Hot and Sour Soup Recipe 🍲
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey with this Hot and Sour Soup recipe! Packed with Asian-inspired goodness, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds in under 2 hours ⏳. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of spicy chili paste, tangy vinegar, and savory pork, all simmered together to perfection. This Chinese classic is ideal for cozy weeknights, offering a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe step by step!
🕒 Timing:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 1 hour | 1 hour 50 mins |
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 cup barbecued pork, diced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in water
- 2 cups Chinese Chicken Stock
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 wood ears, reconstituted
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Handful of cilantro leaves, chopped
🥣 Instructions:
-
Prepare Wood Ears:
- Place the wood ears in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.
- Let them stand for 30 minutes to reconstitute.
- Drain and rinse the wood ears, discarding any hard clusters.
-
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat the canola oil in a wok or large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced ginger, chili paste, reconstituted wood ears, bamboo shoots, and diced pork.
- Cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Create Flavor Base:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, white pepper, and sugar.
- Pour this mixture into the wok, tossing everything together until aromatic.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the Chinese Chicken Stock and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
-
Add Tofu:
- Gently add the cubed firm tofu to the simmering soup.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes to heat through.
-
Thicken the Soup:
- Dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the soup, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Continue to simmer until desired consistency is reached.
-
Create Egg Ribbons:
- Remove the soup from heat and stir in one direction to create a gentle current.
- Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup in a steady stream.
- Watch as it forms delicate ribbons in the broth, cooking almost instantly.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Hot and Sour Soup with chopped green onions and cilantro leaves.
- Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot, reveling in the aroma and flavors!
🍜 Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this Hot and Sour Soup as a comforting meal on its own.
- Pair it with steamed rice for a more substantial dinner.
- Serve alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes for a delightful feast!
🌟 Tips & Tricks:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili paste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable stock instead.
- Explore different tofu textures for varied mouthfeel experiences.
- Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick and easy meals.
🍲 About Hot and Sour Soup:
Originating from Chinese cuisine, Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved classic known for its balance of spicy and tangy flavors. Traditionally made with a variety of ingredients like wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and a mixture of vinegar and pepper, it has evolved into various regional versions. Whether you’re craving a bowl of comfort or seeking a culinary adventure, this soup is sure to satisfy!
Now, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary escapade with this Hot and Sour Soup recipe. Let each spoonful transport you to the bustling streets of China, where the aroma of spices fills the air. Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! 🥢✨
