Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 200g (7 oz) firm tofu, sliced into thin strips
• 100g (3.5 oz) shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 50g (1.8 oz / about 1 cup) wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced
• 50g (3 tbsp) bamboo shoots, julienned
• 45ml (3 tbsp) soy sauce
• 30ml (2 tbsp) rice vinegar
• 15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil
• 5ml (1 tsp) chili paste or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 5ml (1 tsp) white pepper (or to taste)
• 5ml (1 tsp) cornstarch, dissolved in 30ml (2 tbsp) cold water
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms, allowing them to infuse their flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Stir in the tofu, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili paste, and white pepper. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so all the ingredients are well-combined.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the soup to continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Egg Flower Technique

Create egg ribbons by gently pouring the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring continuously. This will result in beautiful, delicate egg threads throughout the soup.

Step 5: Serve

Once the eggs are set, remove the soup from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt if necessary. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Conclusion

You’ve just mastered a classic Chinese Hot and Sour Soup, a testament to the harmonious blend of contrasting flavors—tartness from vinegar and spiciness from chili. Whether it’s warming a cold day or serving as an appetizing start to a meal, this soup is a celebration of culinary balance that delights and satisfies. Experiment with this recipe by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables for a personal touch. Share this delightful dish with friends and family, and relish the flavors of China in the comfort of your home.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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