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Hot and Sour Soup

Authentic Hot and Sour Soup (Suan La Tang)

Lin
A restaurant-quality Hot and Sour Soup recipe that balances the heat of white pepper with the tang of Chinkiang vinegar. Ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine Chinese, Sichuan
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Wok or Large Soup Pot At least 3-quart capacity
  • 1 Ladle
  • 1 Cutting board and knife

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 1 large tomato peeled and diced
  • 5 cups water or unsalted chicken stock 1.2 Liters
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Ingredients

  • 100 g pork loin cut into matchsticks (can sub ham)
  • 1 box silken tofu approx 10-12 oz, cut into strips
  • 5 dried shiitake mushrooms rehydrated and sliced
  • 8 dried wood ear mushrooms rehydrated and shredded
  • 100 g enoki mushrooms roots removed
  • 2 eggs beaten

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar Chinese black vinegar
  • 0.5 tbsp white pepper powder adjust to heat preference
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water for slurry

Instructions
 

  • Make the slurry: Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Chop scallions and cilantro.
    Mise en Place / Prep
  • Sauté the tomato: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add diced tomatoes and stir-fry until they break down into a red sauce (2-3 mins).
    Create the Tomato Base
  • Build the soup: Add water (or stock) and bring to a boil. Add pork, mushrooms, and tofu. Boil for 2-3 minutes.
  • Season and Thicken: Lower heat to medium. Add salt, chicken essence, chili powder, and soy sauces. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  • Egg Drop: Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while gently stirring to create ribbons. Cook for 30 seconds.
    The Egg Drop
  • Finish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the white pepper and vinegar. Garnish with scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately.
    Hot and Sour Soup

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Allergen Note: Contains Soy, Egg, and Wheat (Gluten in soy sauce).
Keyword 20-minute soup recipe, Authentic Chinese Hot and Sour Soup, easy Chinese soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Suan La Tang recipe