This Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese dish that’s packed with bold flavors! It features a rich, tangy broth, shredded chicken, mushrooms, and egg ribbons for a comforting, restaurant-quality soup at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic flavors – Just like your favorite takeout.
✔️ Easy to make – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice and tang to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Fillings
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, wood ear, or button), sliced
- ½ cup bamboo shoots, julienned
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring chicken broth and water to a boil over medium heat. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili flakes, stirring well.
Step 2: Add the Fillings
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and shredded chicken. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring to thicken the soup. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Egg Ribbons
Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot soup while stirring in a circular motion. The eggs will form delicate ribbons.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use tofu instead of chicken.
- Adjust the spice: Increase white pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Boost the tang: Add an extra splash of rice vinegar for a sharper flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, adding water if needed.