Hot And Sour Soup
Looking for a dish that perfectly balances heat and tang? Hot and sour soup is a beloved staple in many Asian cuisines, known for its rich flavors and satisfying warmth. This soup features a delightful blend of spices, mushrooms, and tofu, making it both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or serving it at a dinner party, this recipe will surely impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
– 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
– 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
– 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon chili paste
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 bowl):
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fat: 6g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and bamboo shoots; simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cubed tofu and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
5. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring continuously.
6. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste; mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup.
9. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the tofu with chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version. You can also replace bamboo shoots with water chestnuts for a crunchier texture.
Serving and Pairings
Hot and sour soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or can be served as a starter before any Asian-inspired main course, such as stir-fried noodles or dumplings.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the tofu. This soup is not recommended for freezing, as the tofu may become grainy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the tofu can lead to a grainy texture.
- Not balancing the sour and spicy flavors may result in a bland soup.
- Using too much cornstarch can make the soup overly thick.
- Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can affect overall flavor.
- Skipping the garnish can diminish visual appeal and flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
FAQs
What makes hot and sour soup spicy?
The spiciness primarily comes from the chili paste or sauce used in the recipe. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make hot and sour soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients. The tofu and mushrooms provide a satisfying texture and flavor.
How can I thicken hot and sour soup?
The soup is thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Make sure to stir it in slowly to avoid clumps and achieve the desired consistency.
Is hot and sour soup healthy?
Hot and sour soup can be a healthy option, as it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients from vegetables and tofu. Just be mindful of the sodium content in soy sauce.
Can I freeze hot and sour soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of tofu may change. However, you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days.
Conclusion
Hot and sour soup is a delightful dish that combines bold flavors and comforting warmth. With this easy recipe, you can bring a taste of Asian cuisine to your home. Enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, and don’t hesitate to share it with family and friends!
Hot And Sour Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms shiitake or button
- 1/2 cup tofu cubed
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots sliced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and bamboo shoots; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cubed tofu and cook for another 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring continuously.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste; mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
