Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup is one of those delightful dishes that can brighten any day. This Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and is great for gatherings. With its spicy, tangy flavor and rich blend of mushrooms and tofu, this soup stands out as a comforting favorite. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of shiitake mushrooms, chili peppers, and vinegar creates a bold flavor profile that excites the palate.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from tofu and vitamins from fresh veggies, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it’s perfect for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium-sized pot
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium-sized pot: Essential for simmering ingredients evenly while allowing space for the soup to expand as it cooks.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the cornstarch slurry without taking up too much counter space.
• Whisk or fork: Useful for beating eggs smoothly before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup:

Broth Base

• 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

Vegetables & Tofu

• 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)
• 1/2 cup soft tofu (cut into 1/4-inch thick strips or sub with medium to firm tofu)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

Thickeners & Seasonings

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/4 cup water (cold)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (add more if you like it more sour)
• Salt & white pepper (season to taste)*

Eggs

• 2 large eggs (beaten)

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

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water until well blended. This mixture will thicken the soup later on.

Step 2: Create the Broth Base

Pour low sodium chicken stock into a medium-sized pot. Add regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Cover the pot and heat on medium-high until boiling.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium. Carefully add shiitake mushrooms, carrots, seafood mushrooms, and red chili pepper if using. Simmer uncovered for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tofu

Gently lower in strips of soft tofu into the soup. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the tofu.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Let it simmer for an additional 30-60 seconds until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Add Eggs

While stirring the soup continuously in a circular motion, slowly pour in beaten eggs in a thin stream. Continue stirring gently to create ribbons of egg throughout the soup.

Step 8: Final Touches

Add chopped green onions along with white vinegar, salt, and white pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience! This flavorful soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any dining occasion.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch.
• Basil Leaves – A few basil leaves can bring a unique flavor twist.

As an Appetizer

• Small Bowls – Serve in small bowls as a starter before the main course.
• With Crispy Wontons – Pair with crispy wontons for added texture and crunch.

With Rice or Noodles

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Serve alongside jasmine rice to soak up the broth.
• Rice Noodles – Add cooked rice noodles directly into the soup for a heartier meal.

Garnished with Chili Oil

• Drizzle of Chili Oil – A drizzle of chili oil can enhance the spiciness and give a beautiful finish.

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

To make your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup truly exceptional, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor profile dramatically.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Tailor the amount of red chili to match your spice tolerance.
• Thicken Wisely – Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well mixed to avoid clumps when thickening the soup.
• Balance Flavors – Taste as you go; adjust vinegar and sugar until you achieve the perfect balance of sour and sweet.
• Experiment with Mushrooms – Try different types of mushrooms like enoki or oyster for varied textures.
• Serve Immediately – For the best taste, serve hot right after cooking to maintain its vibrant flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal! Here are some great options to complement your Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup.

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies add a delightful crunch.
2. Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables offer a savory contrast.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry – A quick stir-fry with seasonal vegetables brings freshness to your meal.
4. Sesame Cucumber Salad – A light salad with cucumbers dressed in sesame oil adds a refreshing bite.
5. Fried Rice – Flavorful fried rice makes for a filling side that pairs beautifully with soup.
6. Asian Slaw – Crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and dressing adds texture and brightness.
7. Noodle Salad – A cold noodle salad with soy dressing provides a nice contrast to the hot soup.
8. Tofu Skewers – Grilled or baked tofu skewers marinated in soy sauce create a protein-rich addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup, it’s important to steer clear of common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your dish.

• Bold choice of mushrooms: Using mushrooms that are too tough or not fresh can ruin the flavor. Opt for seafood mushrooms or fresh shiitake for the best results.
• Bold tofu selection: Not using the right type of tofu can lead to undesirable textures. Choose soft tofu for a silky finish, or medium-firm if you prefer more bite.
• Bold seasoning errors: Incorrect proportions of soy sauce or vinegar can throw off the balance. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to achieve your preferred level of sourness and saltiness.
• Bold egg pouring technique: Pouring the beaten eggs too quickly can result in clumps rather than ribbons in your soup. Stir the soup gently in a circular motion while pouring slowly for a beautiful presentation.
• Bold cornstarch slurry mishaps: Failing to mix the cornstarch with water properly may lead to lumps. Ensure it’s smooth before adding it to the soup for even thickening.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Can be stored 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 until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup that might help clarify your cooking process.

Why is my Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup too thick?

If your soup ends up too thick, it may be due to adding too much cornstarch slurry. Always start with a little and adjust gradually.

Can I customize ingredients in Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or swap chicken stock for vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.

How spicy is Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

The spiciness largely depends on how many chili peppers you use. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less red chili.

What variations can I try with Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup?

Consider adding proteins like shredded chicken or beef, or experimenting with different types of mushrooms for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-min. Hot and Sour Soup is a delightful dish that combines spice and tanginess, perfect for any meal of the day. Its quick preparation makes it an excellent choice for busy schedules, while its versatility allows you to customize ingredients easily based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting bowl of flavor!