Hot and Sour Soup (酸辣湯)

A delightful and soothing dish, hot and sour soup is one of the many culinary gems of Chinese cuisine, which is an intriguing tapestry of tastes. With its mouthwatering combination of tart and spicy flavors, this famous soup has gained popularity in China and beyond. We’ll explore the many ingredients, lengthy history, and skill involved in making the ideal bowl of Chinese hot and sour soup in this blog.

The Mandarin term “Suan La Tang” (hot and sour soup) has a rich and lengthy history spanning several centuries. Its precise origins are unknown, but the Sichuan area of China—known for its strong, spicy flavors—is thought to be the place of origin. The soup has changed over time, adjusting to local preferences and turning into a mainstay in various Chinese cooking customs.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Additional Soup Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced
• 1/4 cup carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional Additions:

• Cooked chicken strips
• Cooked shrimp
• Sliced pork

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Cut tofu into small cubes.
   • Slice shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots.
   • Rehydrate and slice wood ear mushrooms.
   • Julienne carrot and chop green onions.
2. Make the Soup Base:
   • In a pot, combine chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and ground ginger.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add Vegetables and Tofu:
   • Add tofu, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, and carrots to the pot.
   • Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Thicken the Soup:
   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
   • Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring constantly.
   • Continue to simmer until the soup thickens.
5. Add Beaten Egg:
   • While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly pour in the beaten egg. The egg will cook and form silky strands in the soup.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce, vinegar, or white pepper according to your preference.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot and sour soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese Hot and Sour Soup! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite protein or adjusting the spice level.

Nutrition Facts:

(per one cup/serving):

• Calories: Around 80-120 calories
• Protein: 4-8 grams
• Fat: 2-5 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0-1 gram
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 1-3 grams
• Cholesterol: 0-20 milligrams
• Sodium: 800-1200 milligrams
• Vitamin A: 500-1000 IU
• Vitamin C: 10-20 milligrams
• Calcium: 20-40 milligrams
• Iron: 1-2 milligrams