Hot and sour soup is a flavorful Chinese staple that is satisfying when you are in the mood for soup but don’t want something too filling, like pho.
The best part about hot and sour soup is how perfectly well its flavors complement each other.
As your spoon breaks into this deep bowl of goodness, the dreamy aroma is the first thing you will notice.
As you take in this lingering yet appealing scent, the savory flavors of spices will hit your tongue – creating an explosion of epic proportion.
That’s when the sour juices mix with the well-combined flavors of garlic and ginger, which are unparalleled in taste sensations.
The best part about hot and sour soup is how perfectly well its flavors complement each other.
As your spoon breaks into this deep bowl of goodness, the dreamy aroma is the first thing you will notice.
As you take in this lingering yet appealing scent, the intense flavors of spices will hit your tongue – creating an explosion of epic proportion.
That’s when the sour juices mix with the well-combined flavors of garlic and ginger, which are unparalleled in taste sensations.
In this article, we will be introducing you to eight of the best side dishes that complement hot and sour soup.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot and sour soup is a popular dish in many Asian countries, and it can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
This traditional dish is made from a broth flavored with hot chili oil and sour Chinese vinegar, which gives it its signature tang.
In addition to being a meal on its own, hot and sour soup is often served to complement other traditional Asian dishes.
Another reason for adding side dishes to hot and sour soup is that it will add more nutritional value.
You can turn this dish into a complete meal without eating too many calories by adding vegetables and meats such as water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or peanuts.
If you’re looking for a twist to the traditional hot and sour soup, consider adding a side dish or two to add more variety to the meal.
They will not only help balance out the meal, but they will also give a completely new flavor profile that you might enjoy better.
What to Serve with Hot and Sour Soup? 8 BEST Side Dishes
Here are eight suggestions for side dishes that will complement the flavors of hot and sour soup perfectly.
1 – Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are pieces of mushroom caps filled with meats, cheeses, spices, and more.
This gives the dish a great texture that will contrast well with the smoothness of hot and sour soup.
These mushrooms can be served either as an appetizer or added to main courses such as beef stroganoff for that extra little something.
They give off a very rich flavor on their own to be paired with many different main courses.
One pairing that may suit your taste buds is to serve it with pepper steak, which is extremely flavorful and will give you the ultimate blend of sweet and savory flavors on one plate.
2 – Baked Potato with Sour Cream
If you’re looking for something on the “cheesy” side, one great option is to serve a baked potato with sour cream.
This is an extremely delicious and creamy combination that will suit the hot and sour soup like a glove.
This dish has a creamy texture that will “smooth out” the flavors in the soup for a tastier experience.
If you have children or other people who prefer not to eat too much spicy food, this dish is also a great way to introduce them to such flavors without overwhelming their taste buds right away.
3 – Buttered Noodles
Buttered noodles are a great option for serving hot and sour soup because it has a pleasantly smooth and buttery texture that will add to the dish’s richness.
This side dish is one of the simplest recipes you can make since all you need is cooked spaghetti noodles with some melted butter.
After boiling the pasta until soft, add the butter and mix it until a smooth buttered mixture.
You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a tasty and savory flavor.
If you have young children who are new to eating spicy food, this is a great way to introduce them to hot and sour soup flavors without overwhelming their taste buds.
4 – Cantonese Style Rice
Another great idea is to serve rice with your hot and sour soup.
We recommend using the Cantonese style rice, fluffy white rice that has been boiled in chicken broth instead of water.
This gives it an added flavor that will make every bite more delicious.
You can also add vegetables such as celery, onions, and carrots to the rice while it boils for a more flavorful outcome.
After boiling these ingredients together for a few minutes, drain off excess water before serving hot and sour soup.
This will help to give the dish a more hearty texture while also adding some new flavors.
5 – Stir-fry Vegetables
Stir-fry vegetables are another great option for side dishes that will serve well with the hot and sour soup.
This dish can be made in 5 to 10 minutes, so you won’t have long to wait before enjoying it.
They are made with various vegetables, which you can choose according to your taste.
This dish is great because it includes healthy ingredients such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms, which will bring new flavors to the overall meal.
The best part about stir-fry vegetables is that they’re quick to make (taking only about 10 minutes), so they’re great if you want something quick and easy to cook before dinner.
6 – Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles are great to serve with hot and sour soup because they have a delicious flavor that will enhance the dish.
They’re also relatively easy to make, so you won’t need to slave over the stove for long before enjoying them.
They are best served cold, which means you can prepare them ahead of time if you enjoy eating them that way.
They can be made in as little as 10 minutes, so they’re a great option if you want to whip up something quick and easy before dinner.
You can also add protein such as chicken or beef to the dish for a more filling and flavorful outcome.
7 – Moo Shu Pork
Another great option for serving the hot and sour soup is Moo Shu pork.
This dish can be made in just about 20 minutes, so it’s one of the faster options on this list when you’re in a hurry.
Moo Shu pork can have veggies added if you want to eat more healthy foods with your dinner, but it can also be eaten on its own to keep things quick.
You can serve your Moo Shu pork with hoisin sauce, which will add a burst of flavor that makes it even more delicious to eat.
This side dish is a great way to introduce some Asian flavors without overwhelming the palettes of young children who are new to spicy foods.
8 – Onion Rings
Finally, one of the tastiest options to serve with hot and sour soup is onion rings.
We recommend trying out these tasty treats if you have a craving for some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Onion rings taste great because they’re made from a combination of ingredients such as flour and bread crumbs, which give them a unique texture.
You can add some dipping sauce on top of your onion rings if you want to try something new, but they taste great with ketchup or barbecue sauce as well.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious meal to make for your family, hot and sour soup is the perfect option.
By serving it alongside one of these tasty side dishes, you’ll be able to serve something new and delicious that will impress everyone at the table.
These side dishes also make it incredibly easy to put together a meal because they take no longer than 10 minutes to prepare.
You can have everything ready in just 20 minutes, so you’ll be able to enjoy your dinner with your family without too much stress.
What To Serve With Hot And Sour Soup? 8 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Baked Potato with Sour Cream
- Buttered Noodles
- Cantonese Style Rice
- Stir-fry Vegetables
- Sesame Noodles
- Moo Shu Pork
- Onion Rings
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!