Description
A comforting, spicy, and tangy vegan hot and sour soup made with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. This plant-based version of the classic Chinese soup delivers bold umami flavor, heat, and tanginess in every nourishing bowl.
Ingredients
6 cups vegetable broth
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add grated ginger and minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and ground white pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add tofu cubes and simmer gently for 5 more minutes.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring until the soup thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and optional cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Add napa cabbage or bok choy for extra greens.
Replace tofu with tempeh for a protein-rich variation.
Use chili oil or hoisin sauce for a smokier flavor.
Add more cornstarch slurry for a thicker soup.
To make it oil-free, sauté aromatics in vegetable broth instead of sesame oil.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
