Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe from China with Chicken and Mushrooms

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. This soup is a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

History

Hot and sour soup has a long history in Chinese cuisine, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and add flavor to simple meals. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and become a staple in Chinese restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

5 cups canned no-salt added chicken broth, undiluted
0.5 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 (4 oz (113 g)) skinned and boned chicken breast half, cut into thin strips may substitute pork tenderloin
0.33 cup canned bamboo shoots, cut into thin strips
0.33 cup rice vinegar
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
0.25 tsp hot sauce
0.13 tsp pepper
1 egg white, lightly beaten
0.25 cup sliced green onions
0.25 cup fresh snow pea pods
1 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup water

How to prepare

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a saucepan weighing 500 g; bring it to a boil.
Add the chicken and simmer it uncovered for 10 minutes.
Add the bamboo shoots and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the vinegar and the next 3 ingredients; bring it to a boil.
Drizzle the egg white into the soup, stirring constantly.
Stir in the green onions and snow peas.
Combine the cornstarch and water; stir it into the soup mixture.
Bring it to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring gently.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of hot and sour soup, omit the pork tenderloin and use tofu or extra vegetables instead. You can also add shrimp or chicken for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of hot and sour soup, try using fresh ingredients whenever possible. The combination of fresh mushrooms, ginger, and pork tenderloin adds depth to the soup. Additionally, be sure to adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Hot and sour soup can be served as a starter or main dish. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in hot and sour soup, be sure to simmer the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir the soup gently when adding the egg white to create a silky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork tenderloin, you can use chicken or shrimp instead. You can also substitute vegetable broth for the no-chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot and sour soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve hot and sour soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in small teacups as an appetizer.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot and sour soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, or dumplings. For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hot and sour soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of hot and sour soup contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of hot and sour soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Hot and sour soup is a low-fat dish, with each serving containing only 2 grams of fat. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Proteins

With 12 grams of protein per serving, hot and sour soup is a great source of this essential nutrient. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot and sour soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Hot and sour soup may contain allergens such as soy and eggs. Be sure to check the ingredients list and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any food allergies.

Summary

Overall, hot and sour soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is low in fat and calories, while providing essential nutrients like protein and vitamins.

Summary

Hot and sour soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a bowl of hot and sour soup today for a taste of Chinese cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Hot and Sour Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I would spend hours in the kitchen with her, learning her secrets and techniques.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe books, I came across a faded piece of paper tucked away in the back of one of the books. It was a recipe for Hot and Sour Soup, written in my grandmother's elegant handwriting. I had never tasted this soup before, but the ingredients intrigued me - the combination of tangy vinegar, spicy pepper, and savory mushrooms sounded delicious.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The aroma of the soup simmering on the stove filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When it was ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a sip. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tanginess of the vinegar, the heat of the pepper, and the richness of the mushrooms combined to create a symphony of flavors that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, Hot and Sour Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on a cold winter's night. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a little more vinegar here, a little more pepper there, until it was perfect.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many people, each one falling in love with the bold flavors and comforting warmth of the soup. I have taught my own children how to make it, passing down the recipe through the generations just as my grandmother did for me.

But the story of this Hot and Sour Soup recipe doesn't end there. As I traveled and met new people, I would often ask them about their favorite recipes and cooking techniques. On one such journey, I met a woman who had her own version of Hot and Sour Soup, one that incorporated ingredients I had never thought to use before.

Curious to learn more, I spent hours in her kitchen, watching her prepare the soup and taking notes on her techniques. She showed me how to infuse the broth with the flavors of ginger and garlic, how to balance the sourness of the vinegar with the sweetness of sugar, and how to add a touch of heat with fresh chilies.

I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the diversity of flavors and ingredients that could be used in Hot and Sour Soup. I incorporated some of the woman's techniques into my own recipe, creating a fusion of flavors that was truly unique.

And so, the recipe for Hot and Sour Soup that I stumbled upon all those years ago continues to evolve and grow, a testament to the power of sharing and learning from others. It is a dish that brings people together, warming both the body and the soul with its bold flavors and comforting embrace.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. And I know that as long as there are new ingredients to discover and new techniques to master, Hot and Sour Soup will always have a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.