Soup > Asian Soups > Chinese Soups > Sichuan

Sichuan-style Hot and Sour Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Ladle
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and Sichuan peppercorns.
4. Add the soy sauce mixture to the pot and stir well.
5. Add the diced tofu and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup.
7. Add the scallions and cilantro and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Simmer on medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with any other type of mushroom.
- Firm tofu can be substituted with soft tofu.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add cornstarch to thicken the soup.
- Add more chili paste for a spicier soup.

Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup to create the classic egg ribbons.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste to your desired level of spiciness.

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

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of scallions and cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
- Scallions and cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too sour, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the soup to a temperature of at least 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food History:
- Hot and sour soup is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, with variations found throughout the country.

Flavor Profiles:
- This soup is both spicy and sour, with a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a starter or as a main dish.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Spicy, Sour, Tangy, Umami, Savory