If you love a bowl of soup that dances between spicy, tangy, and comforting, then you are in for a treat with this Hot and Sour Soup Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hearty soup filled with a mix of mushrooms, silky tofu, and just the right balance of heat and acidity that warms you from the inside out. This dish showcases how a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly special—perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a flavorful boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a large gray speckled pot filled with dark brown broth that has small red and orange spice flakes floating on the surface. The liquid inside has light reflections and tiny bubbles, giving it a rich and textured look. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with part of a gray utensil handle visible on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to capturing the essence of the Hot and Sour Soup Recipe. Each item plays a key role—bringing layers of texture, flavor, and aroma that keep every spoonful exciting and satisfying.

Dried red chili peppers (deseeded and minced): Adds the necessary heat without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken broth (8 cups): The flavorful base that brings warmth and depth.
Ginger (2 teaspoons grated): Provides a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the broth.
White pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle pungency enhancing the spicy notes.
Salt (¾ teaspoon or more): Balances the soup’s bold flavors perfectly.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to mellow out acidity and heat.
Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Imparts savory umami that deepens the broth.
Dark soy sauce (½ tablespoon): Adds a richer color and slightly sweet undertone.
Distilled white vinegar (3 tablespoons or more): Key to that signature sour punch we love.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A finishing touch for fragrant nuttiness.
Shiitake mushrooms (½ cup, thinly sliced): Meatier mushrooms that contribute earthiness.
Wood ear mushrooms (½ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a pleasing crunchy texture.
King oyster mushrooms (½ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Firm tofu (½ block, cubed): Silky and soft, it absorbs the soup’s vibrant flavors.
Bamboo shoots (1 cup, julienned): Provides a crisp contrast and subtle vegetal notes.
Eggs (2, beaten): Create delicate ribbons that enrich the soup’s body.
Water (½ tablespoon): Used to dilute beaten eggs for smooth streaming.
Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh and bright, perfect for garnish and flavor layering.
Cornstarch (¼ cup) and water (¼ cup) for slurry: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency.

How to Make Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Broth

Start by infusing the chicken broth with the dried red chili peppers, grated ginger, white pepper, salt, sugar, and both light and dark soy sauces. Bring this to a gentle simmer, allowing the aromas to mingle beautifully. Adding the vinegar and sesame oil at this stage ensures the broth gains its characteristic tangy warmth without losing any complexity.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Tofu

Once the broth is infused and simmering, toss in the shiitake, wood ear, and king oyster mushrooms along with the cubed firm tofu and bamboo shoots. These ingredients add layers of texture—from chewy to silky—that make each spoonful feel like a delightful surprise. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to deepen and mushrooms to soften just right.

Step 3: Create the Egg Ribbons

Mix the beaten eggs with half a tablespoon of water to thin it out, then slowly drizzle this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring gently. This technique creates those beautiful, delicate egg ribbons that swirl throughout the soup, adding richness and a velvety texture.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water, then slowly pour it into the soup while stirring continuously. This step thickens the soup just enough to coat your spoon nicely, giving it that classic silky body without feeling heavy.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. Give it one last gentle stir, and your hot and sour soup is ready to serve, piping hot and bursting with bold, balanced flavors.

How to Serve Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a warm soup showing three main layers: the top layer has bright green chopped scallions scattered in the center, the middle layer includes large, soft pale beige tofu cubes evenly spread throughout, and the bottom layer is a rich, clear brown broth with thin, light-colored mushroom strips and dark brown mushroom pieces visible inside. A white ceramic spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the soup. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a small white bowl filled with more chopped green scallions and a glass with ice cubes. A white cloth napkin with fringes is partially visible under the soup bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simple addition of freshly chopped green onions brightens the soup visually and adds a pop of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory broth. For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of chili oil to raise the flavor profile even higher.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop or alongside crispy spring rolls for textural contrast. A light cucumber salad or stir-fried greens also complement it perfectly, providing a refreshing balance to the soup’s bold heat and tanginess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or small ceramic bowls to keep it warm longer and impress your guests. Adding a swirl of chili oil or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro just before serving can elevate the presentation and flavor experience to restaurant-quality sophistication.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hot and sour soup tastes wonderful even the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to stir well before reheating, as some settling may occur.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that the texture of mushrooms and tofu might change slightly after thawing. To maintain the best quality, freeze in portioned containers and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your hot and sour soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot and fragrant. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention; the slow, even reheating helps preserve that perfect harmony of hot and sour notes.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get all the wonderful flavors and textures. You can also add extra mushrooms or even some shredded cabbage to keep it hearty.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level is adjustable by adding more or fewer dried chili peppers. Start with the amount listed and add more gradually to suit your spice tolerance—this recipe allows for a pleasant kick without overwhelming the balance.

What type of vinegar works best?

Distilled white vinegar provides a clean, sharp sourness characteristic of traditional recipes. If you prefer, you can experiment with rice vinegar for a slightly milder, sweeter note.

Can I use fresh mushrooms only?

Yes, fresh mushrooms work wonderfully and provide great texture. Just be sure to clean and slice them thinly for even cooking. Dried mushrooms add extra umami, though, so consider mixing both if you like.

Is the soup gluten-free?

The soup can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, check that your broth and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten to keep things safe.

Final Thoughts

This Hot and Sour Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that sticks with you—the perfect balance of bold flavors, textures, and comforting warmth all in one bowl. Whether you’re craving a homemade remedy or a cozy meal with a bit of a kick, I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough. Dive in, savor every spoonful, and watch how it quickly becomes a well-loved favorite in your home.