If you’ve ever craved a bowl of comfort that packs a flavorful punch, then this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful harmony of tangy vinegar, spicy chili flakes, and the earthy depth from mushrooms and tofu, all swirling together in a gorgeous broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends, this recipe balances the perfect amount of heat with a satisfying sour note, making each spoonful utterly irresistible.

A close-up of a black ladle lifting a golden brown soup filled with visible slices of light brown mushrooms with dark edges, small bright green green onion pieces, and wisps of pale yellow egg strands. The soup has a slightly thick, shiny texture with small chunks of lighter colored ingredients throughout. The ladle is held over a large white pot with a dark blue outer side, set on a gas stove. The background shows the white marbled surface slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to this soul-satisfying Hot and Sour Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and that signature color contrast you’ll love seeing in your bowl.

Chicken broth: This is your flavorful base that brings warmth and depth to the soup.
Shiitake mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthiness add body and umami richness.
Woodear mushrooms: These provide a slightly crunchy texture with a unique mild flavor.
Bamboo shoots: Add an intriguing crispness and subtle sweetness to balance the sour and spicy notes.
Firm tofu: Adds protein and a silky texture that beautifully contrasts with the vegetables.
Red chili flakes: The heat that gives this soup its signature warmth and kick.
White pepper: Offers a subtle spicy aroma that complements the chili flakes perfectly.
Soy sauce: Provides savory saltiness to deepen the broth’s flavor.
Dark soy sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and richness, plus a beautiful color.
Sugar: Balances out the sour and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup to a luscious consistency.
Water: For mixing with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
Eggs: Whisked into silky ribbons for that classic texture effect in the soup.
Vinegar: The key ingredient for that distinct sour flavor that defines the soup.
Sesame oil: Adds a fragrant nutty finish that rounds out the flavor profile.
Green onion: Freshly sliced for a bit of crunch and a burst of color.

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by heating your chicken broth in a pot over medium heat. To this, add your shiitake mushrooms, woodear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu strips, red chili flakes, white pepper, soy sauces, and sugar. Let all these vibrant ingredients mingle and simmer, allowing the flavors to deepen and create that perfectly balanced base you’re craving.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup

Create a smooth slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Once your broth comes to a boil, slowly pour the slurry in while stirring continuously. This careful process ensures your soup achieves that ideal silky thickness without a hint of lumps—a crucial step towards making your Hot and Sour Soup Recipe authentic and comforting.

Step 3: Add the Egg Ribbons

Lower the heat so the soup is gently simmering. Stir the broth quickly in a circular motion to form a little swirling “tornado.” Then, as you stop stirring, pour in the whisked eggs slowly into the swirl. Stir gently in the same direction to create those beautiful, delicate egg ribbons that add such a fantastic texture and visual appeal.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Turn off the heat and finish your soup by stirring in the vinegar, sesame oil, and sliced green onions. This final step layers on the signature sourness and fragrant sesame notes while the green onion adds a fresh bite, perfectly rounding out your bowl of Hot and Sour Soup Recipe.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as you prefer—more vinegar for tang, extra chili flakes for heat, or a touch more soy sauce for saltiness. This flexibility makes this recipe truly your own.

How to Serve Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a few extra drops of sesame oil right before serving can really elevate the presentation and add a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts delightfully with the rich broth.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, lightly sautéed bok choy, or crispy spring rolls. These sides add substance to your meal without overpowering the bold flavors of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Hot and Sour Soup Recipe in individual mini cauldrons or small rustic bowls to add a cozy, inviting feel. You can also top it with crispy fried shallots or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra flavor burst.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Hot and Sour Soup Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after resting, making it perfect for a quick reheat.

Freezing

While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the egg ribbons, as they can change texture when thawed. Freeze in a sturdy container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency, and freshen it up with a squeeze of vinegar and a small drizzle of sesame oil before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and keep the mushrooms, tofu, and seasonings as is. This will still give you all the wonderful flavors and textures without any meat.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level mainly comes from the red chili flakes and white pepper. You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes or omitting the white pepper entirely if you prefer mild heat.

What’s the best vinegar to use for this soup?

Traditionally, Chinese black vinegar is used for its deep, slightly sweet tang, but rice vinegar works well too and is easier to find. Just avoid anything too harsh or overly sweet.

Why are there two types of soy sauce in the recipe?

The regular soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, while the dark soy sauce contributes a subtle sweetness and richer color, creating a more complex and appealing broth.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes the cooking process quicker and easier when you’re ready to make your Hot and Sour Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of Hot and Sour Soup Recipe that comforts your soul and excites your taste buds all at once. It’s simple to make yet wonderfully complex in flavor, perfect for any occasion. I highly encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own—you might just find a new favorite comfort food that you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Hot and Sour Soup Recipe