Bowl of quick and flavorful Hot & Sour Soup ready in 10 minutes

10-minute Hot & Sour Soup

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Hot & Sour Soup is perfect for a quick meal anytime you want something warm and comforting. It’s great for using leftovers, packed with flavors, and can be made in just 10 minutes! It’s a simple soup that combines the heat of black pepper with the tanginess of vinegar, making it a favorite for many. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good mix of protein and vegetables.

how to make Hot & Sour Soup

Ingredients:

  • ½ carrot
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup (about 150g/5oz) cooked shredded chicken (left-over BBQ/rotisserie chicken is perfect)
  • 200g (7oz) mixed mushrooms (e.g., shiitake and enoki)
  • 100g (3.5oz) firm tofu, sliced
  • 100g (3.5oz) bamboo shoot strips
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • ¼ cup light soy sauce
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch), mixed with 3 tbsp water
  • Sea salt
  • Finely chopped spring onion (scallions), to serve

Directions:

  1. Use a julienne peeler to shave thin strips of carrot into a saucepan.
  2. To the carrot, add the chicken, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and chicken stock.
  3. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the black pepper, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and white vinegar.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the mushrooms are just softened.
  6. Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup and stir well.
  7. Simmer for another 3 minutes to thicken.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, vinegar, and pepper as needed.
  9. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chopped spring onions.

Notes:

  • Alternatively, use pre-packaged carrot strips to save time.

how to serve Hot & Sour Soup

Hot & Sour Soup is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread or rice for a more filling meal. Beautify the serving by garnishing with extra spring onions for a pop of color.

how to store Hot & Sour Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 2 to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

tips to make Hot & Sour Soup

  • For extra flavor, you can add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Adjust the level of sourness by adding more or less vinegar according to your taste.
  • Spice it up with some chili flakes if you like it hotter!

variation

You can customize this soup by using different protein sources like shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Also, add additional mushrooms or vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Hot & Sour Soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add more beans or mushrooms for protein.

How long does it take to make this soup?
This soup takes only about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal option.

Can I freeze Hot & Sour Soup?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the soup. Just keep in mind that the texture of the tofu and mushrooms may change once thawed.