Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot and Sour Soup (Bold, Cozy & Comforting)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
2 min read

Bowl of mushroom soup with sliced mushrooms, leeks, and vegetables in a clear broth on a marble counter. Cozy and inviting.

This Hot and Sour Soup is bold, cozy, and deeply comforting — featuring a savory broth balanced with vinegar, white pepper heat, tender tofu, and mushrooms. It’s a classic soup that comes together quickly and delivers big flavor without complicated ingredients. Serve it alongside Vegetarian Fried Rice, Garlic Soy Noodles, or Egg Drop Soup for a cozy, takeout-style meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold flavor with the perfect balance of heat and tang
Ready in about 20 minutes
Made with simple, widely available ingredients
Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
Cozy, warming soup enjoyed worldwide

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~120 per serving
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: varies depending on broth and soy sauce

Ingredients

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (960 ml)
6 oz firm tofu, cut into thin strips (170 g)
1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (75 g)
½ cup bamboo shoots, sliced (75 g)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or black vinegar (30 ml)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
½ teaspoon white pepper (2 g), adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon chili flakes or chili paste, optional (1 g)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
1 large egg, beaten (about 50 g)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (about 20 g)

Instructions

Bring the broth to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, white pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the soup. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while gently stirring to create soft ribbons.
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Adjust vinegar and white pepper to control sourness and heat
Add wood ear mushrooms if available for texture
Use black vinegar for a deeper, more authentic flavor
Add shredded chicken or pork for extra protein
Keep the heat gentle when adding egg to maintain soft ribbons

Make-Ahead & Storage

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve texture.

FAQ

Is hot and sour soup very spicy? It’s more peppery and tangy than spicy. You can easily adjust the heat to taste.

Can I make this fully vegan? Yes. Use vegetable broth and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.

What vinegar works best? Rice vinegar is mild and accessible; Chinese black vinegar adds deeper flavor if available.

Final Thoughts

Hot and Sour Soup is the kind of dish that wakes up your palate while still feeling deeply comforting. The balance of tangy vinegar, gentle heat, and savory broth makes it a cozy favorite that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does alongside a full dinner spread.