Homemade Hot & Sour Soup
Hot & Sour Soup – Better Than Takeout!
There are some recipes that instantly become family favorites… the kind that make everyone peek into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” This Hot and Sour Soup is exactly that kind of dish.
Rich, savory, tangy, and perfectly spiced — this restaurant-style classic comes together in one pot and tastes even better than what you’d order from your favorite takeout spot. The broth is silky, the mushrooms add earthy depth, the tofu brings creaminess, and the signature egg ribbons make each spoonful comforting and delicious.
And the best part?
Once you try making it at home just once… you’ll never stop. (Yes — it’s that addictive!)
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Hot & Sour Soup
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Cozy, warming, and deeply flavorful
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Perfect for weeknight dinners
✔ Easily adjustable for more heat or more tang
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, baby bella, or wood ear)
- 1 cup firm tofu, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons chili paste or sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
👩🍳 How to Make It
- Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot, heat sesame oil. Add garlic and ginger until fragrant. - Build the broth:
Add mushrooms, broth, soy sauce, vinegar, chili paste, and white pepper. Let it simmer 10 minutes. - Add tofu:
Gently stir in the diced tofu. - Thicken the soup:
Add your cornstarch slurry and simmer until the broth thickens slightly. - Create the egg ribbons:
Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while stirring in one direction.
Watch the beautiful silky strands form instantly! - Taste + adjust:
Add more vinegar for tang, more chili for heat, or more soy for saltiness. - Serve hot:
Garnish with green onions and enjoy immediately.
💡 Tips for the Best Hot & Sour Soup
✨ Use white pepper — it gives the soup its iconic heat.
✨ Want vegetarian? Swap broth and leave out any meat add-ins.
✨ Add bamboo shoots for an authentic restaurant flavor.
✨ For extra silkiness, whisk in one yolk at the end.
