Chinese people have a particular love for Hot and Sour Soup not only because of its warm flanks but also because of the potency of such a soup. Because this is soup, it is able to skillfully use the topicality of intensity on the palate to create an overall pleasantness, which is unique. To be quite honest, if there is one dish in Asia, this hot and sour soup could easily be classified as simple but appetizing for those who want to have their food fixed during Cold days or those who want something lighter to eat.
History and Origin of Hot and Sour Soup
One can imagine that varieties of hot and sour soup bring back to what Chinese cuisine is all about. Appears to be created naturally as a remedy to bring the body back in yin and yang if born within the Sichuan province or more specifically the Xialian the spicy province. This is found in the chilies and white pepper contributing to the hot or spicy part while the vinegar provides the sour appeal which makes the recipe more enticing to the customer’s taste.
Nutritional Benefits of Hot and Sour Soup
However, this is not only the delicious soup that I have described above, but also it is rather healthy, at least it is called Hot and Sour Soup. They have about 150 cal per serving so this is a low-calorie product but is quite filling and satisfying. It has many tofu and other protein products, and somebody can include other meats such as chicken and pork, to the food. That is combined with vegetables in the preparation of the soup so that the soup contains fiber and there are also extras like mushrooms, which are rich in antioxidants. Moreover, the use of ginger and garlic within this meal qualifies them as ingredients with immunity-boosting potential, and as such, consumption of Hot and Sour Soup is healthy.
Key Ingredients in Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is a simple dish constituted of a choice of chicken or vegetable stock, sliced mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots. That is why while preparing the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and white pepper are used as the seasoning. To thicken the soup, cornstarch is mixed in water and then added to the soup, the beaten egg is then poured at a certain angle it form the ribbons. The inclusion of sesame oil and green onions towards the completion of the recipe is the best step taken to provide the dish with a more enhanced aromatic appeal.
Preparing Hot and Sour Soup
That’s why making Hot and Sour Soup at home is easy and can bring amazing results. Start the rice porridge by putting the broth to boil and adding the vegetables and tofu into the broth. Add the flavor to the soup system with vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and white pepper. This cornstarch slurry is then added and swirled to make the soup thickened according to the customer’s order. There’s always of beating an egg to mix with and then decreasing the heat, and drizzling it gently in the beaten egg while stirring in a continuous circular fashion until the ribbons form. Lastly, add sesame oil and green onions on top of the soup to enrich the flavor further.
Customizing Your Hot and Sour Soup
Another thing, that visualizes Hot and Sour Soup, is its flexibility. For meat lovers, the pork or chicken thinly sliced and added will do wonders and also replace the red meat which is not very popular among most people. In case, you want a more vegetable-based version replace the meat with vegetable broth entirely if desired. Fortunately, the spiciness of the dish can be regulated to your preference on the matter – simply use less or more chili garlic sauce and white pepper. Furthermore, spinach or any other greens can be added to make it healthy and still delicious as well.
Serving and Storing Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup should be preferably served hot a method that can be best described as serving soon after preparation of the dish. Regarding complementation with vegetables, it may be served with extra portions of the green onions or you could simply sprinkle its surface with some fresh cilantro for more brightness of the taste. The remaining portion of rice and the P-friend can be stored in an air-tightly container where it can be preserved in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. I have not said anything bad about this soup but when reheating I would recommend doing it gently on the stove because that soup is thick and can solidify and if it has, one may add some water to it.
Try More Recipe:- Healthy Minestrone Soup Recipe: Packed with Vegetables and Beans
Best Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: Traditional Chinese Flavor
Description
Although the preparation of Chinese hot and sour soup hasn’t been emphasized before, this meal is still among the most popular in many Chinese restaurants because of its spiciness and sourness. This soup is quite thick and is prepared in large quantities and it has many components which give the relished hot and sour taste preferably picked from the Chinese outlets. Since we try to make it healthier to cook here, I can proudly say that this is yummy and comparable to a good tummy feeling.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl.
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Boil the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Add Vegetables and Tofu:
- Once the broth is boiling, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu cubes to the pot.
- Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic.
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Season the Soup:
- Add the white vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and white pepper to the pot.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Thicken the Soup:
- Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the boiling soup while stirring continuously.
- Let the soup simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
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Add the Egg:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
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Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the sesame oil and sliced green onions.
- Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, vinegar, or white pepper if needed.
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Serve:
- Ladle the Hot and Sour Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 112mg38%
- Sodium 1097mg46%
- Potassium 397mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 29g58%
- Vitamin A 5360 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 32 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Phosphorus 98 mg
- Magnesium 31 mmol
- Zinc 1 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water if the soup has thickened too much.
