Hot and Sour Soup is a beloved dish that blends bold, tantalizing flavors and comforting warmth, making it a perfect option for cozy evenings or whenever you’re craving something that delivers both heat and depth. It’s the kind of soup that makes a lasting impression – the tanginess from vinegar, the heat from peppers, the richness from broth, and the umami undertones from ingredients like soy sauce, mushrooms, and tofu. It has that harmonious balance between spicy, sour, savory, and even a little sweet, and each spoonful feels like a mini celebration for your taste buds.
In this recipe, we’re bringing you a version that uses Kikkoman soy sauce, a brand known for its deep, authentic flavors. Known for its smoothness and distinct savory taste, Kikkoman brings a wonderful richness to the soup that enhances all its components. Whether you’re trying to recreate your favorite takeout dish or trying your hand at something new, this Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup recipe will hit all the right notes.
Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup Recipe
Making Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize it to your own preferences. Whether you want it extra spicy, more sour, or even a little sweeter, you have full control over the flavors. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal or a starter for a larger Chinese-inspired dinner.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this hot and sour soup recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. With just a handful of items, you’ll be able to create a complex flavor profile that feels like it took hours to develop. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce – This is the star ingredient that brings the essential savory depth and umami flavor to the soup. It’s best to use the traditional soy sauce, not a light or low-sodium variety, to get the full flavor.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – The base of your soup, adding richness and depth to balance out the acidity and heat.
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms – These bring a fantastic earthiness to the soup. Rehydrate them in hot water and slice them thinly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Tofu (Firm or Extra Firm) – A protein-rich ingredient that soaks up all the surrounding flavors and adds a smooth, comforting texture.
- Bamboo Shoots – Often found in authentic hot and sour soups, bamboo shoots provide a slight crunch and add a touch of earthiness.
- White Vinegar – This ingredient is essential for the “sour” part of hot and sour soup. The vinegar adds a bright acidity that contrasts perfectly with the heat.
- Chili Paste or Fresh Chilies – For heat, you’ll want either chili paste or fresh chilies (or both), depending on how spicy you like your soup.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a slightly spicy, aromatic flavor that enhances the broth’s base.
- Garlic – A few cloves of garlic offer another layer of savory complexity and aromatic depth.
- Cornstarch – This is used to thicken the soup and create that luxurious, velvety texture that coats your spoon with each scoop.
- Sesame Oil – A little drizzle of sesame oil at the end of cooking adds a beautiful fragrance and a touch of nuttiness.
- Eggs – Lightly beaten, eggs are poured into the hot broth to create silky egg ribbons that add a rich, smooth texture.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! The process is fairly straightforward, but the layering of flavors and textures is what truly makes this soup stand out.
-
Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for about 20 minutes until they’re soft. Then slice them thinly.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes (about 1-inch size) and set them aside.
- Slice the bamboo shoots into thin strips and mince the garlic and ginger finely.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and a little cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
-
Simmer The Broth
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu cubes, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
-
Add The Flavor
- Stir in the white vinegar, chili paste (or fresh chilies), and a bit more soy sauce if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you hit the perfect balance of hot, sour, and salty.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the soup to thicken it slightly. Let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
-
Finish The Soup
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the beaten eggs in a thin stream, stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.
- Drizzle in a small amount of sesame oil for that final touch of fragrance and richness.
-
Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some extra chili flakes or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce: Unlike many soy sauces, Kikkoman uses a brewing process that involves natural fermentation, which imparts a deeper, more complex flavor. The result is a soy sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, a perfect balance for hot and sour soup.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms are a key ingredient for their ability to bring umami and depth to the broth. They’re also loaded with nutrients, such as vitamin D and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your soup.
- Tofu: Tofu is the ultimate blank canvas when it comes to soups and sauces, absorbing the flavors around it. It also adds a good dose of plant-based protein, making it a filling addition to this soup.
- Vinegar: The tangy nature of vinegar helps balance out the heat and saltiness of the broth, creating a rounded flavor profile. White vinegar is often used in traditional recipes, but other types like rice vinegar can be used for a slightly milder flavor.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the heat: If you like a spicier soup, feel free to add more chili paste or fresh chilies. For a milder version, use less or opt for a mild chili oil.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Just be sure to do it gradually, so you don’t over-thicken.
- Texture variety: For added texture, you can include ingredients like wood ear mushrooms or even shredded pork. The variety of textures in the soup is what makes it so satisfying.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the animal-based protein for a fully vegetarian version. Tofu works wonderfully as the main protein source.
Recipe Variations
- Add shrimp: For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp or crab meat to the soup for added flavor and protein.
- Make it spicy: If you love spice, add more chili oil, chili paste, or a couple of fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies to amp up the heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or baby corn for added crunch and nutrition.
Final Words
This Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup is so much more than just a bowl of broth. It’s a dish that provides balance, comfort, and a punch of flavor. From the first spoonful to the last, you’ll be captivated by its warmth, heat, and tang, making it a perfect starter or main for any meal. What’s great about this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable, so whether you like it more on the spicy side or prefer a gentler version, you have the flexibility to adjust.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients In Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
The key ingredients for Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup typically include Kikkoman soy sauce, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, vinegar, white pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth. Additionally, cornstarch is used to thicken the soup.
Can I Substitute Kikkoman Soy Sauce With Another Brand?
Yes, you can substitute Kikkoman soy sauce with another brand of soy sauce, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Kikkoman is known for its balanced and mild taste, so other brands may be more or less salty, affecting the soup’s overall flavor.
Is Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup Spicy?
Yes, Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup has a mild to moderate spice level due to the addition of white pepper. The spice can be adjusted based on personal preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of white pepper.
Can I Make Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensuring that the soy sauce used is plant-based. Tofu and vegetables can be added to enhance the texture and flavor.
How Do I Adjust The Sourness In Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
To adjust the sourness, you can increase or decrease the amount of vinegar used in the recipe. Typically, rice vinegar is used, but you can experiment with other types like white or apple cider vinegar for different levels of acidity.
Can I Add Meat To The Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
Yes, meat such as chicken, pork, or shrimp can be added to Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup. Simply slice the meat thinly and add it to the broth, allowing it to cook through before serving.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
The preparation time for Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup is typically around 15-20 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking the ingredients together, depending on the complexity of your recipe and the ingredients you’re using.
Can I Use Dried Mushrooms In Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
Yes, dried mushrooms, such as shiitake or wood ear mushrooms, can be used in Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup. Just make sure to rehydrate them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes before adding them to the soup.
What Can I Use Instead Of Cornstarch To Thicken Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup?
If you need a substitute for cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder, potato starch, or even all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that different thickeners may slightly alter the texture and clarity of the soup.
Is Kikkoman Hot And Sour Soup Gluten-free?
Kikkoman Hot and Sour Soup can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat. There are several brands of gluten-free soy sauce available that will maintain the authentic flavor of the soup.