Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is warm, spicy and full of flavor. It has the perfect mix of heat and tang.

This Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is very comforting on cold days or when you feel tired. The broth is rich, with mushrooms, tofu and egg ribbons.

It feels light but filling at the same time. If you love bold taste, this Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe will become your favorite.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this soup at a small Chinese restaurant. The strong aroma instantly made me hungry. I loved the spicy kick and sour edge together. Later, I decided to make it at home.

My family was surprised that it tasted restaurant-style. It was easier than I expected, using simple steps and pantry items. Now, I make it often during winter and it always disappears fast.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Course: Soup
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You Need for Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
• 1 cup firm tofu, cut into thin strips
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce or chili oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the vegetables

Wash mushrooms, carrot and tofu, then slice them thinly so they cook evenly and blend nicely into the soup texture.

2. Heat the broth

Pour broth into a large pot and place over medium heat, letting it warm gently while you prepare the seasonings and vegetables.

3. Add flavor base

Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce and pepper, allowing the broth to absorb deep savory flavors while slowly coming toward a light boil.

4. Add mushrooms and carrot

Add sliced mushrooms and carrot to the pot and cook until soft, releasing their taste into the broth and adding lovely color and texture.

5. Add tofu pieces

Gently place tofu strips into the soup, stirring very carefully so they do not break apart and remain in neat soft pieces.

6. Make it sour and hot

Add rice vinegar and chili sauce or oil, adjusting amounts to your liking, balancing spicy heat with bright tangy sour taste perfectly.

7. Thicken the soup

Slowly pour cornstarch slurry into the pot while stirring, letting the soup gently thicken into smooth, silky, restaurant-style comforting texture.

8. Add egg ribbons

Drizzle beaten eggs slowly in a thin stream, stirring gently in one direction to form pretty soft egg ribbons through the hot soup.

9. Finish with sesame oil

Turn off heat and add sesame oil for deep aroma and rich nutty finish, then sprinkle chopped green onions as fresh garnish.

10. Taste and adjust

Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, spice or sourness as needed so every spoonful feels balanced, bold and deeply satisfying.

Tips to Make the Best Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

• Use fresh ginger for stronger flavor
• Adjust spice level slowly
• Add vinegar at the end for bright taste
• Slice vegetables thin for fast cooking
• Use good quality broth for rich base
• Stir eggs gently for perfect ribbons

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	11 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	3 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot in deep bowls. It is wonderful before a main Chinese meal or as a light dinner alone. Pair it with fried rice, noodles, dumplings or steamed vegetables.

A sprinkle of extra green onions or chili oil on top makes it even better. It is also great for cold weather or when you need comfort food.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store soup in airtight container
• Keep in fridge for three days
• Reheat gently on stove
• Do not boil hard while reheating
• Add fresh vinegar after reheating if flavor fades

FAQs about Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

1. Is Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe very spicy?
It can be mild or hot. You control the chili amount. Start with a small spoon and increase slowly until the spice level feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and skip eggs. Replace them with more tofu or mushrooms. The soup will still taste rich, flavorful and very satisfying without animal products.

3. How to make Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup thicker?
Add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly. Stir well to avoid lumps. Do not add too much at once or the soup may become gummy instead of silky.

4. What mushrooms are best for this soup?
Shiitake mushrooms give strong earthy taste, but button mushrooms also work well. Use what you have at home and slice them thin for best texture in the soup.

Final Thoughts

Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is bold, warming and easy to prepare. Now you know how to make Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup at home with simple steps.

With basic Ingredients for Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup, you can enjoy restaurant-style comfort anytime. Try it soon, adjust the spice to your liking, and enjoy every flavorful spoonful.