Description
A delightful balance of spice and tang, this soup is packed with comforting ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (fresh or rehydrated dried)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or black vinegar for more authenticity)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by bringing your chosen broth (chicken or vegetable) along with water to a gentle boil in your large soup pot over medium heat. This foundational step is crucial since it helps dissolve the flavors and prepares your palette for the explosion of taste to come.
- Once your broth is bubbling away, it’s time to introduce the heartier components of this soup. Add in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, julienned carrots, and thin strips of tofu. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering time allows all the ingredients to soften while infusing the broth with their rich flavors.
- As your vegetables start to tenderize, mix in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and any optional chili oil for an extra kick. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes; the perfect timing will ensure that every ingredient releases its full flavor potential.
- To achieve that perfect consistency, slowly pour in your cornstarch slurry while gently stirring the soup. This step is vital; the cornstarch will thicken the broth, making it hearty and luxurious, much like a restaurant-quality dish.
- With the heat reduced to low, gently stir the soup in a circular motion and drizzle in the beaten eggs to form lovely ribbons. This cooking technique creates an elegant finish that adds both texture and visual appeal to your dish.
- Finally, once the eggs are lightly cooked through, turn off the heat. Just before serving, enhance the flavor by drizzling in a touch of sesame oil and garnishing your soup with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful medley of flavors!
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Protein: 7 g