Vegetable Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of hot and sour soup, especially when it’s packed with vibrant vegetables and bursting with flavor. This classic Chinese-inspired soup perfectly balances tangy, spicy, and savory notes to awaken your taste buds and warm your soul.

Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a wholesome meal, this vegetable hot and sour soup recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to prepare, vegan-friendly, and adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a variety of nutrients while enjoying a deliciously satisfying dish.

In this recipe, you’ll find the perfect harmony of crunchy vegetables, fragrant spices, and a silky broth thickened just right. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something zingy and soothing, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into making your own bowl of hot and sour delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable hot and sour soup recipe stands out because it is:

• Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Customizable — you can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Vegan and wholesome, free from any animal products but rich in umami flavors.
• Nutritious — loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables and mushrooms.
• Perfectly balanced with a tangy and spicy broth that’s both comforting and invigorating.

If you love soups that are both flavorful and healthy, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with many vegetarian dishes — check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiring meal ideas.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms you prefer)
• 1 cup shredded napa cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl for cornstarch slurry
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare your vegetables. Wash and slice the shiitake mushrooms, shred the napa cabbage, julienne the carrot, and slice the bamboo shoots thinly. Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the mushrooms, carrot, bamboo shoots, and napa cabbage to the pot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and white pepper. Adjust these seasonings to your taste for the perfect balance of sour and spicy.
6. Add the cubed tofu gently into the soup and simmer for another 3-4 minutes to warm it through.
7. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the hot soup to thicken the broth. Continue stirring until the soup thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add more soy sauce or vinegar for saltiness and tang.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if using.
10. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

“For a more authentic flavor, try using black vinegar instead of rice vinegar — it adds a deeper, smoky sourness to the soup.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for extra crunch and color.
• Protein options: Replace tofu with tempeh or seitan if you want a different texture or extra protein.
• Spice level: Adjust the chili garlic sauce or add fresh sliced chilies to boost the heat.
• Vegan egg drop style: For a vegan egg drop effect, whisk in a mixture of chickpea flour and water at the end of cooking to create silky ribbons.
• Thickeners: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable hot and sour soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a starter for an Asian-themed dinner or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.

It’s perfect alongside steamed jasmine rice or simple fried rice to soak up all the tangy broth.

For a heartier meal, consider serving it with vegetable spring rolls or potstickers. If you want to explore more vibrant vegetarian dishes, check out our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals or our flavorful Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to spice up your cooking.

Conclusion

This vegetable hot and sour soup is a fantastic way to bring warmth and bold flavors to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. Its delightful balance of spicy, sour, and savory elements makes it an irresistible choice for any season.

Plus, it’s packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds.

Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or a seasoned soup lover, this recipe is simple enough to whip up any day of the week and versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious and wholesome vegetarian meals on our blog — your next favorite recipe is just a click away!

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