As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy hot and sour soup is an explosion of flavors! As the name suggests, it’s spicy, hot, sour and so delicious! The mixture of vegetables like carrots and cabbage, crushed tomatoes, tofu, and spices create an extremely comforting vegan hot and sour soup to unwind at the end of the day.

completed Easy Vegan Hot and Sour Soup against a white background

The spices and effects this soup have on us when we eat it make it so perfect to warm us up on those chilly winter or autumn evenings. It sends warmth all over your body. 

It’s the best feeling, isn’t it? To cozy up with a bowl of soup at the end of the day. It’s not only comforting and relaxing, but it can also lift your spirits up when you’re feeling a bit unwell.

If you love comforting soups, then you might also enjoy this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or this Vegan Chicken Noodle with Jackfruit.

I think this soup might become your favorite easy and filling soup dinner when you’re looking for comfort and it would make for a great family dinner if you are moderate with the spices. Let us know how you like it!

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & get this sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Why This Recipe Works

  • A great clean-out-the-refrigerator soup. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand!
  • Easy to adjust the spiciness for all types of eaters. That’s what makes it perfect for families.
  • Hearty enough for the main course! But it also makes a great starter or side dish too.

What is Hot and Sour Soup?

It has its origins in China, although the original version contains meat and egg. This vegan version of the soup retains all the amazing flavors of the original but without the meat. The flavor is spicy with its signature sour notes.

If you have ever tried this classic Chinese vegetable soup then you just know what we mean. It’s addictive! Plus you can play around with the ingredients and customize them to your liking. So, next time you’re reaching for that takeout, consider making this delicious vegan hot and sour soup instead!

What Goes Into This Recipe

Let’s take a look at what is in this soup recipe! I think you’ll be surprised at how simple the ingredients are for this delicious soup. 

ingredients for Easy Vegan Hot and Sour Soup measured out against a white surface
  • Oil: This recipe uses mostly olive oil with a touch of sesame oil to add its distinct flavor.
  • Vegetables: Onion, cabbage, and shredded carrots. Any variety of cabbage works. Keep it simple with green cabbage or you can use napa or savoy cabbage.
  • Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes when making this soup. You can also use diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes but you may want to blend or chop them up a bit for smaller pieces.
  • Vegetable broth: Adds flavor and liquid to the hot and sour soup.
  • Extra firm tofu: My favorite for making this vegetable soup. But other softer types of tofu work well in this particular preparation as well. 
  • Soy sauce: A great way to add umami flavor to this vegetable soup. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with coconut aminos.
  • Rice wine vinegar: Gives this veggie soup its unique sour flavor.
  • Crushed red pepper: For the “HOT” in this vegetable soup recipe.
  • Fresh ginger: Infuses vegan hot and sour with its unique peppery yet pungent flavor and aroma.

How To Make Hot and Sour Soup

  • 1) Heat the oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. When it’s heated add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • 2) When the onions start to soften and become translucent, add the cabbage, carrots, and canned tomatoes. Cook the veggies for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • 3) While the veggies are cooking, cut the tofu into bite-size pieces.
cubed tofu in a white plate against a white background
  • 4) Add the tofu and the remaining ingredients to the pot. Cook the soup over high heat until it begins to boil. 
  • 5) Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • 6) When the soup is ready, serve it up hot with fresh pepper.

Expert Tips and FAQs

  • Serve it up with some crispy fried wontons. The soup and crunchy wontons are the perfect match!
  • To make the soup less spicy, adjust the level of red pepper used. Place a small bowl of it or some sliced chilies on the table for anyone who wants to add more spiciness to their bowl.
  • More sour flavor? Add an extra splash of vinegar just before serving.
  • Using broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower, green beans, or other delicate veggies? Add these to the pot of soup during the last ten minutes of cooking so they don’t turn out too soft.
Is hot and sour soup healthy?

Yes, for the most part – but it depends on the variation you are preparing or ordering. This recipe uses completely wholesome ingredients for a soup that makes a healthy addition to meals.

Does hot and sour soup contain meat?

In some cases, it is made using meat-based broth, eggs, and even some pieces of meat. This vegan hot and sour soup, however, does not!

What vegetables will work well when making this vegetable soup?

Any veggies you would normally add to soup will work. Some favorites include cabbage, onion, carrots, snow peas, spinach or kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms. More delicate vegetables such as bean sprouts or green onions can be sprinkled on the top for garnish or added right at the end before serving.

completed Easy Vegan Hot and Sour Soup against a white background

More Vegan Soup Recipes

Photos by Alfonso Revilla

Easy Vegan Hot and Sour Soup

4.95 from 70 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This easy vegan hot and sour soup is packed with lots of veggies and the perfect way to end a super busy and hectic day! It's comforting and crazy delicious.

Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 small head of cabbage shredded
  • 1 ½ cups of shredded carrots
  • 1 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 14-ounce tub of extra firm tofu
  • cup of soy sauce
  • cup + 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of freshly ground pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon of crushed red pepper
  • 1 ¾-inch piece of fresh ginger finely chopped

Instructions 

  • In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. When the onions become tender and translucent, add the cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
  • While the cabbage is simmering, cut the tofu into bite-size pieces. Add the tofu and the remaining ingredients to the pot. Cook over high heat until the soup begins to boil. Once it begins to boil, lower the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Serve hot. Add fresh pepper to each serving.

Notes

  • Serve it up with some crispy fried wontons. The soup and crunchy wontons are the perfect match!
  • To make the soup less spicy, adjust the level of red pepper used. Place a small bowl of it or some sliced chilies on the table for anyone who wants to add more spiciness to their bowl.
  • More sour flavor? Add an extra splash of vinegar just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 1240mgPotassium: 695mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 6178IUVitamin C: 53mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Asian
Method: Stovetop
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂
About

David Sterkel

Plant based foodie, running, cooking, trash TV- all things that describe me! I enjoy cooking quick and easy meals that are healthy and inexpensive. Happy reading!

More about David Sterkel

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious soup. Easy to find ingredients and very clear directions in the recipe. I added mushrooms and bean sprouts. A terrific soup which I wil definitely make again and probably again and again. I’ll check out your other vegan recipes as well. Thanks

  2. 5 stars
    it’s so hard to find a good hot sour soup anywhere around me so when I saw this yesterday and realized I had all I needed to make it I was cautiously hopeful but have been happy with your other recipes so gave it a try. it was very easy to make, certainly budget friendly. It was delicious, perfectly spot on flavor. 2of us ate the whole thing yesterday.

  3. 5 stars
    I love this recipe it was very nice, I added a little extra coco aminos and a little extra rice vinager and it was superb

  4. 4 stars
    Made this soup today, I am a soup fanatic. After reading the comments I started with one tablespoon of crushed pepper and just a pinch of black pepper and it was just right for me. I also love mushrooms in my hot and sour soup so I added some in there. The flavor is amazing, I’ve shied away from making this soup because it usually looks so complex but you made it easy and delicious! Thank you, I will be making this again.

  5. 5 stars
    this is an absolutely delicious soup! easy to make and tastes so good. love the contrast of hot and sour + the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots. highly recommend!

  6. I subbed home-grown roasted tomatoes for the crushed version. Soup came out perfect for the first cold day in November here! Next time will add some mushrooms.

  7. 3 stars
    While it was super simple to make and I was so excited to try it, it’s WAY TOO HOT. I know you recommend to adjust the peppers, but I would START with maybe just 1 teaspoon. I’ll probably have to throw this out because it’s hot. BUT, I DO plan to try again with much less peppers.

  8. 5 stars
    I’ve always wanted to make hot and sour soup but thought it’d be too complicated. This recipe was surprisingly easy and delicious!!