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Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup: A Bowl of Flavorful Comfort


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

Warm your soul with Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup, a bold, comforting dish that combines tangy broth, spicy chili oil, and tender dumplings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day, this recipe is easy to customize and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1012 dumplings (homemade or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan chili flakes
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic (34 cloves)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 pinch dried shrimp flakes (optional)
  • 1 small sheet dried laver (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
  • 1 large pinch chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dumplings

  1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
  2. Gently drop in the dumplings and stir to prevent sticking.
  3. Allow the water to return to a boil. Add ¼ cup cold water to cool it slightly, and repeat this process each time the water boils vigorously.
  4. Cook dumplings for 6–8 minutes (or as per package instructions). They’re done when they float to the top.

Step 2: Make the Chili Oil Base

  1. In a heat-proof bowl, combine minced garlic and Sichuan chili flakes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a small pot until it starts to smoke lightly.
  3. Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and chili flakes. Stir to release the flavors.

Step 3: Build the Broth

  1. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds to the chili oil mixture.
  2. If using dried shrimp flakes or dried laver, stir them in for extra umami.

Step 4: Assemble the Soup

  1. Ladle 1 cup of the dumpling cooking water into the chili oil and seasoning mixture to create the broth.
  2. Add the cooked dumplings to the bowl.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Top with chopped scallions and cilantro, if desired.
  2. Taste the broth and adjust the salt as needed.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy this bold, flavorful soup!

Notes

  • Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes to suit your heat tolerance.
  • Dumpling Options: Pork, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable dumplings all work beautifully. Frozen dumplings are a convenient option.
  • Broth Consistency: Add more dumpling cooking water if you prefer a thinner broth.
  • Storage: Store leftover broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and cook fresh dumplings when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese