Craving something warm and flavorful? This Hot and Sour Soup is the perfect dish for you! With a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients, it brings a cozy, zesty experience to your table.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved dish that combines the perfect balance of heat and tanginess. You’ll enjoy the tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth that make this soup irresistible. It’s ideal for a comforting dinner or as a starter before your main meal. This recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it comes together in just 40 minutes! Get ready to enjoy a bowl of savory goodness that warms your heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast pieces
- 3 dried red chillies
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 spring onion, chopped
- 3 litres water
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp MSG
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
Start by placing the chicken breast pieces in a deep pot. Create a spice ball by wrapping the dried red chillies, minced garlic cloves, and black peppercorns in cheesecloth. Add this spice ball along with a sprig of spring onion to the pot. Pour in 3 litres of water, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken, let it cool, and cube it into small pieces.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Strain the broth into a bowl, discarding the spice ball and solids, then return the clear broth to the pot. Next, chop the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Add these vibrant vegetables to the pot and stir in dark soy sauce, white vinegar, hot sauce, salt, MSG, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup and Add Eggs
To thicken the soup, mix the cornflour with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the boiling soup while stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then slowly drizzle them into the soup while stirring gently to create delicate ribbons of egg. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped spring onion for an extra touch of color.
Tips for Perfecting Hot and Sour Soup
For the best Hot and Sour Soup, consider using high-quality chicken breast for tender pieces. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce and white pepper to suit your taste preferences. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, so always opt for seasonal produce. For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer a bit longer before adding the cornflour slurry. Finally, don’t rush the egg drizzle; a gentle hand ensures beautiful ribbons in your soup.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily modify this Hot and Sour Soup recipe to suit dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, replace dark soy sauce with tamari sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a soup that suits your taste and dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Hot and Sour Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling it again, as this may alter the texture of the eggs. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of water to restore its consistency while reheating.
FAQs :
What’s in a hot and sour soup?
Hot and Sour Soup typically includes chicken breast pieces, dried red chillies, garlic, black peppercorns, various vegetables, soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, and eggs.
Is Chinese hot and sour soup healthy?
Yes, Chinese Hot and Sour Soup can be a healthy option. It’s low in calories and packed with vegetables, lean protein, and spices that may aid digestion.
Why do they call it hot and sour soup?
It’s called Hot and Sour Soup due to its spicy heat from chillies and tangy flavor from vinegar, creating a unique and vibrant taste.
What is the secret to a good hot and sour soup?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors—using quality ingredients, adjusting the heat and sourness to your preference, and ensuring the broth is rich and flavorful.
Conclusion
This chicken soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for any occasion. Make this cozy dish to enjoy with your loved ones, and savor the comforting flavors that fill your home.
For more comforting recipe inspiration, visit our Pinterest ! page ,And explore more delicious
soup recipes Here.

Hot and Sour Soup
Equipment
- deep pot
- sieve
- bowl
Ingredients
- chicken breast pieces
- dried red chillies
- garlic cloves
- black peppercorns
- 1 sprig spring onion
- 3 litres water
- cabbage
- carrots
- mushrooms
- red bell pepper
- dark soy sauce
- white vinegar
- hot sauce
- salt
- MSG
- white pepper
- cornflour
- eggs
Instructions
- Place chicken breast pieces in a deep pot and create a spice ball with dried red chillies, garlic cloves, and black peppercorns, adding it to the pot with a sprig of spring onion.
- Pour in 3 litres of water, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, let it cool, and cut into small cubes, then strain the broth into a bowl and return it to the pot.
- Chop the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and red bell pepper, and add them to the pot.
- Stir in dark soy sauce, white vinegar, hot sauce, salt, MSG, and white pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Mix cornflour with water to create a slurry, adding it gradually to the boiling soup while stirring until thickened.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and slowly drizzle into the soup, stirring gently to form ribbons.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped spring onion.




