Description
This Hot and Sour Soup is a spicy, tangy, and comforting dish packed with mushrooms, tofu, and delicate egg ribbons. Inspired by popular takeout flavors, it offers a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons chile paste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dry ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Proteins and Vegetables
- 1 egg + 1 egg white, beaten together
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 4-6 oz mushrooms, sliced (baby portabella recommended)
- 2-3 oz diced tofu
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a 4-quart pot, whisk together chicken stock, chile paste, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until well combined. Place over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Add Egg Ribbons: Remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking. Create a gentle swirl in the broth using a spoon, then slowly drizzle in the beaten egg mixture in a steady stream, allowing thin ribbons of egg to form in the soup as you stir gently.
- Cook Mushrooms and Tofu: Return the pot to medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced tofu to the soup. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tofu is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use firm tofu to prevent it from breaking apart in the soup.
- Adjust the amount of chile paste based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and ensure the chile paste is vegetarian-friendly.
- Stir gently when adding eggs to create delicate ribbons without clumping.
- This soup is best served hot and fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Asian
