Authentic Hot and Sour Soup with Chicken
This restaurant-style hot and sour soup is packed with bold flavors, featuring tender chicken, wood ear mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, carrots, and silky egg ribbons in a savory, tangy broth.

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup Recipe
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□ 4 cups beef broth
□ 2 TBSP soy sauce, or to taste
□ 1 TBSP Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
□ 4 TBSP + 1½ tsp seasoned rice vinegar
□ ½ tsp white pepper
□ ½ tsp sugar
□ 1–2 carrots, cut into thin strips
□ ½ cup wood ear mushrooms
□ 1 (4 oz) can chunky portabella mushrooms, drained
□ 1–2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
□ 8 oz firm tofu, cut into small cubes
□ 1 large egg, beaten
□ 3 green onions, sliced — divided
Optional
□ 1 TBSP cornstarch + 2 TBSP water, for a thicker soup
□ 1 tsp sesame oil, for finishing
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Chinese Recipes
How do you make
Authentic Hot and Sour Soup with Chicken
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
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Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips.
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Cut the tofu into small cubes and slice the carrots into thin strips.
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Slice the green onions, keeping some aside for garnish.
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Drain the portabella mushrooms and prepare the wood ear mushrooms according to package directions if needed.
Make the Broth
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Add the beef broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, seasoned rice vinegar, white pepper, and sugar to a large pot.
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Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
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Add the chicken, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and portabella mushrooms.
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Reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through and the carrots are tender.
Add the Tofu
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Gently stir in the tofu and most of the sliced green onions.
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Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to heat the tofu through without breaking it apart.
Thicken the Soup — Optional
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For a thicker soup, whisk together 1 TBSP cornstarch and 2 TBSP water until smooth.
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Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering soup and cook until slightly thickened.
Make the Egg Ribbons
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Beat the egg in a small bowl.
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While the soup is gently simmering, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the broth in a thin stream.
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Let it sit for several seconds, then gently stir to create soft egg ribbons.
Finish and Serve
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Stir in the sesame oil, if using.
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Taste and adjust the soy sauce, vinegar, or white pepper if needed.
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Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved sliced green onions.
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Serve hot.
Tips For success
Authentic Hot and Sour Soup with Chicken and Tofu
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Increase or decrease rice vinegar based on your preferred tanginess.
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Stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding to prevent lumps.
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Letting the soup rest before adding the eggs ensures soft, silky ribbons.
Enjoy this bold and flavorful homemade hot and sour soup,
just like your favorite Chinese restaurant! 🍜🔥
How Do You Make The Perfect Egg Ribbons?
Prepare the Eggs: (2)
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Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
Slow, Steady Stream:
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When your hot and sour soup is near completion, set it to a low simmer. Ensure the soup is hot but not boiling vigorously.
Create a Whirlpool:
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Using a spoon or ladle, start stirring the soup in a circular motion to create a gentle whirlpool in the center.
Pour Eggs Gradually:
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While the soup is swirling, slowly and steadily pour the beaten eggs into the center of the whirlpool. Pouring the eggs in a thin stream ensures that they spread evenly and form delicate ribbons.
Stir Slowly:
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Allow the eggs a moment to set slightly in the hot liquid. Then, using a chopstick or a fork, stir the eggs gently in the same circular motion. This will encourage the eggs to form ribbons as they cook.
Do Not Over-Stir:
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Be cautious not to over-stir, as this can break the ribbons into smaller pieces. The goal is to maintain distinct, silky strands.
Timing is Key:
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The egg ribbons cook quickly, usually within 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pay close attention and stop stirring as soon as the eggs set into ribbons.
Serve Immediately:
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Once you achieve the desired egg ribbon consistency, remove the soup from heat immediately and serve. The residual heat will continue to cook the eggs slightly.

