Description
Vegan Hot and Sour Soup is a comforting and flavorful plant-based twist on a classic favorite. This vibrant soup balances spicy heat, tangy sourness, and savory umami notes with fresh vegetables, firm tofu, and a silky broth. It’s quick to prepare, nourishing, and perfect for cozy meals any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons chili paste or fresh chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Vegetables and Protein
- 150g firm tofu, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced (or fresh shiitake mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
Aromatics and Garnishes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, cracked black pepper, toasted sesame oil, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop green onions, slice tofu into thin strips, and soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water until tender. This helps everything cook evenly and allows full flavor development.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a pot and gently sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, releasing a warm, inviting aroma.
- Build the Broth: Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste to the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the spicy and sour flavors to mingle beautifully.
- Add Vegetables and Tofu: Add sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu strips to the broth. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors marry and tofu warms through without breaking apart.
- Thicken the Soup: Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup. This step creates a pleasantly thick and silky texture that enhances every spoonful.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or chili paste if desired. Finish with fresh green onions, and optionally sprinkle cracked black pepper, toasted sesame seeds, or cilantro leaves.
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh vegetables and aromatics for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Tofu: Add tofu near the end to keep its shape and silky texture.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste frequently and adjust sourness, saltiness, and heat to your preference.
- Use Quality Vinegar: Good-quality rice vinegar provides a clean, bright sour note without overpowering.
- Thicken Gradually: Add cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to control soup thickness perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg