Why You’ll Love this Soulful Spicy Pork Hot & Sour Soup
Comfort in a bowl. That’s what this hot and sour soup delivers, especially on those days when nothing else will do.
I’m talking about a symphony of textures—tender pork, silky eggs, meaty mushrooms—all swimming in a broth that perfectly balances spicy and tangy notes.
The chili paste brings just enough heat to warm you from the inside out, while the rice vinegar adds that signature sour punch.
You’ll appreciate how the cornstarch creates a slightly thickened consistency that clings to your spoon.
Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll become your go-to when takeout cravings strike.
What Ingredients are in Soulful Spicy Pork Hot & Sour Soup?
The beauty of hot and sour soup lies in its complex blend of ingredients that create that perfect balance between spicy heat and tangy sourness. This recipe brings together a wonderful array of mushrooms, aromatics, proteins, and seasonings that transform simple chicken broth into something truly magical. What makes this version special is how the pork gets a quick cornstarch coating and pre-sear before joining the soup, giving you tender, flavorful meat instead of the sometimes rubbery bits you might find in restaurant versions.
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 ounces oyster mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil (plus 1 teaspoon for cooking pork)
- 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust based on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or minced fresh ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced bamboo shoots (about one small can)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or more to taste)
- 1 pinch sugar
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 1 piece firm tofu, drained, sliced and chopped
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 3/4 pound pork chop, thinly sliced
- Additional cornstarch for dusting pork
Don’t worry if you can’t find both mushroom varieties—you can certainly use all shiitake or substitute button mushrooms in a pinch. The white pepper is essential here, as it provides a different kind of heat than black pepper would, more aromatic and somewhat floral. For the chili paste, something like sambal oelek works perfectly, but sriracha can substitute if that’s what you have on hand. And while I’ve listed firm tofu, you could always opt for soft or medium if you prefer a silkier texture. The beauty of this soup is how adaptable it’s to your pantry and preferences.
How to Make this Soulful Spicy Pork Hot & Sour Soup
Making hot and sour soup is honestly one of those cooking processes that feels like culinary magic—watching a simple broth transform into something rich, complex, and deeply satisfying.
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of ginger paste, 1-2 tablespoons of chili paste (depending on how spicy you like things), 8 ounces of sliced shiitake mushrooms, 4 ounces of sliced oyster mushrooms, and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced bamboo shoots. This aromatic base needs just 1-2 minutes of cooking while you stir constantly, releasing all those gorgeous fragrant oils.
Now for the tangy flavor foundation. Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl, then pour this mixture into the pot. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld before adding 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
While that’s happening, prep your 3/4 pound of thinly sliced pork by dusting it with cornstarch and a few shakes of white pepper. Heat a separate pan with 1 teaspoon of oil and quickly fry the pork until the outside browns a bit—it’ll finish cooking in the soup later.
The final stage brings everything together beautifully. Add your pre-seared pork to the simmering soup, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water) to thicken things up. If you’re using firm tofu, this is when you’d add it too.
After about 5 more minutes of simmering, remove the pot from heat and create a gentle whirlpool by stirring in one direction. While the soup is spinning, slowly pour in 2 lightly beaten eggs in a steady stream, using a fork to break up pieces if needed. The hot liquid cooks the eggs almost instantly, creating those gorgeous ribbons throughout the soup.
For best results, consider investing in a professional casserole cookware set that distributes heat evenly for perfect soup consistency every time.
Finish with a sprinkle of 3 chopped scallions, and you’ve got a bowl of comfort that hits all the right notes—spicy, tangy, savory, and utterly soul-warming.
Soulful Spicy Pork Hot & Sour Soup Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic preparation, let’s explore ways to adapt this soup to your pantry or preference.
Don’t have shiitake mushrooms? Button or cremini work beautifully too.
For a seafood twist, swap the pork for shrimp or even chunks of firm white fish.
Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double up on tofu.
Like it extra spicy? Add a tablespoon more chili paste or toss in some sliced Thai chilies.
Need it milder? Reduce the chili paste and add a splash more vinegar for that signature tang without the heat.
The beauty of hot and sour soup? It’s infinitely customizable.
What to Serve with Soulful Spicy Pork Hot & Sour Soup
Every great soup deserves equally impressive companions on your table.
For this spicy pork masterpiece, I recommend crispy scallion pancakes for dipping—perfect for soaking up that tangy broth.
Can’t forget steamed white rice, which helps balance the heat while adding substance to your meal.
For a complete feast, add some simple stir-fried bok choy with garlic or steamed dumplings on the side.
Cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides a cool, invigorating contrast to the soup’s warmth.
Trust me, these pairings transform your soup from just a starter to the star of a memorable meal.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this hot and sour soup recipe, I’ve come to believe it’s one of those dishes that truly reflects the beautiful complexity of Asian cuisine.
The balance of sour vinegar with spicy chili paste creates that distinctive tang we crave on cold evenings. Don’t you love how the silky egg ribbons contrast with the meaty pork and earthy mushrooms?
What makes this soup special is its adaptability—add more chili for heat lovers, or dial back for sensitive palates.
It’s comfort food with attitude, warming from the inside out. Store leftovers up to three days, though I doubt any will remain!
