ingredients:

Broth and Base:

1. Chicken or vegetable broth
2. Water
3. Rice vinegar
4. Soy sauce
5. White pepper

Protein: Firm tofu, cubed

1. Cooked chicken, shredded
2. Cooked pork, shredded (optional)
3. Shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)

Vegetables: Wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced

1. Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2. Bamboo shoots, julienned
3. Carrots, julienned
4. Red bell pepper, julienned
5. Green onions, chopped

Thickening Agent: 

Cornstarch (optional for thickening the soup)

Seasonings and Flavorings: 

1. Gochugaru, optional
2. Soy sauce and Oyster Sauce

Egg Mixture (for Egg Ribbons):  Eggs beaten

1. Sesame oil (for flavor)

Garnish:  Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1. White sesame seeds

Please note the quantities of these ingredients. Also, feel free to adjust the spiciness and sourness to your taste. Enjoy your homemade Hot and Sour Soup!

Hot and Sour Soup (Stove top and Instant Pot Recipe Instructions

Rehydrate the MushRooms

Preparing the Broth

• Add the ground chicken, water, vegetable powder or chicken bouillon powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rehydrated wood ear mushroom, and mushroom into the large pot. Let the ingredients simmer.

Adding the Vegetables and Protein

• Add the bamboo shoots and carrots if using.

Balancing Flavors

1. Add the rice wine vinegar. Let the soup simmer for three more minutes. Add the slurry and mix until the soup is thickened. Add the egg stirring at the same time to make egg strips. Now add the sesame oil.

Serving the Hot and Sour Soup

1. Ladle the soup into serving bowls once the flavors are combined.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use different types of protein in hot and sour soup?

Absolutely! While tofu is famous, you can use chicken, shrimp, or a mix of proteins.

 Is hot and sour soup suitable for vegetarians?

You can create a delicious vegetarian version using vegetable broth and omitting meat.

How can I adjust the spiciness level? 

Feel free to modify the chili sauce quantity according to your taste.

 Can I store leftover hot and sour soup? 

Certainly! Keep leftovers in an airtight container, though tofu and egg texture may change upon reheating.

Why is Hot and Sour Soup Good When Sick?

Whether under the weather or simply craving a burst of flavor, hot and sour soup comes to the rescue. This is a quintessential Asian dish. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of hot and sour soup, exploring its delectable flavors, its surprising benefits, the intriguing origins of its name, and its unique rendition of Chinese cuisine.

Hot and sour soup isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it can also offer comfort and relief, especially when under the weather. The combination of spicy and sour flavors isn’t just delicious—it can also have potential health benefits. Here’s why hot and sour soup is often considered a go-to option when you’re feeling sick:

1. Clearing Congestion-The spiciness in a hot and sour soup can help open up your sinuses, relieving nasal congestion. 
2. Boosting Immunity-The ingredients used in hot and sour soup, such as ginger, garlic, and various vegetables which has high minerals
3. Soothing Sore Throats-The warmth of the soup and the soothing properties of ginger and spices can help alleviate a sore throat. The heat can provide comfort, while the ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce irritation.

Weighing the Benefits and Considerations

Pros:

1. Low-Calorie Option: Hot and sour soup is often low in calories, making it suitable for weight management.
2. Rich in Vitamins: Vegetables and mushrooms provide essential nutrients.
3. Satiety: Tofu and eggs offer protein content that helps with satiety.

Considerations:

1. Sodium Content: Some versions may be high in sodium due to soy sauce or seasonings.
2. Spiciness: While chili peppers boost metabolism, excessive spiciness may cause discomfort.
3. Added Ingredients: Fats or sugars could be included depending on the recipe.

Hot and sour soup is a journey through flavors and textures that offers pleasure and nourishment. While enjoying this delightful creation, remember the importance of moderation. Balancing health benefits with considerations is vital in making hot and sour soup a wholesome part of your diet. Explore the contrasting symphony of tastes and embark on this culinary adventure, relishing every spoonful.