Classic Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu and Mushrooms

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

A comforting bowl of hot and sour soup featuring soft tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. This Chinese recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs vegetable broth, dried shiitake mushrooms, silken tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 6 pieces, soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms
• 200g, cut into 1/2-inch cubes silken tofu
• 1/2 cup, thinly sliced bamboo shoots
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1, lightly beaten egg
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2, sliced thinly green onions
• 1 tsp (optional) chili paste

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 6 cups vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add 6 soaked and sliced dried shiitake mushrooms and 1/2 cup thinly sliced bamboo shoots; cook for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Gently add 200g silken tofu cut into 1/2-inch cubes to the pot and simmer for another 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp chili paste if using, adjusting to taste for hot and sour balance.
4. Step 4: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth, then slowly pour into the soup while stirring continuously. Cook for 2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Slowly drizzle 1 lightly beaten egg into the soup in a thin stream while stirring gently to create silky egg ribbons.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp sesame oil, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions. Serve hot for a warming appetizer or light meal.