Hot and Sour Soup with Egg
A classic Indo-Chinese favorite, this soup perfectly balances spicy and tangy flavors. Loaded with shredded vegetables and silky egg ribbons, it's the ultimate comfort in a bowl.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or wok over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chili. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the julienned carrot, shredded cabbage, and sliced mushrooms to the pot.
- c.Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crunch.
- d.Add the julienned capsicum and cook for another minute.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Pour in the vegetable broth. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, red chili sauce, white pepper powder, salt, and sugar.
- c.Stir everything together thoroughly.
- d.Bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Soup
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.While the soup is boiling, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot in a steady stream, stirring the soup continuously to prevent lumps.
- d.Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes as the soup thickens to a glossy consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Create Egg Ribbons
- b.Reduce the heat to low. While gently stirring the soup in a slow, circular motion, pour the beaten egg into the pot in a very thin stream.
- c.The egg will cook instantly, forming delicate, silky ribbons.
- d.Turn off the heat as soon as all the egg is added to avoid overcooking it.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Stir in the toasted sesame oil and chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add more vinegar for sourness, soy sauce for saltiness, or chili sauce for heat.
- d.Ladle into bowls and serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, ensure all vegetables are julienned or shredded very finely and uniformly.
- 2To avoid lumps, always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot soup.
- 3Pour the beaten egg very slowly in a thin stream while stirring gently to create delicate, fine ribbons. Pouring too fast will result in large clumps.
- 4White pepper is key for the soup's characteristic pungent heat. Substituting with black pepper will change the authentic flavor profile.
- 5If you have dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrate them and use the soaking water as part of the broth for a deeper umami flavor.
- 6The soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so aim for a slightly thinner consistency on the stove than you ultimately desire.
- 7For a richer flavor, use a high-quality vegetable or chicken stock instead of water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1/2 cup of finely shredded cooked chicken or small cubes of firm tofu along with the vegetables in step 2 for a more filling soup.
Mushroom Lover'sMushroom Lover's
Use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, wood ear, and button mushrooms for a more complex, earthy flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of red chili sauce or add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste along with the aromatics in step 1.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure your chili sauce and vinegar are certified gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Immunity Boosting
Contains ginger, garlic, and chili, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms, this soup is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall health.
Low in Calories
As a broth-based soup, it is hydrating and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a light meal or appetizer, especially for those managing their weight.
Aids Digestion
The ginger in the soup is well-known for its digestive benefits, helping to soothe the stomach and promote healthy digestion.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Hot and Sour Soup (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 150-180 calories, making it a light and healthy appetizer or snack.