Authentic Hot Sour Soup: 30-Minute Comfort Food

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Authentic Hot Sour Soup is a comforting meal that you can prepare in just 30 minutes. This Chinese restaurant-style soup features a spicy and sour broth filled with mushrooms, eggs, and tofu, perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that warms both body and soul. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Hot Sour Soup

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly fulfilling. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

It’s a quick meal that takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Flexible ingredients allow you to customize based on what you have at home.
The broth is loaded with healthy vegetables and proteins.
It’s a great way to impress guests with your cooking skills.
Provides a unique blend of spicy and tangy flavors.
Offers health benefits, including boosting your immune system.
Perfect for any season, making it a year-round favorite.
Authentic flavors reminiscent of genuine hot sour soup found in restaurants.

Ingredients for Authentic Hot Sour Soup

Gather these items:

4 dried shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup dried woodear mushrooms
1 handful dried lily flowers
1/2 lb pork loin (or chicken breast), cut into thin strips
1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts divided)
2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
1 teaspoon white pepper powder (or 1/2 teaspoon for a less spicy dish)
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups lily flower soaking liquid
1/2 block firm tofu (8 oz / 227 g), diced
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (or chili oil)

How to Make Authentic Hot Sour Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Rehydrate dried ingredients: Rinse shiitake mushrooms, woodear mushrooms, and lily flowers. Soak each with 2 cups warm water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Slice mushrooms and prepare lily flowers.
Step 2: Marinate pork: Combine pork, Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Mix sauce: Combine Chinkiang vinegar and white pepper in a small bowl.
Step 4: Make soup: In a pot, heat chicken stock, lily flower soaking water, ginger, and green onion white part. Add rehydrated mushrooms, lily flowers, and tofu. Simmer and then add soy sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the soup: Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and swirl into the soup to thicken.
Step 6: Cook the pork: Add marinated pork to the soup and stir to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Make egg ribbons: Slowly add beaten egg to the soup, stirring to create ribbons. Let sit for 20 seconds, then stir gently.
Step 8: Season the soup: Turn off heat, add vinegar and pepper mixture, salt, and garnish with green onion green part and sesame oil. Serve hot.

Rehydrating ingredients for Authentic Hot Sour Soup

Pro Tips for the Perfect Authentic Hot Sour Soup

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is flexible; adjust ingredients as needed.
Use fresh mushrooms if preferred for a different texture.
Adjust spice level by altering white pepper amount to suit your taste.
Make sure to swirl the cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid lumps.

Best Ways to Serve Authentic Hot Sour Soup

Here are a few ideas to enjoy your soup:

Serve it as a starter before your main dish.
Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Top with fresh cilantro or additional green onions for extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Authentic Hot Sour Soup

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the tofu and eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Authentic Hot Sour Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Authentic Hot Sour Soup?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors of spiciness and sourness. Using high-quality chicken stock and fresh ingredients enhances the taste, making it a genuine hot sour soup experience. Learn more about the balance of flavors here.

Can I make Authentic Hot Sour Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a few hours in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving. However, it’s best to add the eggs just before serving to keep them fluffy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Authentic Hot Sour Soup?

Common mistakes include overcooking the tofu and eggs. Make sure to add them near the end and stir gently to avoid clumping. Following the steps carefully will help you succeed.

Variations of Authentic Hot Sour Soup You Can Try

Feel free to explore these variations:

Substitute pork with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fragrant twist.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms for varied texture and flavor.
Try adding cooked noodles for a heartier meal.

Serving Authentic Hot Sour Soup with fresh ingredients

For more delicious recipes, check out Baked Pears with Feta and Honey or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for a delightful meal pairing!