🥢 Hot and Sour Tofu Soup (酸辣豆腐汤) – A Comforting Chinese Classic

Hot and Sour Tofu Soup is one of the most beloved soups in Chinese cuisine. Known for its bold balance of spicy heat and tangy sourness, this soup combines silky tofu, mushrooms, and aromatic spices in a rich, flavorful broth.

It’s comforting, light, and perfect as a starter or even a simple meal on chilly evenings.

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🌶️ What is Hot and Sour Tofu Soup?

Hot and Sour Tofu Soup (Suan La Dou Fu Tang – 酸辣豆腐汤) is inspired by the famous Chinese classic Hot and Sour Soup. While traditional versions often include shredded meat, this tofu-based variation is vegetarian-friendly and just as satisfying.

The magic lies in the perfect harmony of:

Sourness from rice vinegar

Heat from white pepper or chili oil

Umami from soy sauce and mushrooms

Silky texture from tofu and cornstarch slurry

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🧂 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

200g soft or silken tofu (cut into thin strips or cubes)

½ cup mushrooms (shiitake or button, sliced)

1 small carrot (julienned)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

½ teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

3 cups vegetable broth

Thickening:

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

1 egg (optional, for egg ribbons)

2 tablespoons chopped spring onions

A few drops sesame oil

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Broth

In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a gentle boil.

Add mushrooms and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.

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2️⃣ Add Seasonings

Stir in:

Soy sauce

Rice vinegar

White pepper

Chili oil (if using)

Taste and adjust sourness or spice according to preference.

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3️⃣ Add the Tofu

Gently add tofu cubes or strips.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent breaking the tofu.

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4️⃣ Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring gently.

The soup will slightly thicken and develop a silky texture.

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5️⃣ Optional Egg Ribbons

If using egg:

Beat the egg in a small bowl.

Slowly drizzle into the simmering soup while stirring in a circular motion.

This creates beautiful egg ribbons.

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6️⃣ Final Touch

Turn off the heat.

Add sesame oil and garnish with spring onions.

Serve hot.

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🍲 Serving Suggestions

Hot and Sour Tofu Soup pairs well with:

Steamed jasmine rice

Vegetable fried rice

Stir-fried noodles

Dumplings

It’s also excellent as a light dinner by itself.

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🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Option

To keep it vegan:

Skip the egg

Use vegetable broth

Ensure soy sauce is vegan-friendly

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💡 Tips for Perfect Flavor Balance

✔ Add vinegar at the end for brighter sourness

✔ Use white pepper for authentic heat

✔ Don’t overcook tofu

✔ Adjust chili oil to your spice tolerance

✔ Use wood ear mushrooms for a more traditional texture

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🥣 Why You’ll Love This Soup

Quick and easy (ready in 20–25 minutes)

Healthy and protein-rich

Comforting yet bold in flavor

Restaurant-style at home

Customizable spice level

If you enjoy tofu dishes, you may also love Mapo Tofu or crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Hot and Sour Tofu Soup is the perfect example of how Chinese cuisine balances flavors beautifully. The combination of heat, tanginess, and silky tofu creates a deeply satisfying bowl that warms both body and soul.

Try making it at home and adjust the spice and sourness to your liking — it’s incredibly forgiving and always delicious.