Hot and sour soup is a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that makes it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. A perfect comfort food, it’s packed with tender slices of pork, earthy mushrooms, and silky tofu, all swirled with egg ribbons and a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe is designed to guide you through every step of creating an authentic and hearty hot and sour soup that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients for Hot and Sour Soup
Before you begin, gather these ingredients to ensure an authentic and delicious result.
Essential Ingredients
- Woodear Mushrooms: 1 ounce
- Green Onions: 1 bunch, cut into thirds (plus extra for garnish)
- Garlic: 8 cloves
- Yellow Onion: ½, quartered
- Black Peppercorns: 12 whole
- Chicken Stock: 12 cups
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Pork Tenderloin: ½ pound, sliced thinly into 2-inch pieces
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
- Bamboo Shoots: 1 cup, thinly sliced
- Red Chile Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: ½ cup
- Rice Vinegar: ½ cup
- White Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: ¼ teaspoon
- Firm Tofu: 1 pound, cubed
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Hot and Sour Soup
Follow these instructions carefully to make a delicious bowl of hot and sour soup with complex flavors and a balanced texture.
Step 1: Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by rehydrating the dried woodear mushrooms:
- Place the mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.
- Let them sit for 30 minutes. Once softened, slice the mushrooms very thinly. Discard any tough pieces that remain to ensure a tender texture.
Step 2: Making the Flavorful Broth
The broth is the backbone of the soup, packed with aromatic ingredients.
- Add the green onions, garlic, yellow onion, and black peppercorns to a bouquet garni bag (or place directly in a large dutch oven).
- Pour in the chicken stock, then bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse, and reduce by one-third. If you did not use a bag, remove the aromatics from the broth at this point.
- Lower the heat to keep the broth warm while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Sautéing the Pork and Aromatics
Creating a rich, savory base is key to authentic hot and sour soup:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin and cook until browned, then remove from the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the ginger, bamboo shoots, red chile paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and sugar.
- Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, transfer this mixture to the dutch oven with the chicken stock, enhancing the flavor of the broth.
Step 4: Adding Mushrooms and Tofu
In this step, add the mushrooms and tofu to complete the body of the soup:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the dutch oven, along with the cubed tofu.
- Pour in the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring to combine.
- Raise the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to cook for an additional 10 minutes. The cornstarch will help thicken the broth slightly, giving it the ideal texture.
Step 5: Creating the Egg Ribbons
Adding egg ribbons is a classic technique in Chinese soups, adding both texture and visual appeal:
- Begin stirring the soup gently in a clockwise direction.
- Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while continuing to stir. This will cook the eggs and create delicate ribbons throughout the soup.
- Be cautious not to pour the eggs too quickly; they should disperse in thin streams rather than forming large clumps.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
To finish, garnish your hot and sour soup with fresh green onions for added flavor and color:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, vinegar, or white pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfecting Hot and Sour Soup
Creating the perfect hot and sour soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips for achieving that balance:
- Choosing the Right Mushrooms: Woodear mushrooms are preferred for their chewy texture, which contrasts well with the soft tofu. However, shiitake mushrooms can be used as an alternative if woodear mushrooms aren’t available.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: For a spicier soup, add an extra tablespoon of red chile paste or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Balancing Sourness: Rice vinegar gives the soup its sour flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. White vinegar or black vinegar can be used as alternatives.
- Experiment with Protein: While pork tenderloin is traditional, chicken or even shrimp can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Hot and Sour Soup
This hot and sour soup is not only flavorful but also boasts several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients:
- Woodear Mushrooms: Known for their immune-boosting properties and rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Ginger: Helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in immunity and circulation.
- Garlic: Contains powerful compounds that support heart health and bolster the immune system.
- Tofu: A great source of plant-based protein and calcium, supporting muscle and bone health.
- Chicken Stock: Provides collagen and minerals beneficial for joint health and gut health.
Conclusion
Hot and sour soup is a beloved dish with complex flavors that range from spicy to tangy to savory. With this authentic recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of soup that rivals any restaurant. By following these detailed steps, you can master the art of hot and sour soup and customize it to your tastes.