Molly E.'S Hot And Sour Soup
A tangy, spicy hot and sour soup featuring mushrooms, chicken, tofu, and bamboo shoots, perfect for comfort and bold flavors in a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add sliced mushrooms, tofu strips, bamboo shoots, and shredded chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar.
- Combine cornstarch with cold water; gradually add to the soup to thicken.
- Remove from heat and slowly drizzle beaten egg into the soup while stirring.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or ginger to the broth. If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco or add some chili paste. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the soup's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot and sour soup in individual bowls garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Egg Rolls for a complete meal. For a light side, consider steamed broccoli with soy sauce to complement the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molly E.'S Hot And Sour Soup contains roughly 1032 calories, with 21g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Absolutely! You can easily make this hot and sour soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Tofu provides a good source of protein and can be increased to enhance the dish's heartiness.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you find the soup too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken broth or water. For a thicker consistency, simply mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
What can I use instead of bamboo shoots?
If you don't have bamboo shoots, you can substitute them with water chestnuts for a similar crunch, or even thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Adjust according to your preference and what you have on hand.
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).