Hot And Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup offers a savory, tangy flavor profile with earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and bamboo shoots. Perfect for those craving comforting, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes, it balances heat, acidity, and texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart pot, heat the peanut oil.
- Add the chicken cubes and sauté until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add water, whole mushrooms, sliced green cabbage, bamboo shoots, and chicken bouillon cubes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup.
- Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the soup.
- Stir until the soup slightly thickens, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of sesame oil or a splash of chili oil to the soup. If you don't have bamboo shoots, water chestnuts can be a good substitute for crunch. Feel free to add tofu or swap the chicken for shrimp if you prefer seafood; both work well in this hot and sour soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot and sour soup garnished with sliced green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Fried Rice or can be enjoyed as a starter alongside Sweet And Sour Pork Chops for a complete meal. For a balanced dinner, consider serving with a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot And Sour Soup contains roughly 498 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2033mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken with firm tofu and using vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon cubes. Additionally, replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level of your hot and sour soup, you can add more white pepper for heat, or include chili paste or Sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. Just keep in mind that flour may give a slightly different texture, so mix it with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the soup to prevent clumping.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).