Hot and sour soup is one of the most recognizable Chinese soup recipes because it combines heat, tang, and comforting texture in one bowl. It feels warming, lively, and especially good on cooler evenings.
This homemade version uses mushrooms, tofu, black pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornflour for a balanced result.
Ingredients
- 4 cups stock or water
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1/2 cup tofu
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornflour slurry
- Spring onion to finish
Method
Bring the stock to a simmer and add mushrooms, carrot, and tofu. Season with soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper, then thicken lightly with cornflour slurry. Adjust the sour and spicy notes to taste and finish with spring onion.
Hot and sour soup works well as a starter or light Chinese meal with noodles or fried rice.