Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

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Warm up your evenings with this vibrant Hot and Sour Soup, a perfect dinner idea that delivers a symphony of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken or tofu, earthy mushrooms, and a zesty broth, this Chinese-inspired soup is ideal for cozy family dinners, chilly nights, or as a stunning appetizer for gatherings. Easy to customize and packed with bold taste, this Hot and Sour Soup recipe is a must-try dinner idea that brings comfort and excitement to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

This Hot and Sour Soup is a standout dinner idea, blending bold flavors with simple preparation. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, from mild to fiery.
  • Vibrant and Flavorful: A tangy, spicy broth with colorful veggies makes every spoonful exciting.
  • Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or pair with sides for a complete dinner idea.
  • Healthy Comfort: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s both nourishing and soul-warming.

What Makes Hot and Sour Soup Special?

The Hot and Sour Soup transforms simple ingredients into a bold, comforting dinner idea that captivates both the eyes and the palate. Its rich broth, infused with rice vinegar’s tang and red pepper flakes’ heat, balances savory soy sauce and earthy mushrooms for a complex, satisfying flavor. Whether you choose chicken for a hearty touch or tofu for a vegetarian twist, this soup delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, the Hot and Sour Soup is a versatile dish that brings warmth and joy to every meal.

Ingredients for Hot and Sour Soup

To prepare this flavorful Hot and Sour Soup (serves 4-6), gather these ingredients:

  • 1 cup boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced) or firm tofu (cubed, for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup fresh shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:

  • Mushrooms: Shiitake or wood ear mushrooms add authentic texture; button mushrooms work in a pinch.
  • Rice Vinegar: Essential for the tangy flavor; white vinegar can substitute but may be sharper.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce prevents the soup from becoming too salty in this dinner idea.
  • Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu to hold its shape during simmering.

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup

Follow these steps to create a comforting Hot and Sour Soup:

  1. Prep Ingredients: Slice 1 cup chicken or cube tofu, slice 1 cup mushrooms, mince 2 garlic cloves, and thinly slice 2 green onions.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Broth: Pour in 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Protein and Veggies: Add chicken (or tofu), mushrooms, and green onions. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through or tofu is heated and mushrooms are tender.
  5. Season the Soup: Stir in 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinegar for tang or red pepper flakes for heat.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro (if using). Serve hot as a flavorful dinner idea, paired with crusty bread, crispy wontons, or steamed rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~150 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Servings: 4-6

Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 12g protein, 5g fat, 1g fiber

Tips for the Perfect Hot and Sour Soup

  • Prep First: Chop all ingredients before cooking to ensure even cooking and a smooth process.
  • Adjust Spice Gradually: Add red pepper flakes slowly, tasting to find your perfect heat level.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and green onions for the best flavor in this dinner idea.
  • Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the protein tender and flavors balanced.
  • Garnish Last: Add cilantro just before serving to preserve its freshness and bright flavor.

Creative Variations for Hot and Sour Soup

Customize this Hot and Sour Soup with these delicious twists:

  • Vegetarian Delight: Use tofu and vegetable broth, adding bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for crunch.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in sliced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutrient-packed dinner idea.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili oil or fresh chili slices for bolder heat.
  • Protein Swap: Try shrimp or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • Thicker Texture: Whisk in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water for a heartier soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Hot and Sour Soup is a versatile dinner idea that shines in any setting. Try these serving ideas:

  • Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of green onions or cilantro for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Pair with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a summer salad for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
  • Present in a rustic soup tureen for family-style dining at cozy gatherings.
  • Offer with a side of crispy wonton strips or garlic bread for added crunch.
  • Serve alongside jasmine rice or noodles to make it a filling main course.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and protein up to a day in advance; store separately in the fridge.
  • Refresh: Reheat slowly to maintain texture; add fresh green onions or cilantro to revive flavors.

FAQs About Hot and Sour Soup

Can I make this dinner idea vegetarian?
Yes, use firm tofu and vegetable broth for a vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup that’s just as flavorful.

How do I adjust the spice level in this dinner idea?
Start with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes and add more to taste, or use chili oil for extra heat.

What vinegar is best for this dinner idea?
Rice vinegar provides the authentic tangy flavor for Hot and Sour Soup; white vinegar is a sharper substitute.

Can I make this dinner idea ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days in advance; reheat gently to preserve texture.

How do I thicken this dinner idea?
Add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water during the final simmer for a thicker Hot and Sour Soup.

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Conclusion

This Hot and Sour Soup is a bold, comforting dinner idea that brings spicy, tangy flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or impressing guests, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try this recipe today and enjoy a steaming bowl of soul-warming goodness that’s sure to become a favorite!

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and Sour Soup

Warm up your evenings with this vibrant Hot and Sour Soup, a perfect dinner idea that delivers a symphony of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken or tofu, earthy mushrooms, and a zesty broth, this Chinese-inspired soup is ideal for cozy family dinners, chilly nights, or as a stunning appetizer for gatherings. Easy to customize and packed with bold taste, this Hot and Sour Soup recipe is a must-try dinner idea that brings comfort and excitement to your table!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup boneless chicken breast thinly sliced or firm tofu (cubed, for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup fresh shiitake or wood ear mushrooms sliced
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep Ingredients: Slice 1 cup chicken or cube tofu, slice 1 cup mushrooms, mince 2 garlic cloves, and thinly slice 2 green onions.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Build the Broth: Pour in 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Add Protein and Veggies: Add chicken (or tofu), mushrooms, and green onions. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through or tofu is heated and mushrooms are tender.
  • Season the Soup: Stir in 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinegar for tang or red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro (if using). Serve hot as a flavorful dinner idea, paired with crusty bread, crispy wontons, or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Prep First: Chop all ingredients before cooking to ensure even cooking and a smooth process.
  • Adjust Spice Gradually: Add red pepper flakes slowly, tasting to find your perfect heat level.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and green onions for the best flavor in this dinner idea.
  • Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the protein tender and flavors balanced.
  • Garnish Last: Add cilantro just before serving to preserve its freshness and bright flavor.

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Keyword healthy, Quick and easy

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