There’s nothing like a steaming hot bowl of soup to comfort you on a cold day. And when that soup is as delicious as woks of Life hot and sour soup, it’s hard to resist. This hearty soup is packed with flavor, and it’s the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out. So, read on for our full recipe of woks of Life hot and sour soup.
What Is Woks Of Life Hot And Sour Soup
Woks Of Life is a famous English cookbook with unique Chinese recipes. Among them, the most famous dish is hot and sour soup.
The hot and sour soup is a traditional Chinese dish that is made with pork broth, vinegar, and soy sauce. The soup can also include bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, eggs, and pork. There are different variations of the recipe, but most versions include some combination of these ingredients.
Hot and sour soup is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, and it is often served as a starter or main course. The soup can be made mild or spicy, depending on the cook’s preference. Some recipes also call for adding tofu to the soup, which gives it a more filling and hearty texture.
Making hot and sour soup at home is not difficult, and it is a great way to enjoy a delicious and authentic Chinese meal. The key to making a good hot and sour soup is to use fresh ingredients and to get the proportions of the different flavors just right.
There are many different recipes for hot and sour soup available online, so it should be easy to find one that suits your taste. Once you have the basic recipe down, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique soup.
The Ingredients Of Woks Of Life Hot And Sour Soup
There are many different recipes for hot and sour soup, but they all have some common ingredients. The main flavoring ingredients in Woks of Life hot and sour soup are soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili sauce or paste. These sauces give the soup its characteristic flavor, which is sour, salty, and a little bit spicy.
In addition to the flavoring sauces, Woks of Life hot and sour soup also contains some other ingredients to give it body and texture. The most common of these are tofu, mushrooms, and eggs. Tofu is a common ingredient in Chinese soups and dishes, and it provides a nice firm texture to the soup. Mushrooms add a bit of earthiness to the flavor, and eggs help to thicken the soup and make it more filling.
Hot and sour soup is usually served with a side of rice, which helps to balance out the flavors. The soup can also be served with noodles instead of rice if you prefer. No matter how you serve it, hot and sour soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish.
How To Make Woks Of Life Hot And Sour Soup
Making Woks of Life hot and sour soup is actually very easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time.
The first step is to gather your ingredients. For the soup, you will need:
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 a pound of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 4 green onions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Mix The Chicken Or Vegetable Broth
Mix the chicken or vegetable broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven. Set this aside for now.
Step 2: Prepare The Tofu, Carrots, Mushrooms, And Green Onions
While the broth is marinating, prepare the tofu, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. Drain the tofu and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots into thin strips. Clean and slice the mushrooms. Thinly slice the green onions, white and light green parts only.
Step 3: Heat The Oils In The Pot
Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in the pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until hot. Add the tofu and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned.
Step 4: Add The Vegetables
Add the carrots, mushrooms, and green onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables.
Step 5: Add The Broth
Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add The Frozen Peas
After 10 minutes, add the frozen peas to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, until they are heated through. You can also add other vegetables at this point if you like.
Step 7: Season With Salt And Pepper To Taste
After all the vegetables are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Here we have the full recipe for Woks of Life hot and sour soup. We hope you enjoy it!
Health Benefits Of Hot And Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its health benefits. The soup is made with pork or chicken broth and is combined with bean curd, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. The soup is seasoned with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil, and is often served with white rice.
The health benefits of hot and sour soup include:
Keep Your Body Warm During The Cold Winter Months
Hot and sour soup is a great way to keep your body warm during the cold winter months. The soup is packed with nutrients and vitamins that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
Help Reduce The Symptoms Of The Common Cold
The hot and sour soup can help reduce the symptoms of the common cold, such as congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. The soup is also effective in treating other respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Detoxify The Body
The hot and sour soup contains ingredients that are known to detoxify the body, such as bamboo shoots and rice vinegar. These ingredients help remove toxins from the body and improve liver function.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
The soup contains bean curd, which is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. The soup is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps to promote weight loss. These nutrients can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Ease Indigestion
The sour ingredients in the soup help to stimulate digestive juices and break down food. The hot and sour soup can help improve stomach upsets. The soup is also effective in treating other digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and constipation.
Boost Energy Levels
The hot and sour soup is a good source of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. The soup can also help increase your energy levels and stamina.
Hot and sour soup is a delicious and healthy dish that offers a wide range of health benefits. If you are looking for a way to boost your health, hot and sour soup is a great option.
How To Ensure Your Hot And Sour Soup Is Always Perfect
There are a few things you can do to make sure your hot and sour soup is always perfect.
Choose High-Quality Ingredients
First, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables are key, as well as a good stock or broth. Next, be sure to carefully prepare the vegetables. Cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly, and don’t overcook them.
Add The Right Amount Of Spice
Another important factor is the level of spice. You want the soup to have a little bit of a kick, but not be so spicy that it’s unpalatable. The best way to achieve this is to add the spice gradually, taste as you go, and adjust as necessary.
Don’t Overcook The Eggs
And finally, one of the most important tips is to not overcook the eggs. The eggs should be cooked just until they are set, so they’re still soft in the center. This will ensure that your soup has the perfect texture and flavor.
There are just a few simple tips to follow, but if you keep them in mind, you’ll be sure to make a perfect hot and sour soup every time. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions For Hot And Sour Soup
There are many great ways to enjoy hot and sour soup. Some of our favorites include:
Adding Chicken, Shrimp, Or Pork To The Soup For Extra Protein
Adding chicken, shrimp, or pork to the soup for extra protein is a great way to enjoy your meal. Not only does it add flavor and variety to the soup, but it also provides essential nutrients that your body needs. Protein is an important nutrient that helps build and repair muscles, so adding chicken, shrimp, or pork to your soup is a great way to get the protein your body needs.
Using Different Types Of Mushrooms For A Richer Flavor
Adding different types of mushrooms to your soup is a great way to get a richer flavor. Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, so adding mushrooms to your soup is a great way to help keep your cells healthy.
Sautéing Onions And Garlic
Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the soup is a great way to get a deeper flavor profile. Sautéing helps to release the natural oils in the vegetables, which gives the soup a richer flavor.
Adding A Touch Of Heat With Diced Fresh Chilies Or Chili Oil
If you like a little bit of heat in your soup, adding diced fresh chilies or chili oil is a great way to do it. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is a compound that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor. Capsaicin has been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain.
Adding Extra Acidity With A Splash Of Rice Vinegar Or Lime Juice
If you like a soup that is extra sour, adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice is a great way to do it. Vinegar and lime juice are both high in acidity, which gives the soup a tart flavor.
Garnishing The Soup With Cilantro, Green Onions, Bean Sprouts, Or Peanuts
Garnishing the soup with cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts or peanuts is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Cilantro is a fragrant herb that has a slightly citrusy flavor, while green onions have a milder flavor. Bean sprouts are a crunchy addition that can help balance out the flavors in the soup. Peanuts are a classic garnish that adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Enjoying The Soup As Is Or Served Over Steamed Rice
The great thing about hot and sour soup is that it can be enjoyed as is or served over steamed rice. If you want a heartier meal, serving the soup over steamed rice is a great way to do it. The rice will help soak up some of the broth and make the soup more filling.
These are just a few of our favorite ways to enjoy hot and sour soup. Experiment with different ingredients and find what you like best. Enjoy!
Some Other Best Chinese Soup Recipes
While Woks of Life’s hot and sour soup is great, there are other recipes that can be just as delicious. If you’re looking for something different than the standard hot and sour soup, try one of these recipes:
Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a classic and one of the most popular. It’s made with chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a clear broth.
To make this soup, you should have:
- 1 lb chicken, boneless and skinless
- 1 package of egg noodles
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction:
- Step 1: In a large pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with a fork.
- Step 5: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until tender.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the pot.
- Step 7: Serve hot.
Wonton Soup
This soup is made with wontons, vegetables, and a clear broth. It’s a little bit more time-consuming to make, but it’s worth it!
To make this soup, you should have:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package of wonton wrappers
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instruction:
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, cabbage, green onions, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: To make the wontons, take one wonton wrapper and place a teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center.
- Step 3: Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it over, making sure to press out any air pockets.
- Step 4: Repeat until all of the pork mixtures are gone.
- Step 5: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Step 6: Add the wontons and cook for about 5 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Step 7: Add the soy sauce.
- Step 8: Serve hot.
Egg Drop Soup
This soup is made with eggs, vegetables, and a clear broth. It’s a quick and easy soup to make!
To make this soup, you should have:
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction:
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, green onion, cornstarch, and black pepper.
- Step 2: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the egg mixture while stirring.
- Step 4: Cook for about 1 minute or until the eggs are cooked.
- Step 5: Serve hot.
Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup
This soup is made with tofu, vegetables, and a spicy broth. It’s a great option for vegetarians!
To make this soup, you should have:
- 1 package firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction:
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the tofu, carrots, celery, green onion, rice vinegar, chili paste, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Serve hot.
Buddha’s Delight Soup
This soup is made with a variety of vegetables and a clear broth. It’s a great option for vegetarians!
To make this soup, you should have:
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped bamboo shoots
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instruction:
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the carrots, celery, green onion, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Serve hot.
There are just a few of the many different types of soups that you can make! Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find a soup that you love.
FAQs
Q: What are the different types of hot and sour soup?
A: There are many different types of hot and sour soup, but the most common ingredients are pork, bamboo shoots, and tofu.
There are variations on this classic combination depending on the region of China that you’re in. In Shanghai, for example, the soup is made with a clear broth and includes egg whites as one of its main ingredients. Beijing-style hot and sour soup, on the other hand, is usually darker in color and has a thicker consistency due to the addition of cornstarch.
Q: Does pork belong in hot and sour soup?
A: There is no exact answer to this question. Some people say that pork is the traditional meat of choice for hot and sour soup, while others argue that it’s too greasy and overwhelms the delicate flavors of the soup. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to add pork to your hot and sour soup. If you do choose to add pork, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
Q: Is there a vegan version of hot and sour soup?
A: Yes, there is a vegan version of hot and sour soup. The ingredients will vary depending on the recipe, but most vegan versions of this soup will use vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch to create the desired thickness and flavor. Tofu or mushrooms are common additions to hot and sour soup recipes, providing a hearty protein source. For extra spice, many recipes also call for fresh ginger, sesame oil, and chili paste or powder.
Q: Can you freeze hot and sour soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze hot and sour soup. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To thaw, place the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
This recipe for Woks of Life hot and sour soup is perfect for a cold winter day. It will warm you up from the inside out, and it’s easy to make. The best part is that this soup can be tailored to your own taste preferences, so you can add your favorite ingredients. We hope you enjoy this delicious recipe!
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.