Hot And Sour Fish Soup

Hot and Sour Fish Soup is a tantalizing, tangy dish that combines the spiciness of chili with the zing of vinegar to create a flavorful balance that’s both refreshing and warming. This soup is popular in Asian cuisine and is known for its rich broth, which is infused with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass. The fish adds a delicate, tender texture that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the broth. Perfect for those who love bold flavors, this soup is both light and satisfying, and it’s ideal for a cold day or when you’re craving something with a kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
• 1-2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust for heat preference)
• 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup tofu, cubed (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the lemongrass and red chili peppers, and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil.
3. Pour in the fish stock and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, adjusting to taste for the right balance of hot and sour.
5. Add the mushrooms and tofu (if using), and simmer for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Gently add the fish pieces to the pot, and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
7. Remove the lemongrass stalks, and taste the soup to adjust seasoning with more vinegar, lime, or chili if desired.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro.

Serve hot and enjoy the bold, exciting flavors of this Hot and Sour Fish Soup!