Hot and Sour Soup - A Chinese Takeout "Standard"

Name: Hot and Sour Soup - A Chinese Takeout "Standard"
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 oz. pork shoulder ((finely julienned)); 1 tablespoon water; Pinch of salt; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 to 2 dried red chili peppers ((optional)); 0.3 ounce dried lily flower ((rehydrated, ½ cup after rehydrating)); 0.3 ounce dried wood ear mushrooms ((1/2 cup after rehydrating & slicing)); 0.3 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms ((1/2 cup after rehydrating & slicing)); 3 ounces spiced dry tofu; 4 ounces fresh firm tofu; 4 ounces bamboo shoots; 1 large egg; 1 scallion ((finely diced)); 8 cups low sodium chicken stock; ½ teaspoon salt ((or to taste)); ¼ teaspoon sugar; 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh ground white pepper ((or to taste)); 2 teaspoons dark soy or mushroom soy sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or seasoned soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/3 to ½ cup white vinegar; 1/3 cup cornstarch; ¼ cup water

Instructions

Prep:1hCook:20min

Our family's hot and sour soup recipe comes from my father's father, who worked as a chef after coming to the U.S. and owned a Chinese takeout joint. It's still the best hot and sour soup I've ever had!

Updated at: Sat, 14 Nov 2026 00:39:06 GMT