Hot sour soup is a beloved dish celebrated for its dynamic blend of spicy heat and tangy acidity that awakens the senses.
Originating from Asian cuisines, this flavorful soup has evolved into countless variations, each bringing its unique twist—whether featuring tofu, pork, seafood, or vegetables.
Perfect as a comforting appetizer or a satisfying meal on its own, hot sour soup offers warmth and zest in every spoonful.
In this article, we explore over twenty-one diverse hot sour soup recipes to inspire your next cooking adventure and bring vibrant flavors to your table.
21+ Delicious Hot Sour Soup Recipes to Spice Up Your Meal
With over twenty-one hot sour soup recipes at your fingertips, you’re sure to find a version that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
From traditional Chinese classics to innovative seafood and vegetarian adaptations, these soups offer a perfect balance of heat and tanginess that is both comforting and invigorating.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress guests with bold flavors, these recipes provide an excellent foundation to enjoy this timeless dish in many delicious ways.
hot and sour soup
Hot and sour soup is a classic Chinese dish known for its perfect balance of spicy heat and tangy sourness.
This soup combines a variety of ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons in a flavorful broth thickened with cornstarch.
It’s a comforting, aromatic soup that stimulates the appetite and warms the body, making it a popular starter or light meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Egg, beaten
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or fresh chili
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil. Add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer briefly.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Mix cornstarch with water and slowly add to soup, stirring until thickened.
- Slowly pour in beaten egg while stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
This hot and sour soup is a flavorful blend of textures and tastes, balancing spicy and tangy notes that invigorate the palate.
It’s an excellent appetizer or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
thai hot and sour soup
Thai hot and sour soup, known as Tom Yum, is famous for its bright, zesty flavor profile combining spicy chili, sour lime, and fragrant herbs.
This soup typically features shrimp or chicken, mushrooms, and fresh herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, creating a refreshing yet warming dish that is both satisfying and light.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or shrimp broth
- Shrimp or chicken pieces
- Straw mushrooms or button mushrooms
- Lemongrass stalks, bruised
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Galangal slices
- Thai bird’s eye chilies
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Cilantro leaves
- Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal; simmer to infuse flavors.
- Add shrimp or chicken and mushrooms; cook until done.
- Season with fish sauce and lime juice for salty and sour balance.
- Add bird’s eye chilies and Thai chili paste for heat.
- Remove herbs before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Tom Yum soup is a vibrant example of hot and sour flavors with its herbal brightness and spicy kick, offering a refreshing yet deeply satisfying culinary experience.
szechuan hot and sour soup
Szechuan hot and sour soup is a bold and spicy Chinese soup known for its fiery heat and sharp vinegar tang.
This version uses ground pork or chicken, wood ear mushrooms, and tofu, along with chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns for a numbing spiciness.
It’s a robust and hearty soup that appeals to lovers of intense flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Ground pork or chicken
- Wood ear mushrooms, sliced
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Bamboo shoots, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- Chili oil
- Szechuan peppercorn powder
- Cornstarch
- Egg, beaten
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic and ginger, add ground meat and cook through.
- Add broth, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, soy sauce, and black vinegar; bring to a boil.
- Stir in chili oil and Szechuan peppercorn powder for heat and numbness.
- Thicken soup with cornstarch slurry, then slowly add beaten egg to create ribbons.
- Garnish with green onions and serve piping hot.
Szechuan hot and sour soup offers a complex flavor profile combining spicy, sour, and numbing sensations, making it a deeply flavorful and invigorating dish for spice enthusiasts.
mushroom hot and sour soup
Mushroom hot and sour soup is a vegetarian-friendly twist on the classic, emphasizing earthy mushrooms and a vibrant balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
This soup is thickened to a silky texture and flavored with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili, making it a comforting and satisfying option for anyone craving bold tastes without meat.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, button), sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili flakes or paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable broth and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer gently.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the soup to thicken.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
This mushroom hot and sour soup delivers a rich umami flavor combined with a lively spicy-sour kick, perfect for a warming, meat-free meal.
pork hot and sour soup
Pork hot and sour soup offers a heartier take on the traditional recipe by adding tender pieces of pork for extra richness and depth.
Balanced with the classic tangy vinegar and spicy chili, this soup is both satisfying and invigorating, featuring a mix of textures from bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and egg ribbons.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or pork broth
- Pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, sliced
- Egg, beaten
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add pork slices, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; cook until pork is tender.
- Season with soy sauce, black vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to balance heat and sourness.
- Thicken soup with cornstarch slurry and slowly add beaten egg while stirring.
- Finish with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Pork hot and sour soup combines tender meat with classic bold flavors, offering a deeply satisfying and warming dish.
seafood hot and sour soup
Seafood hot and sour soup is a delightful variation featuring a mix of fresh seafood like shrimp, scallops, and fish.
Combined with a spicy, tangy broth and traditional ingredients like tofu and mushrooms, this soup is both luxurious and comforting, perfect for special occasions or when craving a rich yet light meal.
Ingredients:
- Seafood broth or fish stock
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Scallops or white fish, cubed
- Tofu, cubed
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Chili paste or fresh chili
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat broth and add seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer gently until seafood is cooked through.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste for the perfect balance of heat and sourness.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry, then drizzle sesame oil.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving.
Seafood hot and sour soup offers a luxurious twist on a classic, combining the freshness of the sea with vibrant, spicy-sour flavors for an unforgettable meal.
chicken hot and sour soup
Chicken hot and sour soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy, spicy broth.
This soup includes classic ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you up with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Egg, beaten
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add chicken slices, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for a balanced hot and sour flavor.
- Thicken the soup with cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour in beaten egg while stirring to create silky egg ribbons.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
This chicken hot and sour soup is a deliciously balanced meal that combines protein and bold flavors, perfect for chilly days or when craving something comforting yet invigorating.
tofu hot and sour soup
Tofu hot and sour soup is a vegetarian delight that offers a spicy and tangy flavor profile with soft tofu cubes and earthy mushrooms.
This soup is thickened to perfection and packed with umami, making it a satisfying and healthy choice for vegetarians and spice lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or flakes
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable broth and add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer gently.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
This tofu hot and sour soup is a flavorful and nutritious option that highlights the classic flavors of hot and sour soup in a vegetarian-friendly way.
beef hot and sour soup
Beef hot and sour soup is a rich and hearty variation featuring thin slices of beef combined with the traditional spicy and tangy broth.
Enhanced with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons, this soup delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- Beef broth
- Thinly sliced beef
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Egg, beaten
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring beef broth to a boil and add beef slices, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; cook until beef is tender.
- Season with soy sauce, black vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to achieve the hot and sour balance.
- Thicken soup with cornstarch slurry, then slowly add beaten egg to create ribbons.
- Finish with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve warm.
Beef hot and sour soup is a robust and flavorful dish that brings together tender meat and bold seasoning, ideal for those craving a rich and comforting soup.
egg hot and sour soup
Egg hot and sour soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights silky egg ribbons in a spicy and tangy broth.
This soup is quick to prepare and combines traditional ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, making it a comforting and satisfying option for any meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Eggs, beaten
- Tofu, cubed
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer briefly.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Slowly pour in beaten eggs while stirring gently to form delicate ribbons.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
This egg hot and sour soup delivers a delicate texture with vibrant flavors, perfect for a light and warming meal.
vegetable hot and sour soup
Vegetable hot and sour soup is a fresh and zesty dish packed with colorful veggies like carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
This vegetarian-friendly soup balances the classic hot and sour flavors while offering a healthy and satisfying bowl suitable for any season.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Carrots, julienned
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Tofu, cubed (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or flakes
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable broth and add carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for the perfect hot and sour balance.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
Vegetable hot and sour soup is a vibrant and nourishing option, delivering bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in every spoonful.
crab hot and sour soup
Crab hot and sour soup is a luxurious take on the traditional recipe, featuring sweet crab meat combined with the classic tangy and spicy broth.
Enhanced with tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, this soup offers a rich and elegant flavor perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- Seafood or chicken broth
- Crab meat, cooked
- Tofu, cubed
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat broth and add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer gently.
- Stir in crab meat and season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with cilantro and green onions. Serve hot.
Crab hot and sour soup is a decadent and flavorful dish that brings a seafood twist to a beloved classic, perfect for an indulgent yet comforting meal.
bamboo hot and sour soup
Bamboo hot and sour soup highlights the crisp, tender texture of bamboo shoots combined with a spicy and tangy broth.
This version balances bold flavors with simple ingredients, making it a refreshing and satisfying soup that’s both light and full of zest.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or flakes
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and tofu; simmer gently.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add slowly to thicken the soup.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Bamboo hot and sour soup offers a delightful mix of spicy, sour, and umami flavors with a unique crunchy texture, perfect for those seeking something light yet flavorful.
shrimp hot and sour soup
Shrimp hot and sour soup is a flavorful seafood variation that features tender shrimp simmered in a classic hot and sour broth.
This soup combines the sweetness of shrimp with the tangy, spicy broth, enhanced with mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots for a well-rounded taste.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat broth and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer briefly.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for a balanced flavor.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.
Shrimp hot and sour soup is a delicious blend of fresh seafood and vibrant flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
duck hot and sour soup
Duck hot and sour soup offers a rich and savory twist on the traditional recipe, featuring tender duck meat that adds depth and flavor.
Paired with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and the classic spicy, sour broth, this soup is both luxurious and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Duck broth or chicken broth
- Cooked duck meat, shredded
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and shredded duck; simmer gently.
- Season with soy sauce, black vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste.
- Thicken soup with cornstarch slurry.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
Duck hot and sour soup is a decadent and flavorful dish that elevates the classic hot and sour soup with the rich taste of duck meat.
tofu and mushroom hot and sour soup
Tofu and mushroom hot and sour soup is a vegetarian-friendly dish that combines the silky texture of tofu with the earthiness of mushrooms in a perfectly balanced spicy and tangy broth.
This soup is thickened to a smooth consistency and is ideal for those craving bold flavors without meat.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Mixed mushrooms (shiitake, button), sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or flakes
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable broth and add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer gently.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste to taste.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add slowly to thicken the soup.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
This tofu and mushroom hot and sour soup is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a light yet spicy soup.
chicken and corn hot and sour soup
Chicken and corn hot and sour soup blends tender chicken pieces with sweet corn kernels in a spicy and tangy broth.
The combination of textures and flavors makes it a comforting and hearty dish suitable for any season.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Sweet corn kernels
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add chicken slices, corn, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; cook until chicken is done.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for balanced hot and sour flavors.
- Thicken the soup with cornstarch slurry.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Chicken and corn hot and sour soup offers a sweet and spicy combination that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
vegetable and tofu hot and sour soup
Vegetable and tofu hot and sour soup is a colorful and healthy dish featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and tofu cubes in a bold, spicy-sour broth. It’s a perfect option for a light, vegetarian meal packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Carrots, julienned
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili flakes or paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable broth and add tofu, carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots; simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.
This vegetable and tofu hot and sour soup is a deliciously light yet flavorful dish ideal for any occasion.
seafood and tofu hot and sour soup
Seafood and tofu hot and sour soup combines the delicate flavors of mixed seafood with the silky texture of tofu in a vibrant, spicy, and tangy broth. This soup offers a refreshing yet warming meal, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful twist on the classic hot and sour soup.
Ingredients:
- Seafood broth or chicken broth
- Mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, fish)
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste or fresh chili
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Cilantro and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat broth and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer gently.
- Add mixed seafood and cook until just done.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for the perfect hot and sour balance.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry and drizzle sesame oil.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving.
This seafood and tofu hot and sour soup is a luxurious, flavorful dish that blends the richness of seafood with the bold, classic hot and sour flavors.
pork and bamboo hot and sour soup
Pork and bamboo hot and sour soup is a hearty and savory version of the traditional soup, featuring tender pork slices and crunchy bamboo shoots in a spicy, tangy broth.
This soup offers a satisfying combination of textures and deep flavors, ideal for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken or pork broth
- Thinly sliced pork
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer until pork is tender.
- Season with soy sauce, black vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Drizzle sesame oil and garnish with green onions before serving.
This pork and bamboo hot and sour soup delivers robust flavors and a satisfying texture that makes for a warming, delicious dish.
chicken and mushroom hot and sour soup
Chicken and mushroom hot and sour soup features tender chicken pieces and earthy mushrooms in a vibrant broth balanced with heat and acidity.
This soup is rich in flavor and texture, making it a comforting option for a nourishing meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken broth
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, julienned
- Tofu, cubed
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Chili paste
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add chicken, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu; simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and chili paste for a balanced flavor.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Chicken and mushroom hot and sour soup is a classic and hearty dish that combines tender meat with bold, comforting flavors.
Conclusion
Exploring the variety of hot sour soup recipes reveals just how versatile and flavorful this iconic dish can be. Each recipe combines the essential elements of spice and acidity with diverse ingredients—from tender chicken and savory pork to fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables. These 21+ recipes showcase the soup’s ability to cater to different palates and occasions, ensuring that there’s always a hot sour soup to enjoy, whether you want something light and refreshing or rich and hearty.
