Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup is a classic, savory soup originating from Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold balance of spicy heat from white pepper and tangy sourness from vinegar. It typically features a broth thickened with cornstarch, filled with ingredients like tofu, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and often pork or egg ribbons.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is generally moderate in calories, with a typical serving containing around 100-150 calories, and is a good source of plant-based protein from tofu and fiber from mushrooms. It is relatively low in fat and carbohydrates, with its key nutrients being protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 75 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| Selenium | 8 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the soup's signature 'hot and sour' flavor profile is a hallmark of Sichuan cooking, designed to stimulate the appetite and warm the body. Nutritionally, the combination of vinegar and white pepper is traditionally believed in Chinese food therapy to aid digestion and promote circulation.
