Chinese spicy and sour soup is a beloved dish known for its perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami. This hearty and aromatic soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, with a rich broth, a variety of textures, and a satisfying depth of flavor. It’s perfect as an appetizer or even a main dish when served with steamed rice. The combination of spicy, sour, and savory ingredients makes this soup both comforting and invigorating.
To begin, the base of the soup is typically made from a combination of chicken or vegetable broth and a mix of key ingredients that create the signature flavor profile. Vinegar, often rice vinegar, provides the tangy sourness, while white pepper or chili paste brings the heat. These ingredients are simmered together, allowing their flavors to meld. Soy sauce adds saltiness, and a splash of sesame oil enhances the broth with its nutty aroma.
The soup is filled with a variety of ingredients that contribute different textures and flavors. Mushrooms, such as shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, add an earthy, tender bite. Tofu, usually silken or firm, is cut into cubes and provides a soft contrast to the other ingredients. Bamboo shoots or water chestnuts give a nice crunch, while sliced pork, chicken, or shrimp adds protein and richness to the soup.
One of the defining features of spicy and sour soup is the addition of egg. Beaten eggs are slowly poured into the hot broth, creating silky ribbons that add texture and creaminess. The soup is then thickened slightly with cornstarch, which creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
For the final touch, the soup is garnished with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sometimes a dash of chili oil for an extra kick. The balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, combined with the variety of textures, makes this soup a comforting, yet exciting dish.
Chinese spicy and sour soup is highly customizable, so you can adjust the spice level or the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of soup on a cold day or looking to complement your Chinese meal, this dish is sure to satisfy with its bold, complex flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth use low-sodium for a healthier option
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced, use shiitake or wood ear mushrooms
- 1 cup firm tofu cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots julienned
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce use light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar to add sourness
- 1 tablespoon chili paste adjust to taste for heat
- 1 teaspoon white pepper adds spicy notes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, cubed tofu, and julienned bamboo shoots to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are somewhat tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and white pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then gradually add it to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup slightly thickens.
- Remove the pot from heat and slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently to form egg ribbons.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Nutrition
This soup is incredible! I made it last night and everyone loved it. Definitely a keeper.
Honestly, I don’t see what the hype is about. It turned out kinda bland. Maybe I didn’t add enough chili paste?
I thought it was great! Maybe try adding more spices next time? That’ll kick it up a notch!
I dunno, maybe it’s just not for you? Some people like it basic. 🤷
Why do you need to make a slurry? I just chucked the cornstarch in, worked fine.
Nice recipe! Just like the one from that Chinese place I go to. Real authentic taste. 😋
Looks good, but I don’t think it can be as good as the one from the restaurant. They have secret ingredients, right?
I love this recipe! Just tried it last night and it was amazing. Tastes just like my favorite takeout! 🤤
Not spicy enough! I added more chili paste but still not burning like I wanted it. 😤
I thought it was a bit too sour. Maybe less vinegar next time? I like spicy, but too much tangy for me.
Woah, this is hot! Almost too spicy for me but the flavor is on point. Next time, less chili!
It was decent, but I feel like it needed more heat. I added extra chili paste but didn’t get much kick.
I didn’t have some of the ingredients so I just guessed. It turned out really good! Cooking is fun!!
But isn’t cooking supposed to have specific ingredients? I don’t know if I trust random guesses. 🤔
That’s awesome! Sometimes guessing can lead to the best dishes. What did you use instead of the missing ingredients?
Yum! Even my kids liked it! Perfect for cold days. Thanks for sharing!
Yummy! I added chicken instead of tofu and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Chicken instead of tofu? That’s clever! I love it when people remix recipes. Gonna try this next time!
Really? I don’t think chicken fits in spicy sour soup… It’s supposed to be vegetarian! But whatever works for you!
Tastes alright but I feel like something is missing… maybe more chili paste next time?
I agree! A bit more chili paste could really kick it up a notch! Spicy is the best!
Really? I thought it was good as it is. Maybe you’re just not used to spicy food?
Hmm, sounds nice but I hate mushrooms. Anyone tried it without them??
You could totally skip the mushrooms! I’ve made it with just tofu and it was still really good. Give it a try!
Followed the recipe for the most part, but used chicken instead of tofu. Still turned out great!
I don’t like tofu, so I used chicken instead. Also added some peas. Not authentic but it works for me!
Ewww, this was a disaster! It ended up looking like sludge…never again!
I tried this recipe and it was pretty bad. The vinegar made it too sour for me.
Not bad but wayyyy too complicated for me. I just wanted a quick soup recipe!
Absolutely loved this soup! The flavors are just perfect. Will make again!
I tried it and it was a bit too sour for me. Maybe I used too much vinegar? 🤔
So glad you enjoyed it! This soup is a favorite at my house too. Just the right kick!
Wow! This is just like the soup from my favorite restaurant! 😍 I’m so happy I can make it at home now.
I don’t like mushrooms, so I skipped them but still tasted good. Super quick and easy!
I had to googly some stuff cause I don’t know what bamboo shoots are, but I think it was good!
Soup is nice, but i didn’t have bamboo. Used carrots instead. Still yum!
This is really good, but why add egg? Lol I didn’t get it. Not a fan of egg in soup.
I tried this and it was okay, but felt too sour for my taste. I’d rather just have miso soup.
This soup was amazing! I made it for my family and they loved it. Definitely a keeper!
I’m not really a fan of mushrooms, can I leave them out? The soup looks good tho!
This soup is amazing! So much flavor and just the right amount of spice! Will make again.
Egg ribbons… is that supposed to be a thing? I just scrambled it. It still tasted fine tho.
Delicious! My kids loved it, even though they usually don’t eat tofu. Thanks for sharing!
This soup is amazing! So much flavor! Definitely a keeper!
I forgot to put the egg, and I didn’t have mushrooms. Was still kinda okay.
Soo good! I could eat this every day! Spicy and sour, just how I like it!
YUM! My whole family loved it! We put in some leftover chicken too. 10/10
I’m so glad your family loved it! Adding leftover chicken sounds delicious. I should try that next time!
10/10 is too much! It’s just soup. Did you really use all those ingredients? Sounds like a lot of work.
Recipe seems complicated. Can I just use regular mushrooms? Not a fan of fancy ones.
I was a bit skeptical about the tofu part but it actually turned out really good! Will try again.
This soup is soooo good! I added some extra mushrooms, and it was perfect. 5 stars!
Really liked how easy it was to make! Will definitely cook again. Thank you!
Eh, it didn’t turn out like I thought. Was more of a brothy mess than soup. Not great.
Too sour for my taste. I think I won’t make this again. Maybe I used too much vinegar.
Lol, too sour? I think it sounds perfect! Just need to adjust and you’ll be good.
I get what you mean! Maybe try reducing the vinegar next time. It can be a bit much if you’re not used to it.