Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is made with chicken or vegetable broth, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a few other flavorful ingredients. This easy and traditional hot and sour soup recipe creates a hearty and warming soup that takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4-6 people.

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Ingredients

• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for a vegetarian option)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 3 tbsp water to form a slurry)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 1/2 cup tofu, cut into thin strips (firm or soft depending on preference)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Instructions

1. Bring 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce heat to a simmer.
2. Add 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce, and 1 tbsp sugar (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
3. Add 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, 1/4 cup wood ear mushrooms, and 1/2 cup tofu strips to the broth. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still firm.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water) into the soup while stirring constantly. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to thicken the soup.
5. Gradually pour in 2 beaten eggs in a slow, thin stream while stirring the soup in one direction to create delicate egg ribbons.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
7. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and serve the soup hot.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mushrooms for better texture: Fresh shiitake and wood ear mushrooms give the soup a more authentic texture and flavor. Dried mushrooms can be used, but make sure to soak them until soft before adding them to the soup.
• Add eggs slowly for perfect ribbons: To get beautiful, silky egg ribbons, slowly pour the beaten eggs into the simmering soup while stirring in one direction. This ensures the eggs don’t clump together.
• Pre-mix cornstarch slurry: Always mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot soup. This prevents lumps and helps thicken the soup evenly.

How To Store Authentic Hot and Sour Soup

Refrigerate: Allow the authentic hot and sour soup to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag. The authentic hot and sour soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftover Authentic Hot and Sour Soup

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover authentic hot and sour soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through.

In the Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even reheating.

In the Air Fryer: (Note: Soup is typically not reheated in an air fryer, so it’s best to stick to stovetop or microwave methods for optimal results.)

What To Serve Authentic Hot and Sour Soup

Authentic hot and sour soup pairs well with fried rice, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables. It also can be served alongside egg rolls, crab rangoon, bao buns, and noodle stir-fry for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust the spice level?

You can easily control the heat by adding more or less chili garlic sauce and white pepper. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili sauce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I substitute the mushrooms in the recipe?

Absolutely! If you can’t find wood ear or shiitake mushrooms, you can use other varieties like button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms.

What type of tofu should I use?

Firm tofu is best for this recipe as it holds its shape well. If you prefer a softer texture, you can use silken tofu, but be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking it apart.