Egg Hot and Sour Soup
A classic Indo-Chinese restaurant favorite you can make at home! This soup is perfectly balanced with spicy, sour, and savory flavors, packed with crisp vegetables and delicate egg ribbons. It's the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Slurry and Eggs
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the cornflour with 4 tablespoons of cold water until a smooth, lump-free slurry is formed. Set aside.
- c.In another small bowl, lightly beat the two eggs with a fork until the yolks and whites are just combined. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a crisp bite.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Broth
- b.Pour the vegetable broth into the pot. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, red chilli sauce, white pepper powder, salt, and sugar.
- c.Stir everything together well and bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Soup
- b.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Give the cornflour slurry a quick stir to recombine it.
- c.While continuously stirring the soup, slowly pour the cornflour slurry into the pot. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes as the soup thickens to a silky consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Create the Egg Ribbons
- b.Ensure the soup is at a gentle, steady simmer (not a rapid boil).
- c.Slowly drizzle the whisked egg into the simmering soup in a thin, steady stream while gently stirring the soup in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks.
- d.The egg will cook almost instantly, forming delicate ribbons. Let it cook for about 30 seconds without over-stirring.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more vinegar for sourness, soy sauce for saltiness, or chili sauce for heat.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best egg ribbons, pour the egg slowly from a height while stirring gently and continuously in one direction.
- 2White pepper is crucial for the authentic pungent heat of this soup. Black pepper has a different flavor profile.
- 3Do not overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch for texture contrast.
- 4The soup will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of hot broth or water.
- 5Always taste and adjust the final seasoning. The perfect balance of hot, sour, and savory is a matter of personal preference.
- 6Using dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated) will add a deeper, more umami flavor to the broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Omit the eggs and use a vegan egg substitute or add 1/2 cup of cubed firm tofu at the end. Ensure your chili sauce is vegan.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Add finely shredded cooked chicken, shrimp, or cubed firm tofu along with the vegetables for a heartier soup.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Increase the amount of red chilli sauce, add a dash of chili oil, or use more green chillies.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like bamboo shoots, bell peppers, baby corn, or water chestnuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Immunity Boosting
Contains ginger and garlic, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties, helping to fend off common colds.
Good Source of Protein
The eggs in the soup provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Hydrating and Comforting
The warm broth base helps with hydration, while the combination of spicy and sour flavors makes it a comforting and soothing meal, especially when you're feeling under the weather.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms, this soup is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 2 cups) of this Egg Hot and Sour Soup contains around 150-180 calories, making it a light and satisfying option.