authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: Vegetarian Version

Start an exciting culinary journey to the heart of Chinese cuisine, where I am going to take you through authentic hot and sour soup recipe. I will make sure authentic flavors dance on your plate.

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Prepare to awaken your senses with the symphony of authentic Szechuan flavors, expertly blended to create a harmonious balance of spicy and sour notes. This delectable soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to the vibrant streets of Chengdu, the birthplace of this culinary masterpiece.

In this blog post, I’ll take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of authentic hot and sour soup recipe. I’ll explore the origins of this iconic dish, what does authentic vegetarian hot and sour soup made of? And provide you with a step-by-step guide to recreate this amazing recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen.

If you are health conscious the first question arises in your mind would be is Chinese hot and sour soup healthy? I did a little research and found out this tasty soup is actually healthy. You should consume it during sore throat. It is good for you metabolism and also have many other essential nutrients for you.

The second question would be how much calories do a vegetarian authentic hot and sour soup have? With just 150 to 170 calories this could be your favorite soup. No you are not going to gain weight with Chinese hot and sour soup.

So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together. As you and I will delve into the depths of authentic hot and sour soup recipe, you’ll discover why this dish has captivated the hearts of food lovers around the world.

Don’t You Want to Know the History of Hot and Sour Soup?

Sichuan province of China is the birthplace of the authentic hot and sour soup recipe. This culinary masterpiece, with its charming indulgence of spicy, sour, and savory notes, has a history as rich as its taste.Who invented hot and sour soup?The exact inventor of the soup is unknown.

The soup is believed to have evolved over time. Every regional cuisine has added something to the traditional recipe. However, the Sichuan province of China is widely recognized as the birthplace of the authentic hot and sour soup recipe, where it is considered a beloved regional delicacy.

Its name tells the story why it is called hot and sour soup?The authentic hot and sour soup recipe got its name from the charismatic balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors that define it. The heat, derived from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, provides a spicy kick, while the sourness, imparted by vinegar or fermented soybeans, offers a refreshing contrast.

The savory richness of ingredients like meat, tofu, and wood ear mushrooms adds depth and umami, creating a complex and captivating flavor profile. In Chinese it is spelled as 酸辣汤 (Suān là tāng). Variations of the hot and sour soup can be found in other Asian cuisines, such as Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese.

Now, let’s get to the vegetarian hot and sour soup recipe.

authentic hot and sour soup recipe: Ingredients

Below is the list of all the ingredients and their best substitutes which I would use for authentic hot and soup recipe.

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Homemade broth is always my first choice. If you don’t have it homemade you can also use store bought. You can use water also if you don’t have broth but soup would be less flavorful.

Try to use neutral flavored oil. For me Canola oil is best choice. You can use other oils also.

Take garlic cloves and mince them finely. Although freshly minced garlic gives best taste but you can use garlic powder. If you are using garlic powder, use ½ tsp.

I use fresh green onions with crisp, green leaves. Chop them finely, including both the white and green parts. You can use chives or scallions as a substitute if you don’t have green onions.

I use fresh ginger roots because they give best flavor. Peel and grate the ginger finely. You can also use ground ginger ¼ tsp if you don’t have fresh one.

Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Red ones are used traditionally but you can use any bell pepper you have like green or yellow.

Choose dried wood ear mushrooms. Soak them in hot water for some time until they are soft and pliable. Slice them before using.

Use harder tofu for authentic hot and sour soup recipe. Drain the tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. Cut it into small cubes. You can use tempeh as a substitute.

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

I use dried shiitake mushrooms in this recipe. I am soaking them in hot water until they are soft and pliable. Slice them before using. You can use other type of mushrooms if you don’t have shiitake mushrooms.

You can find soy sauce at any store but you can also use tamari as a substitute.

 Chinese rice vinegar has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that is why I prefer it. White vinegar is a good substitute of Chinese rice vinegar but it gives a slightly different taste.

Chinese black vinegar has a strong flavor. It is one of main ingredient in Chinese hot and sour soup. Balsamic vinegar can be also used as a substitute.

I use toasted sesame oil for this recipe. It gives the best flavor. It is slightly darker in color than regular sesame oil. You can use any other oil like olive oil if sesame oil is not available.

I use medium-heat chili oil. You can choose whichever you prefer according to your taste. You can sriracha sauce as a substitute but it is much spicier than chili oil. So use the quantity accordingly.

Take some white pepper and grind them. Black pepper can be also used.

  • Cornstarch: ¼ cup

It makes my soup thick. You can increase or decrease the quantity depending upon how much thick you want. Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder can be used as substitutes.

Take one large egg and beat it. If you prefer vegan option you can omit the egg. If you are not vegan make sure to use egg because it adds richness and body to the soup.

I take fresh cilantro leaves because the give the slight crunch and amazing aroma. Parsley can also be used instead of cilantro but cilantro has unique flavor that is the characteristic of Chinese cuisine.

I use dried shiitake mushrooms in authentic hot and sour soup recipe. I am soaking them in hot water until they are soft and pliable. Slice them before using. You can use other type of mushrooms if you don’t have shiitake mushrooms.

Instructions: Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Prepare the ingredients: authentic hot and sour soup recipe

  • Gather all the ingredients listed above.
  • Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  • Chop the green onions, including both the white and green parts.
  • Grate the ginger finely.
  • Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces.
  • Cut the bamboo shoots into thin slices.
  • Soak the wood ear mushrooms in hot water until soft and pliable. Slice them before using.
  • Drain the tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. Cut it into small cubes.
  • Soak the shiitake mushrooms in hot water until soft and pliable. Slice them before using.
  • Beat one large egg.
  • Chop the fresh cilantro leaves.

Cooking: Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

  • Pour vegetable broth in a large pot. Keep the heat level to medium. Bring the broth to a level where it starts bubbling
  • Add the garlic, green onions, and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Drop in the red bell pepper, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and white pepper. Stir them finely. Bring it to a boil.
  • Reduce heat flame to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft. Vegetables should become chewable. It is up to you how much cooked you prefer. I prefer them a bit crunchy.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
  • Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup. Keep it stirring continuously or else it will form clots in the soup. Bring it to a boil, keep stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Check if the soup has thickened. If it is less thick cook it for some more time or you can also add more cornstarch.
  • Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup, stirring constantly. The egg will cook in thin strands.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.

Final Words: Craft Your Own Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

We’ve explored the art of crafting an authentic hot and sour soup recipe, delving into the complexities of ingredient selection, balancing the flavors, and cooking techniques. As you prepare to recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen, remember that the true essence lies in the pleasing balance of flavors and the use of authentic ingredients.

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Remember, the authentic hot and sour soup recipe is not just a meal; it’s a testament to culinary heritage, a symphony of flavors, and a journey of discovery.Did this blog post inspire you to experiment with different types of vinegar, chili oil, and mushrooms to create a unique and personalized version of authentic hot and sour soup recipe?

Are there any variations or adaptations of the authentic hot and sour soup recipe that you’re curious about? Do you have a family recipe that you’d like me to try?Share your thoughts, culinary experiences, and questions by leaving a comment below.

I would love to hear from you.Your feedback is invaluable in helping me create content that resonates with our readers and enhances their cooking journeys. You can leave a comment below or mail me at shereenkhan@onlyasianfood.com. Don’t forget to check my fb page onlyasianfood and pinterest page.

authentic-hot-and-sour-soup-recipe

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup Recipe: Vegetarian Version

Shereen Khan
In this blog post, I'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of authentic hot and sour soup recipe.I will reveal all do's and don'ts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 quarters Vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Ginger
  • 3 Green onion
  • 1 Red bell pepper
  • 1 cup Bamboo shoots
  • 1 cup Wood ear mushroom
  • 1 cup Tofu
  • 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms
  • ½ cup Soy sauce
  • ½ cup Rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Chilli oil
  • 1 tsp White pepper
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tbsp Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Prepare the ingredients:

  • Gather all the ingredients listed above.
  • Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  • Chop the green onions, including both the white and green parts.
  • Grate the ginger finely.
  • Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces.
  • Cut the bamboo shoots into thin slices.
  • Soak the wood ear mushrooms in hot water until soft and pliable. Slice them before using.
  • Drain the tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. Cut it into small cubes.
  • Soak the shiitake mushrooms in hot water until soft and pliable. Slice them before using.
  • Beat one large egg.
  • Chop the fresh cilantro leaves.

Cooking Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

  • Pour vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Bring broth to a boil.
  • Add garlic, green onions, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add red bell pepper, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and white pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
  • Whisk together cornstarch and water. Slowly whisk into simmering soup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly pour beaten egg into the soup, stirring constantly.
  • Remove pot from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
Keyword authentic hot and sour soup recipe, chinese hot and sour soup recipe, hot and sour soup recipe vegetarian, szechuan hot and sour soup recipe
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