CLASSIC HOT AND SOUR SOUP

Classic Hot and Sour Soup image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Time 1h35m

Yield about 2 1/2 quarts soup; 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 ounces dried shiitake mushrooms
10 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 pound very thinly sliced and julienned pork loin or tenderloin
6 to 8 ounces tofu, cubed or crumbled
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons mushroom flavored soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Hot chile oil, for drizzling
2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions

Steps:

Combine shiitake mushrooms and 3 cups of the chicken stock in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let stand until mushrooms are tender and broth is flavorful, about 30 minutes. Remove mushrooms and discard stems. Thinly slice caps and reserve. Strain broth through a fine mesh sieve, combine with the remaining chicken stock and set aside.
In a medium saucepan heat the vegetable oil and, when hot, add the ginger, garlic and crushed red pepper; cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the chicken stock and reserved shiitakes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes. Add the pork and tofu and stir to combine. In a small bowl or cup, combine the lime juice and cornstarch and stir until smooth. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the hot soup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and serve the soup, drizzled with hot chile oil, to taste, and garnished with some of the sliced scallions.