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Chef John's Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Chef John's Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Chef John’s Hot and Sour Soup is a bold, comforting soup made with shiitake mushrooms, tofu, vegetables, eggs, and a tangy soy-vinegar broth thickened just enough to feel cozy.
It’s warming, customizable, and perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or anytime you want soup with personality.
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Prep Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 193
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce plus more to taste
  • ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated carrot
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup bamboo shoots
  • 1 cup cubed tofu
  • 2 large eggs beaten

Method
 

  1. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes until soft. Drain well and slice them into thin strips.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Set it aside.
  3. In another small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry. Set aside.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, green onions, and sliced mushrooms. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the carrot, red bell pepper, bamboo shoots, tofu, and the hot and sour mixture. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring constantly to create thin ribbons. Keep stirring until the soup returns to a boil, then reduce the heat.
  8. Stir the cornstarch slurry again and slowly drizzle it into the soup while stirring. The soup will thicken within 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

This soup is bold, comforting, and a little dramatic in the best way.
If it’s too hot, too sour, or slightly messy the first time, congratulations. You’re doing it right.