Hot and Sour Soup: Your New Favorite Cozy Bowl!

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of soup that awakens all your senses. And when it comes to an exhilarating dance of flavors, nothing quite compares to a classic Hot and Sour Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a vibrant symphony of tangy vinegar, fiery chili, and earthy notes, all harmoniously balanced to create a deeply comforting yet incredibly exciting culinary experience. Forget those bland takeout versions; today, we’re diving into how to craft an authentic, restaurant-quality Hot and Sour Soup right in your own kitchen!

This recipe is designed to bring that perfect blend of warmth and zest to your table, whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something truly satisfying. The secret lies in fresh ingredients and a precise balance of the “hot” (often from chili oil and white pepper) and the “sour” (from vinegar). Get ready to stir up a bowl of pure delight!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

• Explosion of Flavors: A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Comforting & Warming: Ideal for a cozy night in, especially during colder months or when you need a pick-me-up.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and choice of proteins or vegetables.
• Better Than Takeout: Achieve authentic flavors at home, often healthier and always fresher!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces firm tofu, pressed and diced
• 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced (fresh or rehydrated)
• 4 ounces wood ear mushrooms, thinly sliced (rehydrated if dried)
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (plus more for serving)
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water (slurry)
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame oil, for drizzling (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup

Get ready to create a masterpiece! Here’s how to bring your homemade Hot and Sour Soup to life:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Ensure all your vegetables are sliced, tofu is diced, and your cornstarch slurry is ready. This dish comes together quickly, so mise en place is key!
2. Build the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, letting them infuse for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Solids: Stir in the diced tofu, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Season It Up: Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), rice vinegar, chili oil, and ground white pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might want more vinegar for tang, more chili oil for heat, or extra soy sauce for saltiness.
5. Thicken the Soup: Give your cornstarch slurry a quick re-stir, then slowly pour it into the simmering soup in a thin stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Add the Egg: Once thickened, slowly pour the whisked egg into the soup in a thin stream, stirring gently in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks. This creates beautiful egg ribbons. Cook for another minute until the egg is set.
7. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the piping hot Hot and Sour Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and an extra swirl of chili oil or a sprinkle of white pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This versatile Hot and Sour Soup can be easily adapted to suit your preferences!

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in thinly sliced pork (a traditional addition!), chicken, or shrimp during step 3. Cook until just done before thickening.
Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Ensure you use vegetable broth and omit the egg (or use a vegan egg substitute like black salt and tofu scramble for texture).
Spice it Up: For more heat, add extra chili oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even some Sriracha.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like shredded carrots, spinach, or bok choy at the same time as the mushrooms.
Serving Suggestion: This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, crispy spring rolls, or a light Asian-inspired salad for a complete feast.

Hot and Sour Soup FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, the soup base can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add the egg and fresh garnishes just before serving for best results.

Q: What if I can’t find wood ear mushrooms?
A: While they add a unique texture, you can substitute with more shiitake mushrooms or simply omit them. Dried wood ear mushrooms are often found in Asian markets and rehydrate quickly.

Q: How do I adjust the spiciness and sourness?
A: For more heat, add extra chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For more sourness, gradually add more rice vinegar, tasting as you go, until it reaches your preferred tang.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring your broth is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What Our Fans Are Saying

Maya K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Absolutely divine! I’ve made this Hot and Sour Soup three times already, and it’s better than any takeout. The flavors are so vibrant, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. My family devours it every time!”

David L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a game-changer. The balance of hot and sour is spot on, and the instructions were so clear. I added some shredded pork, and it was heavenly. A new staple in my kitchen!”

Chloe P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Such a comforting soup! I loved how quickly it came together. I might add a bit more chili oil next time for an extra kick, but otherwise, it’s perfect. The textures from the mushrooms and tofu are fantastic.”

Don’t Miss Out on This Culinary Adventure!

There you have it – your guide to making the most incredible homemade Hot and Sour Soup. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your hunger; it’s about delighting your palate with a symphony of bold flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find joy in bringing this vibrant, warming, and utterly delicious bowl to life. So grab your ingredients, embrace the sizzle, and let the magic of the chili and white pepper transport you. Happy cooking!

Recipe Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Please consult a professional for dietary advice.