Authentic Hot and Sour Tofu Soup

 

Authentic Hot and Sour Tofu Soup

(A bold and flavorful Chinese hot and sour soup with silky tofu, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly balanced broth of tangy vinegar, spicy white pepper, and umami-rich seasonings.)

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Ingredients

Tofu & Protein:

• 1 block firm tofu (sliced into thin strips or small cubes)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten, for egg ribbons) (optional for a vegetarian version, omit if vegan)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or mushroom broth for extra umami)
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms (thinly sliced, or wood ear mushrooms)
• ½ cup bamboo shoots (julienned)
• ½ cup carrots (julienned)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Broth Seasoning:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or black vinegar for a deeper tang)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp white pepper (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp chili oil (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder (optional, for numbing spice)
• Salt to taste

Thickener:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water

Final Garnish & Extras:

• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Extra white vinegar or chili oil for adjusting flavor

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

2. Add Vegetables & Seasoning:

   • Stir in mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots, and tofu.
   • Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and white pepper.
   • Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavors.

3. Thicken the Soup:

   • Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
   • Let the soup cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Create the Egg Swirl (Optional):

   • If using egg, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup in a thin stream while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.

5. Final Touches:

   • Drizzle in sesame oil and adjust seasoning to taste.
   • Add extra white vinegar, white pepper, or chili oil as desired for a sharper tang or more spice.

6. Serve & Garnish:

   • Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh green onions.
   • Serve hot with a side of steamed dumplings, rice, or noodles.

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Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Bold, balanced flavors with tangy vinegar & spicy white pepper
✅ Silky tofu & crunchy vegetables for texture contrast
✅ Customizable spice level with Sichuan peppercorns & chili oil
✅ Vegetarian & easily made vegan (just omit the egg!)

Would you like a miso-inspired fusion version or a spicier Sichuan-style adaptation? 😊

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