Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes  

   Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup Ingredients

Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup Instructions

  1. Place the shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20 minutes until softened, then drain, squeeze out excess water, and slice thinly if not already done.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the sliced pork tenderloin with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon chili oil, then add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and half of the sliced scallions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the marinated pork to the pot and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the pork just turns opaque.
  5. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add the soaked and sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu strips to the pot. Simmer for 3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, Chinkiang black vinegar, sugar, and white pepper. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  8. While the soup is gently simmering, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to thicken the soup. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream while stirring gently in one direction to create egg ribbons.
  10. Turn off the heat. Stir in the toasted sesame oil and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, soy sauce, or white pepper if desired.
  11. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the remaining sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, and an extra drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Estimated Calories: 90, Servings: 4

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Hot And Sour Soup Tips

Looking to master the best Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup recipe at home? The secret to a truly authentic and delicious bowl lies in balancing the tangy and spicy flavors. For a quick and easy homemade version, focus on using high-quality ingredients and prepping everything before you start cooking. This simple approach ensures your soup comes together fast and tastes just like your favorite takeout.
To make your Hot And Sour Soup extra tasty, use a mix of mushrooms for depth and texture. If you want the best results, slice your mushrooms thinly so they cook evenly. For that perfect restaurant-style finish, add a splash of vinegar and a dash of white pepper at the end—these ingredients are key to achieving the signature hot and sour kick. Wondering how to make it even more authentic? Try using wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots for a classic touch.
One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry. This gives your homemade Hot And Sour Soup that silky, satisfying texture. If you’re after a quick and easy meal, prep your ingredients ahead of time and keep everything within reach. This way, you can whip up a delicious, comforting bowl in no time.
For the best flavor, don’t skip the egg ribbons! Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering soup while stirring gently. This simple step creates beautiful, delicate strands that make your soup look and taste just like the best Chinese American restaurants. If you want to customize your recipe, add tofu or cooked pork for extra protein—both are classic, tasty additions.
Remember, the key to a perfect Hot And Sour Soup is tasting as you go. Adjust the vinegar and pepper to suit your preference, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. With these tips, you’ll have an easy, authentic, and delicious soup that’s sure to impress!

Hot And Sour Soup Pairings

When it comes to flavors that pair best with Hot and Sour Soup, you want to look for something that complements its tangy and spicy notes. A good way to balance the boldness is with dishes that have a mild or slightly sweet profile. For example, a quick cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing is a delicious and healthy option. The cool crunch of the cucumbers is a great contrast to the warmth and complexity of the soup. If you are looking for a fast and easy way to round out your meal, try adding a simple steamed vegetable medley with a touch of soy sauce.
For foods that go well with Hot and Sour Soup, you cannot go wrong with classic Chinese American favorites. A recipe for vegetable spring rolls is always a hit and makes for a great appetizer or side. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a quick addition to your meal. If you want something more filling, a plate of chicken fried rice or a healthy stir fry with tofu and broccoli is a good choice. These dishes are not only delicious but also help create a balanced and satisfying dinner.
When it comes to drinks, a light and refreshing option is the best way to go. A cold jasmine tea or a simple green tea is a great non-alcoholic choice that helps cleanse the palate and enhances the flavors of the soup. If you are in the mood for something a bit more festive, a crisp white wine like a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc is a good pairing. These wines are easy to find and their fruity notes work well with the spicy and sour elements of the soup. For a quick and healthy homemade drink, try a ginger lemonade for a zesty twist.

Hot And Sour Soup History

Hot and Sour Soup has a great story when it comes to its cultural origins. This dish is rooted in Chinese culinary traditions, but it really found a new identity in Chinese American cuisine. Immigrants brought their best recipes with them, adapting them to what was available in the United States. The soup became a staple in Chinese American restaurants because it was easy to make in large batches and had a delicious, bold flavor that appealed to a wide range of customers. It is a good example of how food can bridge cultures and create something unique and memorable.
Over time, the recipe for Hot and Sour Soup has evolved in some pretty interesting ways. Originally, the soup was made with whatever ingredients were on hand, making it a fast and flexible option for home cooks. In the United States, chefs started using ingredients that were easy to find locally, which led to some quick changes in the traditional recipe. This evolution made the soup more accessible and helped it become a favorite for people looking for a healthy and comforting meal. The best part is that it remains a delicious and satisfying dish, no matter how it is tweaked.
Regional adaptations have played a big role in the popularity of Hot and Sour Soup. In different parts of the US, you will find variations that reflect local tastes and available produce. Some places make it extra spicy, while others focus on a more sour kick. There are even vegetarian versions that are just as good as the original. This flexibility has made it a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that can be customized to suit any diet. The soup’s adaptability is one of the reasons it continues to be a favorite in both restaurants and home kitchens.

About Hot And Sour Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever doubted the magic of a Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup recipe, you’re not alone—I used to think it was just another takeout staple, nothing special. But after trying a homemade version, I’m officially a convert. The best part? This easy and quick recipe doesn’t require a culinary degree or a trip to a specialty market. With simple ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a punchy blend of vinegar and white pepper, you’ll be amazed at how delicious and authentic this soup can taste right from your own kitchen.
Let’s talk about how to make this tasty classic. The secret to the perfect Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup is all in the balance—sour enough to make your taste buds dance, hot enough to clear your sinuses, and just the right amount of umami to keep you coming back for more. I was skeptical that a homemade recipe could rival my favorite restaurant’s, but with a few tips (like using fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce), this soup turned out to be the best I’ve ever had. Plus, it’s so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout.
If you’re searching for the best, most authentic Chinese American Hot And Sour Soup recipe, look no further. This simple, homemade version is not only tasty but also endlessly customizable—swap in your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to your liking. Trust me, once you master how to make this soup, you’ll be sharing your own tips for the perfect bowl. Who knew that something so delicious could be so easy and quick to whip up? Give it a try, and you might just become a true believer too.

Hot And Sour Soup Story

I remember the first time I truly leaned on this dish for comfort. It was during a particularly rough winter when I had just moved to a new city for a job that sounded great on paper but turned out to be more challenging than I expected. The days felt long and the nights even longer, and I was missing the familiar faces and routines of home. One evening, after a string of not so good days, I decided to try making something that reminded me of happier times. I found a recipe online that promised a quick and easy way to recreate a favorite from my childhood. To my surprise, the process of making it was almost as soothing as eating it.
What struck me most was how fast the whole experience turned my mood around. In less than an hour, I had something warm and delicious to enjoy, and the act of cooking gave me a sense of control when everything else felt uncertain. It was not just about the food itself, but the ritual of preparing something healthy and nourishing for myself. That night, I realized that sometimes the best comfort comes from the simplest routines, especially when life feels overwhelming.
Since then, this dish has become my go to recipe whenever I need a little extra support. It is easy to make, and the results are always satisfying. Even now, when I am having a tough day or facing a big change, I know I can count on it to bring me back to a good place. It is amazing how something so simple can have such a great impact, reminding me that comfort can be found in the most unexpected ways.