Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup

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There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup. It balances a hearty umami flavor with vibrant tanginess and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving a deeply flavorful soup, this dish hits all the right notes.

It’s not just the bold flavors that make this soup special; it’s also the satisfying textures. From tender mushrooms and soft tofu to chewy bamboo shoots and silky egg ribbons, each spoonful brings something exciting. And the best part? It comes together quickly, making it a weeknight favorite that feels like takeout, but better.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup

This soup is rich in flavor yet surprisingly easy to make. It requires no fancy equipment and can be tailored to your desired spice level. The sourness comes from vinegar, while white pepper adds that signature back-of-the-throat heat. Plus, it’s easily customizable for vegetarians or meat lovers alike.

What Kind of Vinegar Should I Use?

The best vinegar for authentic hot and sour soup is Chinese black vinegar, which offers a complex, malty tang. However, if you can’t find it, rice vinegar or even apple cider vinegar will work. Just be sure to adjust the amount slightly to suit your taste.

Ingredients for the Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup

You don’t need to hunt down specialty ingredients for this soup—though if you have access to an Asian market, you might discover some gems. Here are the key players that bring everything together:

• Tofu: Adds protein and soaks up all the delicious broth.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Provide a deep, earthy flavor that’s signature in Chinese soups.
• Bamboo Shoots: Bring a satisfying crunch and authentic texture.
• Eggs: When streamed in, they create delicate ribbons for body and richness.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The flavorful base for your soup.
• Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami depth.
• White Pepper: This is the heat behind the soup, more aromatic than spicy.
• Chinese Black Vinegar: Offers the classic tangy sourness.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the broth just enough for a satisfying consistency.
• Sesame Oil: A little drizzle at the end for aromatic warmth.

How To Make the Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Slice mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Whisk your eggs and set aside. Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot, bring your broth to a simmer. Add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. Let them cook for a few minutes to release their flavors into the broth.

Step 3: Season the Broth

Add soy sauce, white pepper, and vinegar to the simmering broth. Taste and adjust for more tang or heat if needed.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the pot while stirring. The soup will start to thicken as it simmers.

Step 5: Create Egg Ribbons

With the soup gently simmering, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring in a circular motion. You’ll see delicate strands of cooked egg form instantly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in a splash of sesame oil. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a bit more white pepper on top.

How to Store and Serve Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup

This soup is best served piping hot right after it’s made, with a side of steamed rice or crispy wontons. It feeds 4 to 6 people generously.

To store, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as satisfying. Reheat gently over the stove to avoid overcooking the tofu or eggs.

What to Serve With Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup?

Steamed Dumplings

A classic partner that makes the meal feel like a full restaurant spread.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

This hearty dish complements the soup’s tang with familiar, savory flavors. Try our Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe for the perfect pairing.

Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls

Their golden crunch contrasts perfectly with the warm, tangy soup. Get inspired by our Easy Chinese Egg Rolls【5†source】.

Pickled Vegetables

They enhance the sour profile and refresh your palate between bites.

Garlic Green Beans

Quickly stir-fried green beans in garlic and soy sauce offer a crisp and garlicky companion.

Scallion Pancakes

Pan-fried and flaky, these are wonderful for dunking into the broth.

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

If you’re mixing cuisines, this twisty combo surprisingly works. Try our Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese for a savory hit.

Jasmine Rice

Simple and fluffy, it balances out the boldness of the soup.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Chinese Style Hot and Sour Soup, you might want to explore these other warming, soul-soothing bowls:

• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a cozy, sausage-packed delight.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup when you crave Mediterranean flair.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono for a citrusy, silky experience.
• Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup for bold curry spice and noodle comfort.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup packed with pasta and goodness.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can revisit it any time you’re craving that savory-sour-spicy comfort.

Let me know how you made yours! Did you go classic or add your own twist with extra chili or even shredded chicken?

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