Hot and Sour Fish Ball Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb fish balls
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add fish balls, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili paste, sugar, and cornstarch.
4. Slowly pour the mixture into the pot, stirring constantly.
5. Add beaten eggs and stir gently to create egg ribbons.
6. Remove from heat and add scallions and cilantro.
7. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve hot
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fish balls can be substituted with tofu or chicken balls.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Chili paste can be substituted with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts can be substituted with any vegetables of your choice.

Variations:
- Add cooked noodles for a heartier soup.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overcook the fish balls, as they can become tough.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and scallions for added flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with chopsticks and a spoon.

Garnishes:
- Additional cilantro and scallions

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or a side salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth.
- If the soup is too thin, add more cornstarch.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fish balls thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

Food history:
- Hot and sour soup is a traditional Chinese soup that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- This soup is both spicy and tangy, with a savory umami flavor from the fish balls and soy sauce.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Chinese

Taste: Spicy, Sour, Savory, Tangy