How to Make Hot and Sour Soup (Without the Egg)
Seeking out a bowl of comfort that comes with a flavor punch? This is the answer: Hot and Sour Soup! It is tangy, spicy, savory and totally vegan, one more great option for anyone who’s plant or egg free. Whether you desire a robust soup on a frigid day or want to sample something different, this recipe will not disappoint.” It’s quick, easy, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is full of healthy ingredients. Let's dive right into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold flavors: A beautiful balance of hot, sour, salty, and umami.
Easy to make: This flavorful soup takes only 30 minutes to make.
No eggs & vegan: For those with special dietary needs.
Wholesome and satiating: Loaded with vegetables, tofu and wholesome spices.
Scalable: These can be made as spicy or sour as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1 medium carrot, julienned or cut into matchsticks
1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms are good)
1/2 cup tofu, cubed (firm or extra-firm)
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper (omit, or adjust for spice level)
1 tablespoon chili paste or chili sauce (spicy as desired)
4 cups vegetable stock or water
2 tablespoons cornstarch, combined with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
2 teaspoons sesame oil (for finishing)
1 tbsp chopped green onions (garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or the sesame oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and ginger. Cook until aromatic for approximately 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the oil.
Add Vegetables
Then stir the carrot and mushrooms into the pot. Stir, mix and Cook for 3-4 minutes and let them cook and sweat. The mushrooms should start cooking down and turning a little tender.
Add Tofu and Seasonings
Stir in the cubed tofu, along with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and white pepper. Doing so nicely mixes them up while leaving some of the tofu cauliflower crispy, didn't you know! Cook, stirring for another 2-3 minutes, allowing him to suck the flavors off the broth.
Add the Broth
Next, add the vegetable broth (or water). Higher the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. When it all comes to a boil, turn down the heat and let everything simmer together for the next five to seven minutes, for the vegetables and tofu to meld with the broth.
Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. You then add the slurry to the soup slowly while stirring so that no lumps are formed. This will thicken the soup, as well as give it that silky smooth texture. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the soup reaches the thickness you want.
Add Spice and Sourness
Add in the chili paste or chili sauce for the signature kick. The amount can be adjusted according to your spiciness tolerance. To make it tangier, add more rice vinegar. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary—all about balance with this soup! If you like it a bit sweeter, add some more sugar.
Finish the Soup
To bring it all home, drizzle in the sesame oil. They’ll give the soup a deep, nutty flavor that is ever so delicious. Mix everything thoroughly and your soup is ready to serve!
Garnish and Serve
Spoon the hot soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. And for a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds. Garnish with herb leaves and serve hot, relishing every spicy, sour-slurp!
How to Make Hot and Sour Soup: Tips for Success
Make it less spicy: You can lessen the amount of chili paste if you want a soup that is not as spicy. Add more chili sauce to each bowl if you want more heat.
Customize it: You can add more vegetables such as bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, or spinach. They provide additional texture and nutrition to the soup.
Use firm tofu: To get the best texture, be sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu. Silken tofu will fall apart in the soup and not achieve the same result.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute tamari for the soy sauce to make the soup gluten-free.
Adjust the sourness: If you like your soup extra sour, stir in more rice vinegar. For a less aggressive flavor, go with the original amount.
Hot and Sour Soup Health Benefits
Low-Calorie: Another cool thing about this soup is it is low in calories as compared to the other recipes.
Packed with vegetables: The mushrooms, carrots and other veggies contribute vital vitamins and minerals that support your overall well-being.
High in protein: The tofu makes this a filling soup; it’s a good source of plant protein.
Helps you stay healthy: Garlic and ginger are both known for their immunity-boosting properties, assisting you in protecting yourself from illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup can also be made in advance and kept in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat it on the stove, and it will taste as good as when you made it.
Q: Would it be okay to use noodles in this soup?
A: Absolutely! For a heartier soup, it could take rice noodles or soba noodles. Just cook the noodles separately, plopping them into the soup right before serving.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not gluten free; if you use regular soy sauce, it is not gluten free. To turn it gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Final Thoughts
For those who like a little bit of spice and a little bit of tang this Hot and Sour Soup. It’s fast to prepare, full of healthy stuff, and best of all, vegan and egg-free! Whether you will have it as a light meal or combine it with your favorite dish, this soup will definitely make you satisfied. It’s a flexible recipe that you can easily adjust to your taste, so don’t hesitate to play with the flavors. Fill your bowl full of this cozy soup and warm your soul with every spoonful!
This quick, flavorful Hot and Sour Soup will be a new staple in your kitchen. It is a perfectly easy dish to make, it has bold flavors and it is vegan and egg free. Have fun cooking up this recipe, and share it with family and friends!
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