Szechwan Hot And Sour Soup
A bold and spicy Szechwan Hot and Sour Soup featuring earthy mushrooms, tender pork, and tangy vinegar, perfect for those craving a flavorful, warming Asian appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried Chinese mushrooms in hot water until soft, then slice.
- In a pot, bring beef broth to a boil.
- Add sliced mushrooms, pork, tofu, and bamboo shoots to the broth.
- Mix 1 Tbsp. minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. chili powder, 1 Tbsp. oil, white pepper, and cayenne pepper to make a paste.
- Stir the garlic-chili paste into the soup.
- Add vinegar, soy sauce, and Chinese chili-garlic sauce to the soup.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Slowly pour beaten egg into the soup while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating fresh ginger or scallions into the broth. If you can't find dried Chinese mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms make a great substitute. Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Chinese chili-garlic sauce based on your heat preference. Serve with a side of Rose'S Fried Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced green onions or cilantro for freshness. It pairs excellently with steamed rice or a side of dumplings for a satisfying meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Teriyaki Meatballs(Open House Favorite) for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling as it can overcook the tofu and eggs, compromising their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Hot And Sour Soup contains roughly 1040 calories, with 16g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2599mg per serving (113% 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 Szechwan Hot And Sour Soup vegetarian by substituting the beef broth with vegetable broth and omitting the pork. Use additional tofu and mushrooms for protein and texture.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering broth. This will give your soup a nice velvety texture. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.
What are some good toppings for this soup?
Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. A dash of lime juice can also brighten the soup, enhancing the overall taste.
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).