Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese appetizer known for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. This version combines tender chicken thighs, earthy shiitake mushrooms, crisp bamboo shoots, and soft tofu in a savory broth. The soup’s characteristic heat comes from white pepper, while Chinese black vinegar adds a tangy depth. Thickened with a cornstarch slurry and enriched with delicate egg ribbons, this soup offers a satisfying texture and a harmonious balance of spicy and sour notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 4 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into ⅛-inch thick pieces
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• 2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced into ⅛-inch thick pieces
• ¼ cup bamboo shoots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces firm tofu, cut into ¼-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• Hot chili oil, optional

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the pot and sauté until cooked through, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, Chinese black vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and kosher salt. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add Tofu: Gently add the cubed tofu to the soup and cook for an additional minute.
5. Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually pour the slurry into the soup while continuously stirring until the soup thickens slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Incorporate Egg: Slowly drizzle the lightly whisked egg into the soup while gently stirring to create delicate egg ribbons.
7. Season: Stir in the ground white pepper. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or vinegar if desired.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve hot, with optional hot chili oil on the side for added heat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 18g

The Origins of Hot and Sour Soup

The origins of hot and sour soup can be traced back to China, where it has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. This flavorful soup is particularly common in northern and central China, although it has since become a popular dish worldwide, particularly in Chinese-American cuisine. The soup’s name itself reflects the two primary tastes that define its flavor profile: “hot” from the spiciness of white pepper and “sour” from the addition of vinegar, usually Chinese black vinegar.

The Key Ingredients in Hot and Sour Soup

The distinctive taste of hot and sour soup is the result of several key ingredients, each contributing to the soup’s signature flavor profile. These ingredients, including mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and white pepper, work together to create a balanced and satisfying broth that is both hearty and refreshing.

1. Mushrooms
   Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in hot and sour soup due to their rich, umami flavor. These mushrooms contribute a savory depth to the soup, enhancing its complexity. Shiitake mushrooms are also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that promote overall health.

2. Tofu
   Firm tofu is a popular protein choice for this soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth while providing a silky, smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy bamboo shoots and mushrooms. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, making the soup suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

3. Bamboo Shoots
   Bamboo shoots add a refreshing, crisp texture to the soup. They provide a slight sweetness that balances the savory and sour elements of the broth, while their delicate flavor enhances the overall dish. Bamboo shoots are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to the soup.

4. Chinese Black Vinegar
   The sour component of the soup comes from the use of Chinese black vinegar, which gives the soup its signature tangy kick. Black vinegar is made from fermented grains and has a mild acidity that is less sharp than white vinegar. It imparts a complex flavor to the broth, which is essential for achieving the “sour” aspect of the soup.

5. White Pepper
   White pepper is the primary source of heat in hot and sour soup. Unlike black pepper, which has a more robust flavor, white pepper is more subtle and has a slightly earthy taste. It adds a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower the other flavors but still provides the “hot” element that defines the soup.

6. Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
   Soy sauce is used to add saltiness and depth to the broth, while sesame oil contributes a rich, nutty flavor. Together, these ingredients help round out the soup’s taste, giving it a savory, aromatic quality.

Health Benefits of Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is more than just a delicious dish—it also offers a variety of health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients. The combination of vegetables, protein, and spices creates a well-balanced meal that supports various aspects of health, from immune function to digestion.

1. Boosts Immunity
   The ingredients in hot and sour soup, including mushrooms, garlic, and vinegar, are known to have immune-boosting properties. Mushrooms, particularly shiitake mushrooms, contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Garlic is another immune-boosting ingredient, as it contains allicin, a compound that has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

2. Improves Digestion
   The vinegar used in hot and sour soup can help promote healthy digestion by increasing the production of stomach acid, which aids in the breakdown of food. Additionally, the fiber from bamboo shoots and mushrooms supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.

3. Supports Metabolism
   Chili peppers, a common ingredient in hot and sour soup, contain capsaicin, a compound known to increase metabolism and promote fat burning. Consuming spicy foods can temporarily raise your body’s metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.

4. Rich in Antioxidants
   Hot and sour soup contains several ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, including shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and sesame oil. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to chronic diseases and premature aging.

5. Promotes Heart Health
   The inclusion of healthy fats from sesame oil, along with the high protein content of tofu and chicken, makes hot and sour soup a heart-healthy dish. Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the soup’s high fiber content helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular health.

Customizing Your Hot and Sour Soup

While traditional hot and sour soup is made with chicken, tofu, and mushrooms, there are numerous ways to customize the recipe based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ways to modify the dish:

1. Vegetarian or Vegan Hot and Sour Soup
   For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, the soup can easily be made without chicken. Simply substitute the chicken with more tofu, tempeh, or a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, or bell peppers.

2. Low-Sodium Hot and Sour Soup
   To make a lower-sodium version of the soup, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added salt. This can help make the soup a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake.

3. Add More Vegetables
   Hot and sour soup can be easily adapted to include a wider variety of vegetables. Some great additions include bell peppers, bok choy, zucchini, or spinach. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the soup’s nutritional value.

4. Make It Spicier
   For those who love a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of white pepper or add chili paste or chili oil to the soup. These additions will give the soup an extra kick and intensify the spicy flavor.

5. Switch the Protein
   While chicken is commonly used in hot and sour soup, other proteins, such as pork, beef, or shrimp, can be substituted depending on personal preference. These proteins will provide different flavors and textures to the soup, allowing for variety.

Conclusion

Hot and sour soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that has stood the test of time in Chinese cuisine. Its combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a favorite among food lovers around the world. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main course, hot and sour soup offers a satisfying and comforting experience that is both delicious and healthful.