How to Make Authentic Chinese Hot and Sour Soup at Home

Hot and sour soup is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine — and for good reason. This flavorful, comforting soup is a perfect balance of tangy vinegar, warming white pepper, savory umami, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you're a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, making Chinese hot and sour soup at home is easier than you think.

🥣 Why You’ll Love This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

• Classic Chinese flavor: Bold, savory, and deeply satisfying.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or add meat for extra richness.
• Healthy and light: Packed with mushrooms, tofu, and fresh ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, julienned
• 1/2 block firm tofu, cut into thin strips
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• Optional: sliced pork, chili oil, green onions

🥘 How to Make Hot and Sour Soup (Step-by-Step)

1. Simmer the Broth

Bring your chicken or veggie broth to a gentle boil. Add mushrooms and bamboo shoots, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Tip: Use a Soup Spoon to stir without bruising the delicate mushrooms.

2. Add Seasonings and Tofu

Mix in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Add tofu cubes and simmer for another few minutes.

A sturdy Mixing Spoon helps you stir evenly while maintaining a gentle touch on the tofu.

3. Swirl in the Eggs

Lower the heat. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs while stirring in one direction to create silky ribbons.

4. Taste and Serve

Adjust seasoning to your taste. Serve hot, topped with scallions and a splash of chili oil for extra kick.

🍽️ Tips for the Best Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

• Use authentic ingredients: Look for wood ear mushrooms and black vinegar for a more traditional flavor.
• Adjust the heat: White pepper provides heat differently than chili — go slow and taste often.
• Protein options: Add cooked pork strips, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Vegan tip: Use vegetable broth and skip the eggs for a fully plant-based version.

🔥 What Makes This Soup “Hot” and “Sour”?

The "hot" comes from white pepper — more subtle and aromatic than black pepper — and sometimes chili oil. The "sour" comes from Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar. Balancing these two flavors is the secret to the perfect hot and sour soup.

🧠 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered how to make hot and sour soup that rivals your favorite takeout spot, this is it. With bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and minimal effort, you’ll be surprised just how good homemade Chinese hot and sour soup can be.

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