Hot and Sour Chicken Soup
A classic Indo-Chinese soup that's perfectly spicy, tangy, and savory. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and signature egg ribbons. A comforting and flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Sauté for about 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken turns opaque and is cooked through.
Cook Vegetables and Add Liquids
- Add the julienned carrot, shredded cabbage, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still retain a crisp texture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red chilli sauce. Stir to combine.
- Season with white pepper powder, salt, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Thicken the Soup
- While the soup is coming to a boil, prepare the cornflour slurry. In a small bowl, whisk the cornflour with 1/4 cup of cold water until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly pour the cornflour slurry into the soup in a steady stream, stirring continuously to ensure it mixes in smoothly and doesn't form clumps.
- Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Create Egg Ribbons and Finalize
- With the soup at a gentle simmer, begin stirring it in a slow, circular motion to create a whirlpool.
- While stirring, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup. The motion will help create long, delicate egg ribbons.
- Turn off the heat immediately after adding the egg. The residual heat will cook it perfectly.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add more vinegar for sourness, chilli sauce for heat, or a splash of soy sauce for saltiness if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best egg ribbons, pour the beaten egg from a height in a thin, slow stream while stirring the soup.
- 2Do not overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch for texture.
- 3Always add the cornflour slurry to simmering (not boiling) soup to prevent it from clumping.
- 4You can add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of nutty flavor.
- 5Adjust the sourness and spiciness at the very end, as flavors will concentrate as the soup cooks.
- 6For a deeper color and balanced flavor, use a combination of dark and light soy sauce as suggested.
- 7Ensure your cornflour slurry is made with cold water to prevent lumps.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with 200g of cubed firm tofu or paneer and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add the tofu in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
SeafoodSeafood
Substitute chicken with 150g of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, just before adding the egg, until they turn pink and opaque.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the ginger and garlic, or increase the amount of red chilli sauce to your preference.
Noodle SoupNoodle Soup
Add a portion of pre-cooked hakka noodles or ramen noodles to each bowl before ladling the hot soup over them for a more substantial meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Immunity Boosting
Ingredients like garlic, ginger, and mushrooms are known for their immune-supporting properties, helping your body fend off common colds and illnesses.
Hydrating and Soothing
The warm broth base helps with hydration and can be incredibly soothing for a sore throat, making it a perfect comfort food when you're feeling under the weather.
Packed with Vitamins
The variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers contribute essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Hot and Sour Chicken Soup (approximately 1.5 cups) contains around 215-240 calories, making it a light yet satisfying meal option.