Delicious Hot and Sour Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of a bubbling pot of hot and sour soup fills the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. The vibrant colors entice your eyes while the blend of spicy and tangy notes dances on your palate, creating an unforgettable experience. This hot and sour soup recipe is not just food; it’s a symphony of flavors that warms your soul.

this …

I remember the first time I tasted this magical concoction at my favorite local Chinese restaurant. It was a rainy night, and as I slurped up the rich broth, I felt like I had discovered a hidden treasure. Now, I can bring that same joy home with this easy recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings.

I made this dish for my family last week, and their delighted faces were worth every chop of the veggies.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chicken or Tofu: Choose boneless chicken or firm tofu for a vegetarian option that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for shiitake or wood ear mushrooms for an authentic texture and earthy taste.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add freshness and a pop of color to your soup.
• Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar brings that delightful tanginess we all crave in hot and sour soup.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami flavors in your broth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance—make it as fiery as you dare!
• Cilantro (Optional): Fresh cilantro adds brightness at the end; skip if you’re not a fan.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. The more colorful your ingredients are, the better!

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. You want to smell it before you see it—about 30 seconds should do!

Add Broth Base: Pour in 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally; it should bubble like it’s excited about what’s coming next!

Add Veggies & Protein: Toss in mushrooms, chicken (or tofu), and green onions; let everything simmer together until tender—roughly 5-7 minutes will have them dancing around in the pot.

Add Flavor Bombs: Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste along the way; adjust these flavor bombs until your heart sings!

Finish with Garnishes: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over each bowl for that final burst of freshness—it’s like putting on a fancy hat before heading out!

Now you have an incredible hot and sour soup ready to enjoy! Serve it steaming hot with some crusty bread or crispy wontons on the side for added delight. Enjoy each slurp as if it’s your last because trust me—you’ll be back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping all ingredients first, then sauté vegetables before adding broth and seasonings for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different mushrooms or proteins; tofu and chicken both work beautifully in this soup.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly to maintain texture.

Sharing this hot and sour soup recipe with friends always brings back memories of cozy dinners filled with laughter and warmth.

FAQ

Can I make this hot and sour soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and substitute meat with tofu for a hearty meal.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Add less chili paste at first, then gradually increase it to find your perfect balance.

What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?

Rice vinegar gives the best flavor but feel free to experiment with apple cider vinegar if needed.

Print

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

---

• Author: Foodlmo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the bold flavors of this comforting hot and sour soup, a perfect blend of spice and tang ideal for cozy evenings or family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup boneless chicken or firm tofu
• 1 cup fresh shiitake or wood ear mushrooms
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant.
3. Add broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in mushrooms, chicken (or tofu), and green onions; simmer for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. Mix in rice vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: - For vegetarian options, use vegetable broth and substitute chicken with tofu. - Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. - Fresh ingredients enhance flavor; consider using seasonal vegetables.