Ingredients
- 2 dried chillies, finely chopped
- 60g Chinese char siu pork or roast pork, cut into matchsticks
- 150g peeled and cooked shrimp or prawns
- 15g wood ear mushrooms, soaked for at least 1 hr and cut into matchsticks
- 60g firm tofu, cut into 1cm cubes
- 60g bamboo shoots, cut into matchsticks
- 60g carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 40g peas
- 1.8l chicken stock
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp tomato purée
- ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 6 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 6 tbsp cornflour, mixed with 12 tbsp water to make a runny paste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
Method
- Put all of the ingredients in a large wok or saucepan (except the cornflour paste, sesame oil and eggs), plus 1½ tsp salt. Slowly bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 3 mins. Taste and add a little more vinegar or chillies, if you like.
- Give the cornflour paste a good mix, turn up the heat to medium and slowly add the paste to the soup, stirring throughout until it coats the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat and slowly pour in the beaten egg, stirring as you pour. Add the sesame oil and serve.
This hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants around the world. With a perfect balance of spicy and sour flavors, this soup is not only healthy but also very comforting. The combination of various ingredients like Chinese char siu pork or roast pork, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, carrot, peas, and a blend of spices and sauces create a rich, hearty, and satisfying soup.
Making this hot and sour soup at home is easy and quick. All you need is a large wok or saucepan to cook all the ingredients together. You can adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chillies, and if you like it tangier, add more vinegar. You can even customize the ingredients based on what you have available or what you like.
The soup is thickened with a cornflour paste and then enriched with beaten eggs and sesame oil. The result is a silky texture that coats your tongue with the perfect balance of flavors.
If you are looking for a hearty soup to warm you up on a cold day or want to impress your guests with a delightful Chinese dish, this hot and sour soup is a must-try recipe.