Wholesome Cook
Asian

15 minute hot and sour soup with sizzling beef

If the only thing stopping you from making this soup is the fear of how complicated the recipe might be, I can assure you that going out to get the ingredients will take you longer than it will to make the whole dish, sizzling beef included.

Assuming that you’re anything like me, somewhere at the back of your fridge’s fruit and veg bin you will most likely find a few red long chillies, a handful of coriander sprigs and half a lime, leftover from the delicious chimichurri my way I know you made on the weekend,. And this is the most delicious and uncomplicated way to use up those slightly awkward leftovers…

For a vegan or vegetarian version, simply pad it out with carrots, potato, cauliflower and broccolini. Or, add thin slices of beef like I have, cooked prawns or even salmon to make for a meaty addition to the dish.

The bowls and spoons featured in this post are from Kylie Kwong’s Oxfam fair trade Lotus range and are available from  Oxfam stores around Australia and online. I got mine from Mr Chipconnoisseur’s sister for Christmas.

Serves 4

15 minute hot and sour soup with sizzling beef

I didn’t make the broth too spicy because of the kids, so feel free to increase the number of chillies to 2 or even 3 if you prefer lip-numbing heat levels. Keep the chilli whole, but score it on one side to release extra flavour from the juices and seeds. I’d also use beef (style) stock for a seafood version as it has a much richer and sweeter flavour.

{Printable recipe}

Basics for the hot and sour broth:

  • 8 cups beef stock (I used Massell Beef Style stock – it’s vegan, gluten and enhancers free)
  • 3 whole coriander sprigs, cut in half
  • 1 red long chilli, scored
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 a lime, cut into wedges

Vegetables for the hot and sour broth:

  • 8 baby potatoes, cut into quarters
  • 1 large carrot, diced into 1cm cubes
  • 1 bunch of broccolini, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 small cauliflower, florets only

For the sizzling beef (optional):

  • 200g thinly sliced beef fillet // or sizzling steaks
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp peanut oil
  • ground pepper to taste

To serve:

  • extra lime, slices chilli and coriander leaves

To make the hot and sour broth: place all vegetables, chilli, coriander and beef stock in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Add soy sauce, ginger powder and limes – squeeze in the juice first then add the wedges too. Simmer the soup for another 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, while you prepare the beef (if using).

To make the sizzling beef: mix oil, soy sauce and pepper in a large bowl. Add beef and toss to cover the meat with the marinade. Using tongs, sear the beef on a smoking hot barbecue, wok or pan for no longer than 5 seconds on each side – it will continue to cook in the steaming hot broth you just don’t want to serve it raw. Set aside on a plate to rest while you serve up the soup.

To serve: remove wilted coriander sprigs, chilli and lime wedges from the soup, discard all but the chilli which can be sliced and served in the soup. Divide the sizzling beef slices between serving bowls. Top with vegetables and broth. Serve with extra sliced chilli, coriander leaves and a lime wedge if you like.

18 comments

Timothy R January 16, 2012 at 12:06 pm

Great recipe! Totally going to make this for dinner tonight.

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Anne S January 16, 2012 at 12:07 pm

It’s been a rainy weekend so this is perfect comfort food for after work without having to slave in the kitchen for hours. Thanks for sharing.

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Gaby January 16, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Yum, perfect for this crazy weather! I must admit I haven’t made your chimichurri yet but I do happen to have the ingredients in my fridge :)

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Just A Smidgen January 16, 2012 at 3:43 pm

I was just going to say.. I’m seeing spicy recipes everywhere! What could be more enriching than sitting down and enjoying a bowl full of this soup:) Heartwarming!

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Mel January 16, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Delicious looking and very fresh flavours, like the vegan version too.

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Steph January 16, 2012 at 6:48 pm

Beautiful dish and bowls too Marty, lovely gift!

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rsmacaalay January 16, 2012 at 6:59 pm

I will keep this recipe so that I can make it next winter in NZ.

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Laura (starloz) January 16, 2012 at 7:29 pm

this dish sounds perfect for the weather we are having at the moment.

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Three-Cookies January 16, 2012 at 8:16 pm

Thank you for this. At one of my favourite Chinese restaurants, my fav starter was hot and sour soup, made with seafood. I never tried at home, should try your recipe.

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Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide January 17, 2012 at 3:26 am

Looks wonderful. I love the idea of a quick soup too, none of mine are quick!

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Courtney January 17, 2012 at 8:22 am

I LOVE hot and sour soup and am excited to see it’s easier to make than I thought. And so quick, too!

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Food is our religion January 17, 2012 at 9:46 am

I have been wanting to make hot sour soup but never found the time. Must bookmark this page though because I never k dw it was possible to do it in 15!

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Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepan January 17, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Dear Martyna,

The idea of a hot and sour soup just seems so appetizing like a tom yum. I’m tempted to substitute the potatoes with soft or silken tofu to make it lighter. But the concept of this dish is great because you have carbs, soup and veges all in one. Well done!

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Mez January 17, 2012 at 4:29 pm

That really is easy!!!
It looks like the perfect thing to make for work too, something quick.
Marking this for winter!

xox

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Nami | Just One Cookbook January 19, 2012 at 7:24 pm

This sounds so delicious! I love the sound of sizzling beef – making the whole eating experience special. Hot and sour soup is always one of my favorite soups.

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sara (Belly Rumbles) January 19, 2012 at 8:56 pm

Loving this recipe. Now in regard to chillies, I actually keep mine in the freezer. They freeze really well, makes it easier to chop from frozen and take seeds out if you need to. Also by doing this I have a massive variety on hand always.

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Sissi January 23, 2012 at 1:02 am

Beautiful bowls and a very appetising soup!

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divadj October 29, 2012 at 12:20 pm

I made this soup today and it did not turn out as I had imagined naturally thinking Chinese hot and sour flavors. .I followed the recipe completely and the lime left a bitter citrus after taste I could not get away from. Just to caution you; don’t make it thinking Chinese version or you may be disappointed. Otherwise, it was hearty and filling!

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