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Chinese Hot-and-Sour Soup





Yields
Makes about 4 1/2 qts. (serving size: 1 cup)




Total Time
1 hr 30 mins

It's a bit milder than the restaurant standard, but that's what we like about it. The flavors are balanced and fresh, and the acidity functions as an accent, not a one-note blast. Prep and Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. Notes: The heat from the black pepper in this soup intensifies as it sits. If you plan to make the soup ahead of time or want a milder flavor, use 2 tsp. during cooking; then taste the soup before serving and add more pepper if you like.

Chinese Hot-and-Sour Soup




David Prince
 2 pounds pork top loin, cut crosswise into 1/8-in.-thick strips
 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. soy sauce
 2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger
 3/4 cup rice vinegar
 1/4 cup cornstarch
 2 tablespoons sugar
 1 teaspoon salt
 1/4 cup peanut oil
 1 can (8 oz.) sliced bamboo shoots, drained and rinsed
 12 cups chicken broth
 3/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
 12 ounces firm tofu, drained and cubed
 4 large eggs
 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  About 1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper (see Notes)
  Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions (pale green and white parts)
Step 1
1

In a bowl, toss pork with 1/4 cup soy sauce and ginger. Marinate 20 minutes. In another bowl, stir together remaining 2 tbsp. soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and salt; set aside.

Step 2
2

Heat peanut oil in a large pot (at least 5 qts.) over medium-high heat, then add pork and marinade. Cook, stirring constantly, until pork loses its pink color, about 4 minutes. Stir in bamboo shoots and cook 1 minute.

Step 3
3

Increase heat to high, add broth, and bring to a boil. Add mushrooms, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook about 20 minutes. Add tofu and simmer 5 minutes. Add soy-vinegar mixture and simmer 5 minutes more; the liquid will thicken.

Step 4
4

In a small bowl, beat eggs with sesame oil. Slowly pour eggs into soup in a thin stream while stirring soup very slowly in one direction. Add pepper, stir briefly, then simmer 5 minutes. Serve with cilantro and green onions.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per cup.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 244Calories from Fat 66
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 5.7g29%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 890mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%

Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Protein 15g30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.