Hot and Sour Soup

Ingredients :

Broth:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
• Optional: Any protein of your choice (chicken, pork, or shrimp), cooked and sliced

Seasoning :

• 2 tablespoons black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (or adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Thickening Agent :

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Garnish :

• 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions : 

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once the broth is boiling, add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu (if using). Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste or sriracha. Adjust the amount of chili paste depending on your spice preference.
4. Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Let the soup simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Turn off the heat, and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently to create silky ribbons.
6. Stir in sesame oil and white pepper. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped green onion and cilantro before serving.