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!
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.