Hot and sour soup

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Hot and Sour Soup[edit | edit source]

A bowl of hot and sour soup

Hot and sour soup is a popular soup in several Asian culinary traditions. The soup is typically made with ingredients to create a balance of spicy and sour flavors, often incorporating a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The ingredients of hot and sour soup can vary widely depending on the regional cuisine. Common ingredients include:

  • Broth: The base of the soup is usually a chicken or pork broth, though vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
  • Vinegar: To achieve the sour flavor, rice vinegar or black vinegar is often used.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the soup.
  • Chili Peppers: Fresh or dried chili peppers are used to provide the heat.
  • Tofu: Often included for texture and protein.
  • Mushrooms: Varieties such as shiitake or wood ear mushrooms are commonly used.
  • Eggs: Beaten eggs are sometimes added to create egg ribbons in the soup.
  • Meat: Pork or chicken is often used, though seafood can also be included.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

The preparation of hot and sour soup involves several steps:

1. Broth Preparation: The broth is prepared by simmering bones or meat with aromatics such as ginger and garlic. 2. Flavoring: Vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste are added to the broth to achieve the desired hot and sour taste. 3. Thickening: Cornstarch or potato starch is often used to thicken the soup. 4. Final Ingredients: Tofu, mushrooms, and any meats are added and cooked until tender. 5. Egg Addition: Beaten eggs are slowly drizzled into the soup to create ribbons.

Variations[edit | edit source]

Hot and sour soup has many regional variations:

  • Chinese Hot and Sour Soup: Typically includes ingredients like bamboo shoots, tofu, and pork.
  • Thai Tom Yum: A variation that includes lemongrass, lime juice, and shrimp.
  • Indian Hot and Sour Soup: Often spicier, with the addition of Indian spices and sometimes lentils.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Hot and sour soup is not only a staple in many Asian cuisines but also a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants. It is often served as an appetizer or a main course.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD