If you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that strikes a perfect balance between spicy and tangy, this Hot and Sour Soup is your answer! With the delightful kick from ginger and tang from lime, this soup serves as the perfect side to your favorite Asian meal or can shine on its own as a satisfying main dish, especially when you add some shredded chicken. Dive into a bowl of this irresistible comfort food!
Budget Information
This delightful Hot and Sour Soup is not only delicious but also budget-friendly! The total cost to whip up this recipe is approximately $10, making it about $2.50 per serving for four. Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Broth: $2.00
- Vinegar: $0.50
- Mirin: $1.00
- Honey: $0.30
- No-Tomato Sauce: $1.50
- Aminos: $1.00
- Ginger: $0.50
- Mushrooms: $1.50
- Bamboo shoots: $1.00
- Cold water (from the tap!)
- Lime juice: $0.20
Why This Recipe Works
This Hot and Sour Soup checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your pantry staples. The gentle warmth from ginger paired with the zesty lime makes it a comforting treat, while the mushrooms and bamboo shoots add satisfying texture. Plus, if you’ve got unexpected guests or you just want a little extra protein, tossing in some shredded chicken takes this soup from sidekick to the star of the show!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need for this soul-warming soup, along with some handy substitutions:
- 4 cups broth (beef or vegetable) – $2.00
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice or apple cider) – $0.50
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or all-purpose soy sauce) – $1.00
- 1 tablespoon honey (can replace with maple syrup for vegan option) – $0.30
- 1 cup no-tomato sauce (you can use vegetable puree if preferred) – $1.50
- 1 tablespoon aminos (or soy sauce) – $1.00
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger – $0.50
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (any variety will do) – $1.50
- 1 cup bamboo shoots (fresh or canned) – $1.00
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot (or cornstarch) – $0.30
- 1 lime (for juice and zest) – $0.20
- 2 eggs (optional for thickness and richness) – $0.40
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) – $0.50
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: First things first, grab a large saucepan and place it over medium heat. Pour in the broth — this is where the magic begins. Add in the vinegar, mirin, honey, no-tomato sauce, aminos, minced ginger, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld like old friends reuniting after a long time apart.
Step 2: Now, it’s time to introduce the mushrooms and bamboo shoots into the party! Stir them into the simmering broth and let everything gently cozy up for another 5 minutes. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to fill with tantalizing aromas, making it hard to resist a taste.
Step 3: While your soup simmers, take a small bowl and combine the arrowroot with cold water to create a slurry. Once the soup has simmered its time, add this mixture along with the lime juice to the pot. Don’t forget to stir continuously, as this will help the soup thicken beautifully into a comforting, velvety texture.
Step 4: Once the soup is thick and luxurious, remove it from the heat. As you continue to stir gently, crack and pour in the eggs. This adds a lovely richness and makes the soup even heartier. Serve hot, garnished with those freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s what you can expect in each serving of this delicious Hot and Sour Soup:
- Calories: 126 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Total Fats: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1130 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Serving Suggestions
This Hot and Sour Soup is a superstar on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with an array of dishes! Serve it alongside some crispy spring rolls, a hearty stir-fry, or even your favorite fried rice for a complete meal experience. And if you’re feeling fancy, elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh cilantro on top!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t hesitate to tailor the ingredients to your taste! Love heat? Add some sliced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Just reduce the amount of ginger. And for those who want an extra burst of nutrition, throw in some wilted spinach or leafy greens just before serving. Cooking should always be about what you love, so let your creativity run wild!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just be sure to store it properly.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, just ensure your broth and sauces are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other proteins? Definitely! Tofu, chicken, or shrimp would all be fantastic additions.
What can I use instead of arrowroot? Cornstarch works well as a thickening agent if you don’t have arrowroot on hand.
How spicy is the soup? The spice level is mild but can easily be adjusted based on your preferences!
