Hot and sour soup, as a pearl of Chinese cooking, has always been loved by gourmets for its hot taste and unique hot and sour taste. This soup is not only popular in Chinese restaurants, but has also become a signature dish in many people's homes. However, making a perfect pot of hot and sour soup may require a few tricks and special seasonings. In this article, we'll introduce you to eight must-have seasonings and reveal the secrets to making hot and sour soup so you can easily cook this mouth-watering Chinese classic at home.
1. Chicken stock: The basis of hot and sour soup is delicious chicken stock. This stock both provides a deep flavor to the soup base and makes the soup more delicious. You can use homemade chicken stock or buy commercially available stock stock.
2. Vinegar: Vinegar is indispensable for authentic hot and sour soups, usually rice vinegar or aged vinegar. Vinegar gives the soup its distinctive sour taste, which is one of the reasons for the name of the hot and sour soup. Depending on the taste, you can adjust the amount of vinegar.
3. Chili sauce: Chili sauce is the key seasoning that gives hot and sour soup a spicy taste. You can choose between a regular chili sauce or a special chili sauce, depending on your spicy preference.
4. Ginger: Ginger plays a role in adding flavor in hot and sour soups. Cut into thin slices or shreds and then cooked with other seasonings, it will add a layer of unique aroma to the soup.
5. Eggs: Eggs are part of the hot and sour soup, and they form a delicate filamentous structure in the soup, adding a rich taste to the soup. While the soup is cooking, slowly add the beaten eggs and stir well.
6. Fungus: Fungus is a common ingredient in hot and sour soups, which adds chewiness and taste to the soup. The fungus is soaked and cut into thin strips and added to cooking.
7. Tofu: Soft tofu is one of the common ingredients in hot and sour soups. Tofu is cut into chunks or shredded shapes and added to cooking to provide a silky texture to the soup.
8. Condiments: Hot and sour soup needs condiments, such as salt, sugar, white pepper and chicken essence. With the right amount of seasoning, you can adjust the saltiness, sweetness, and aroma of the soup to match your taste.
Making hot and sour soup requires some cooking skills and specific seasonings, but once you master these secrets, you'll be able to easily make a delicious pot of hot and sour soup for a delicious Chinese meal for your family and friends. May these seasonings and secrets help you create a hot and sour soup full of fiery flavors that will fill your table with a taste of bliss.