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Easy homemade Hot and Sour Soup
Fresh and delicious and so much better than take-out!
This wonderfully easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe is loaded with tofu, mushrooms and bites of pork tenderloin simmered in a rich, full flavored broth. Homemade Hot and Sour Soup is so much better than take-out and easy to make too!
More often than not, when I go into a Chinese restaurant the first thing I order is Hot and Sour Soup. This is the ONE thing I rely on to let me know if I’m going to like the restaurant … or not.
While I’m not a huge fan of most Americanized Chinese dishes, I love Hot and Sour Soup! Â The combination of hot and spicy with a sharp bite from the vinegar, is absolutely terrific.
Ingredients for easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe:
This list may seem a little long, but most of the ingredients are probably in your pantry!
- soy sauce – we recommend low sodium for this recipe
- cornstarch for marinating the pork and to thicken the broth
- pork tenderloin – trimmed of visible fat
- store-bought or homemade low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
- brown sugar – for sweet and salty balance
- white wine vinegar – for the sour tanginess
- garlic chili paste – like Sambal Oelek
- ground white pepper – white or black are both okay
- cayenne – ground pepper for added heat
- firm tofu – drained
- bamboo shoots – canned or jarred
- potato – one small potato
- shiitake mushroomsÂ
- egg – for added richness to the broth
- toasted sesame oil – for flavor
- cilantro – for garnish or parsley works well too
- green onions – a must have garnish for this soup
- crushed red pepper flakes – optional
How to make our easy Hot and Sour Soup recipe:
First, marinate the pork
Combine soy sauce and cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Add the diced pork and toss to coat. Set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Next, make the soup
In a large soup pot whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, chili paste, cornstarch, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil then add the pork. Simmer about 30 minutes.
Add the tofu, bamboo, potatoes and mushrooms. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup. Add sesame oil and stir.
Serve the soup garnished with chopped cilantro, green onions and a dash of crushed red pepper.
Each component of the soup stands on it own, but they also blend wonderfully.
The pork is super tender and the tofu soaks up all the complex flavors while staying firm. The addition of diced potato is unique, but makes perfect sense in this soup.
Bamboo shoots add texture along with a few amazing health benefits such as a good supply of vitamins and minerals and heart healthy dietary fiber. It’s also said that bamboo shoots help with weight loss, strengthen the immune system and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Bonus!
Loaded with flavor and great textures.
I love that there’s so much flavor in one little bowl of Chinese Hot and Sour Soup. The broth stands on its own which is not always the case in soup recipes.
Feeling a little under the weather? This soup may just bring you back to life with its mildly fiery broth and warming touch.
Loaded with protein, packed with flavor, and easy to make, this popular soup will become an instant family favorite in your house too!
Love to make homemade Chinese take-out recipes? Try these favorites:
- Mongolian Beef
- Spicy Basil Chicken Recipe
- Honey Cashew Chicken
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Spicy Peanut Noodles with Sesame
- Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
- Easy Stir Fry Vegetables
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Easy Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 6 ounces pork tenderloin cut into 1/4" cubes
For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth low sodium
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper (black pepper is fine)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 12 ounces firm tofu drained and cut into ¼-inch strips
- 1 can bamboo shoots drained, rinsed and sliced thin
- ½ small potato peeled and cut into small cubes
- 6 shiitake mushrooms stems removed and sliced thin
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
- crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
To prepare the pork:
- In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Add the pork and toss to coat. Set aside at room temperature while preparing the soup (about 15 minutes)
To prepare the soup:
- In a large soup pot whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, chili paste, cornstarch, pepper and cayenne. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pork (and any sauce) to the broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens, about 30 minutes.
- Add the tofu, bamboo, potatoes and mushrooms to the broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Whisk the egg in a small measuring cup with a spout and without stirring the soup, slowly drizzle the egg into the simmering soup in a very thin, steady stream. When the egg strands float to the top, add the sesame oil and stir to combine. Â
- Serve the soup garnished with chopped cilantro, green onions and a dash of crushed red pepper if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Here are a few more Asian inspired recipes your might enjoy:
Kathy
I can’t wait to make your hot and sour soup. It looks amazing. Congratulations to your son. You must be very proud. My son has done Spartan races and loves the challenge.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Kathy! I adore this soup and wish I had a bowl right now. So glad you sons are challenging themselves with such amazing goals 🙂 It builds confidence, strength and good habits!
Robyn Gleason
Hmmm, I don’t think I’ve had hot and sour soup and I’ve tried so many Chinese dishes. I haven’t cooked many but I sure do love to eat them, lol. This has all the flavours that I would love and there’s nothing better than a big bowl of soup with some fire in it! Beautiful.
What an amazing trip you’re going to have with your family, Tricia. I’ll be looking forward to photos!
Tricia Buice
Oh Robyn – this is a must try! Even if you don’t make your own – hope you’ll try it in a restaurant sometime – it’s my favorite 🙂
2 Sisters Recipes
Yummy soup Tricia! It’s so wonderful you are Ed are going to Shanghai with the kids! So special!
have a great weekend!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Anna & Liz – we are so excited about the trip! What a special week it will be 🙂
Chris Scheuer
This is exactly what I wish I was having for lunch. Love the delicious combination of ingredients you’ve got in here Tricia! And Shanghai? How exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Chris! I could eat this for lunch everyday and every time I look at the pictures, I want to make it again. Sooooo yummy! Have a great weekend and thanks again 🙂
Larry
We really like hot and sour soup and have usually used Knorr’s as a start, but your homemade version looks outstanding and must be tried. For the mushrooms, did you use fresh, dried, or rehydrated
Tricia Buice
Hi Larry – I used large, fresh Shiitake mushrooms. I removed the stem, and sliced the tops in half then sliced in small pieces. You want them to be able to fit on a spoon! Enjoy – this is a keeper! Thank you 🙂
Susan
I don’t think I’ve ever tried hot and sour soup but it looks and sounds wonderful, Tricia! I can see how this would make a cold feel better, instantly! Hope you are feeling better too 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thank you Susan – I feel better already. Z-Pack antibiotics do wonders for the crud. Anyway – I hope you’ll try the soup – it has been a favorite of mine since the first time I tried it. Have a great weekend!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
We love our Hot and Sour Soup! Your recipe sounds wonderful and your photos are beautiful. Congratulations to your son and lucky you and hubby! Looking forward to lots of beautiful photos!! Have a nice weekend.
Tricia Buice
Thank you so much Marisa! Hope you have a great weekend too 🙂
cheri
Hi Tricia, first I’d like to say that I’ve made many a pot soup but never one like this. Pinned looks delicious will be making soon.
Also congrats to your son! sounds like you are all going on a big adventure, I have never traveled abroad, good for you. Take care!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Cheri – it is absolutely delicious – one of our favorites! Have a great weekend and thanks 🙂
Monica
Wow! Congrats on your son and good luck at the Spartan race!! I can’t believe you will all be going to Shanghai…oh, there are going to be some amazing photos and memories from that trip, I’m sure!
And hot & sour soup is one of our very favorites. I love lots of vinegar – sometimes we top the soup with a little extra red vinegar for extra kick. Your version looks wonderful – adding some potatoes surely does not hurt!
Tricia Buice
We are so excited Monica – and maybe I can get a bowl of authentic Hot & Sour Soup! The potatoes were a nice touch I think – it added that little something 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Monique
Shanghai!! Wow..that will be amazing for you!
You love travel..you will be in the best company♥
THis looks delish!
Tricia Buice
Thank you Monique – we are all so excited 🙂 Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Pam
Sounds delicious, Tricia! I’m a little embarrassed to say I’ve never had sweet and sour soup, even though I’ve been to plenty of Chinese restaurants here in the Chicago area and around. It looks and sounds divine and is something new I will have to try with all those great flavors going on. Thanks for sharing!
Tricia Buice
Hey Pam! Thanks for stopping by – so next time you got out – get a bowl of hot & sour soup and give it a try. It’s loaded with flavor and just a little heat. Such a nice bowl of deliciousness 🙂 Enjoy!
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef
Great recipe Tricia, I love hot and sour Chinese soup. Your recipe looks delicious. I hope you are feeling better soon and get some rest.
Tricia Buice
Thanks Gerlinde – I am working on it 🙂 Hope your travels are going well.
tanna
Wish I had a bowl right NOW!! Looks crazy good! Thank you, Tricia! blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ps get better soon!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Tanna – being sick is the worst. I can’t seem to shake it but another bowl of this might help! Have a great weekend lovely lady!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
I’m not sure I’ve ever had hot and sour soup, now that I think of it, but it sounds so wonderful, and I love anything made with pork tenderloin ~ this is a keeper! Pinning and sharing <3
Tricia Buice
This is worth a try Sue – always a favorite and very popular 🙂
Dom
oh yes this totally looks like the real deal… I can feel my nose running with the glorious heat of this soup… a beautiful bowl of wintery loveliness x
Tricia Buice
You nailed it Dom – it is a glorious bowl with delicious heat – yum! Hope you’re doing great and thanks!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
It’s one of my favourites too.
p.s you wrote sweet and sour soup on one of your photos
Tricia Buice
Thanks Angie – I caught it about the same time you did. Too much cold medicine this morning – maybe I need more soup! Thanks again – have a lovely weekend.