Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of flavors to your table. With its spicy and tangy notes, this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s packed with mushrooms, veggies, and soft tofu, making it both hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the wait.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, vinegar, and soy sauce creates a delightful flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out mushrooms or adjust the spice levels to cater to your personal preferences.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from vegetables and tofu, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that children and adults alike will enjoy, making it a great option for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make preparation faster and easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the cornstarch slurry without mess.
• Whisk or fork: Ensures eggs are well-beaten before adding them to the soup for those lovely ribbons.

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)
• 1-2 tbsp red chili (sliced optional)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

For the Tofu & Thickening Agent

• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or sub with medium to firm tofu)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)

For Finishing Touches

• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)

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 mixed. This slurry will help thicken your soup later. Set aside.

Step 2: Start the Broth

In a medium-sized pot, pour in the chicken stock. Add regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all flavors.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium.

Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Carrots

Add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and red chili pepper if using. Simmer uncovered for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Tofu Gently

Lower in thin strips of soft tofu into the pot. Gently stir to avoid breaking up the tofu pieces.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in your prepared cornstarch slurry while simmering for an additional 30-60 seconds until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Create Egg Ribbons

Once thickened, stir the soup in a circular motion while pouring in beaten eggs slowly. This will create beautiful egg ribbons throughout your soup.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Add chopped green onions along with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper to taste. Give it one last stir before serving!

Enjoy your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup!

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

Serving your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup can enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delicious soup.

Pair with Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the soup’s rich flavors.
• Brown Rice: For a nuttier taste and additional fiber, brown rice is a great option.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Basil: Adding Thai basil can introduce a unique aromatic flavor.

Offer Toppings

• Chopped Peanuts: A crunchy topping that adds texture and a nutty flavor.
• Sliced Green Onions: Extra green onions can enhance the freshness of the dish.

Side Salads

• Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad complements the spiciness of the soup.
• Seaweed Salad: Offers a unique taste and chewy texture that balances the soup’s warmth.

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

To make your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs significantly improve flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili peppers according to your heat preference.
• Thicken Properly: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Add More Vinegar for Tanginess: Taste as you go; adding more vinegar will enhance the sourness if desired.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding eggs to keep them tender and prevent curdling.

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 delightful meal experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with veggies or shrimp provide a satisfying crunch.
2. Fried Tofu Bites: Lightly fried tofu seasoned with soy sauce pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
3. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with assorted vegetables add variety to your meal.
4. Garlic Noodles: Simple noodles tossed in garlic butter offer richness alongside the soup.
5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: A quick stir-fry enhances nutrients while bringing a fresh, crunchy element.
6. Sesame Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumbers dressed in sesame oil refresh the palate between bites of hot soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience and ensure a delicious outcome with your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using too much vinegar: Overdoing it can make the soup overly sour. Start with the recommended amount, and adjust to taste.
• Not preparing ingredients beforehand: Having everything ready before you start cooking helps maintain the pace and ensures nothing is overcooked.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This is crucial for thickening the soup. Always mix it well with cold water before adding it to the stock.
• Overcooking the tofu: Soft tofu should be gently stirred in at the right time to prevent it from breaking apart. Add it just before thickening.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and soy sauce to fit your preferences for a balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup:

What mushrooms can I use in Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

You can use seafood mushrooms or substitute with button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for rich flavor.

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

Yes! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth, and keep using tofu and vegetables.

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

Add more vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas, or adjust spice levels by including different chili varieties.

Is Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup offers a balance of protein from tofu, vitamins from vegetables, and is low in calories.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup delights with its harmonious blend of flavors that are both spicy and tangy. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients while being quick enough for any weeknight dinner. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!