How to Make PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup Recipe at Home
Making PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup recipe at home is easier! With this recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of PF Changs right in your own kitchen. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the cooking utensils required are minimal. Plus, we’ll give you tips on personalizing your soup and making it even more delicious. So get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup – without ever leaving home!
What is PF Changs?
PF Changs is an internationally acclaimed restaurant chain with locations worldwide. They specialize in American-style Chinese food and are a popular destination for diners. Some of their most popular dishes include Lettuce Wraps, Fried Rice, and Sweet and Sour Chicken.
PF Changs’ Hot and Sour Soup is one of the chain’s signature dishes and offers a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. They use traditional Chinese ingredients like wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Still, the soup is more commonly enjoyed as an American-style dish.
Hot and Sour Soup Ingredient List
Since PF Changs is a Chinese restaurant, they use traditional ingredients to make their soup. You may not be able to find all the ingredients at your local grocery store, but you can easily find them at an Asian market or online. Here is what you’ll need to make PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 6 Oz Dried wood ear mushrooms
- 6 Oz Bamboo shoots
- 1 Inch Fresh ginger root
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 Green onion
- 1 Teaspoon Red chili peppers
- 1 Cup Soy sauce
- 4 Oz Rice vinegar
- 1 Quart Chicken broth
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Eggs
- 6 Oz Tofu
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 Teaspoon White sugar
- Pinch of Salt and pepper
Optional Ingredients:
- Sesame oil
- Hot sauce
- White pepper
Garnishes & Sides:
- Sliced green onion
- Cilantro
- Rice
- Noodles
- Hot sauce or Sriracha
Alternatives & Substitutions:
- If you don’t want to use wood ear mushrooms, you can substitute with shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Or, you can leave them out entirely.
- If you don’t want to use tofu, you can replace it with chicken or pork. You can also leave it out.
- If you don’t have access to bamboo shoots, you can replace them with water chestnuts or lotus roots.
- If you don’t have access to red chili peppers, you can replace them with cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Kitchenware & Cookware
- Soup pot
- Slotted spoon
- Strainer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
Hot and Sour Soup Cooking Instructions
Here are the steps to make PF Chang’s Hot and Sour Soup:
Step 1: Soak Ear Mushrooms
Soak the wood ear mushrooms in a bowl of hot water for 15 minutes. This will rehydrate them and make them easier to slice. You want their texture to be soft and pliable.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
After the mushrooms have soaked, heat up a pot with vegetable oil. Add in freshly chopped ginger, garlic, and green onion. Sautee until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Chili Peppers
When the aromatics are fragrant, add in your chili peppers. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to a minute until they become fragrant.
Step 4: Add Sauce & Broth
Once the chili peppers are fragrant, add in your soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir and combine until there are no lumps. Then, gradually pour in your chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
Step 5: Add Mushrooms & Bamboo
Add in your wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots when the mixture simmer. Stir and cook for 5-10 minutes until they are cooked through.
Step 6: Add Tofu
Once the mushrooms and bamboo shoots are cooked through, add in your cubed tofu. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes to warm the tofu through.
Step 7: Thicken Soup
When the tofu is warm, add in your cornstarch and white sugar. Stir and dissolve the cornstarch until the soup begins to thicken.
Step 8: Finish Soup
Once the soup has thickened, crack open the eggs and slowly drizzle them into the soup while stirring. This will create ribbons of egg throughout the soup. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Your PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with your favorite garnishes or sides like sliced green onion, cilantro, rice, and noodles. Or you can add some sesame oil, hot sauce, or white pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
Top your soup with crispy fried wonton strips or crunchy noodles for a special PF Changs touch. Serve it hot, and enjoy!
What Pairs Well With Hot and Sour Soup?
Hot and Sour Soup pairs well with a variety of dishes. This soup is perfect for sharing and eating family style. Some side dishes that go great with PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup are steamed or stir-fried vegetables, steamed fish, deep-fried shrimp, vegetable spring rolls, and pork buns. Serve the soup with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.
For dessert, PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup pair well with black sesame ice cream, mango pudding, or sweet red bean soup. Enjoy!
PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup FAQs
Why isn’t my hot and sour soup thickening?
If your hot and sour soup isn’t thickening, it’s likely because you needed to dissolve the cornstarch more. Make sure to stir and dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to your soup.
Can I make PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup vegetarian?
Yes, PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup can be made vegetarian! Leave out the pork or chicken and replace it with extra tofu. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers instead.
What other proteins can I use in PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup?
You can use a variety of proteins in PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup. Some popular options include pork, shrimp, beef, chicken, or fish. Feel free to mix and match the proteins according to your preference.
Can I make PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup ahead of time?
Yes, PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Enjoy!
Conclusion
PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup is a delicious comfort food perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and utensils. This soup can be customized according to your preference with various proteins and vegetables. Serve PF Changs Hot and Sour Soup with steamed white rice and some sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!
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