Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is a fusion of two classic dishes—Chinese wonton soup and Sichuan hot and sour soup. The rich broth, infused with the tang of Chinese black vinegar and the heat of gochugaru, is paired with dumplings and chewy noodles, creating an irresistibly savory, spicy, and sour experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1.5-2 tsp gochugaru (adjust according to desired heat)

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 2 tsp sugar (to taste)

• 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil (avocado, sunflower, grapeseed, etc.)

• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)

• 1 tsp dark mushroom soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar

• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper

• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Dumplings and Noodles:

• 6-8 frozen dumplings (vegetable or preferred type)

• 1 portion wheat noodles (around 60g per serving)

To Finish:

• 1-1.5 cups hot water from the pot

• 2 tsp sesame oil

For Topping:

• Chopped green onions or coriander

• Crispy fried shallots

Directions

1. Prepare the Soup Base:
   In a heatproof bowl, mix gochugaru (or chili powder), minced garlic, and sugar. In a pot, heat oil over medium heat until small bubbles appear. Add a tiny piece of garlic to test if it sizzles. Turn off the heat and pour the hot oil over the gochugaru mixture. Stir well. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, white pepper, and sesame seeds. Adjust to taste.

2. Cook the Dumplings and Noodles:
   In the same pot, bring water to a boil. Add frozen dumplings and cook until they float. Remove them from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, cook the noodles until chewy but not overcooked (they will continue cooking with the broth). Drain the noodles and add them to the bowl with the dumplings.

3. Finish the Soup:
   Carefully scoop 1 to 1.5 cups of the hot dumpling/noodle water from the pot and add to the bowl with the noodles and dumplings. Mix to combine the flavors. Finish with sesame oil and top with chopped green onions and fried shallots.

4. Serve:
   Serve immediately while hot. The dumplings and noodles will continue to absorb the delicious flavors of the soup base.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 686 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 62g

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 45g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 21g

  • Trans Fat: 0.1g

• Sodium: 2052mg

• Potassium: 162mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 890 IU

• Vitamin C: 15mg

• Calcium: 77mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Fusion of Flavors: A Spicy, Sour, and Savory Broth

The magic of Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup lies in the depth of its broth. The base starts with a mixture of gochugaru, a popular Korean chili powder, which imparts a smoky heat to the soup. By adjusting the amount of gochugaru, you can control the level of spiciness, making this dish adaptable to your personal heat tolerance. Along with the heat, the soup is infused with a blend of savory ingredients: soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and white pepper.

The Chinese black vinegar is the star of the show when it comes to the soup’s signature sourness. This type of vinegar has a deep, rich flavor that is less sharp than other vinegars, adding complexity and tang to the broth. A dash of sugar helps balance out the heat and acidity, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile. The sesame seeds and sesame oil provide a fragrant nuttiness that completes the flavor of the broth.

The Dumplings and Noodles: Comforting and Satisfying

Dumplings and noodles form the heart of this soup. The dumplings, whether vegetable or your favorite filling, are the perfect addition to the broth, adding texture and richness. As the dumplings cook, they release savory juices into the soup, infusing the broth with additional flavor. Frozen dumplings work wonderfully in this recipe for convenience, but you can also use freshly made dumplings if you prefer.

The noodles add chewiness and substance to the soup, making each bite more filling and satisfying. The wheat noodles, which are cooked to a perfect texture, absorb the flavors of the broth, making every spoonful a flavorful delight. The combination of dumplings and noodles provides a balance of different textures, from the soft dumplings to the chewy noodles, making each bite an exciting mouthful.

The Cooking Process: Simple Steps for a Flavorful Bowl

Preparing Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is relatively simple, with a few key steps that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. The first step involves preparing the soup base, which is where the flavors start to come together. Gochugaru, garlic, and sugar are mixed, and hot oil is poured over the mixture to release the essential oils from the garlic and chili flakes. This technique helps infuse the oil with deep flavors before adding soy sauce, black vinegar, white pepper, and sesame seeds. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring that the broth has just the right balance of heat and acidity.

Next, the dumplings and noodles are cooked in the same pot. The dumplings are cooked until they float, a sign that they are ready to be removed and set aside. The noodles are then cooked in the same pot, absorbing the flavors of the broth while they cook. This method ensures that the noodles are infused with the same rich flavors that define the soup.

The final step involves adding the hot water from the pot to the dumplings and noodles in a bowl, along with sesame oil to finish the soup. The hot water helps combine the flavors, creating a perfectly balanced broth. The soup is then topped with fresh herbs like green onions and coriander, along with crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

Toppings: Adding Texture and Freshness

Toppings are a great way to add texture and freshness to your Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup. Chopped green onions or coriander provide a burst of freshness, complementing the rich broth and adding a pop of color. Crispy fried shallots, either store-bought or homemade, bring a delightful crunch to the soup, balancing out the softness of the dumplings and noodles.

These toppings not only enhance the texture but also elevate the overall flavor, adding contrast to the heat and sourness of the broth. You can also experiment with other garnishes, such as a sprinkle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime juice, depending on your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, making it a satisfying and filling meal. Each serving contains around 686 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The soup has 62g of carbohydrates, which primarily come from the noodles, making it a great source of energy. The protein content (12g per serving) comes from the dumplings and the noodles, while the fat content (45g) is derived from the oil, sesame oil, and sesame seeds used in the soup base.

Although the soup is rich, the presence of fiber (5g per serving) from the noodles and the vegetables in the dumplings helps keep the dish balanced. The soup also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A (890 IU), vitamin C (15mg), calcium (77mg), and iron (3mg), making it a nutritious meal that also satisfies your cravings for bold, complex flavors.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing with Your Favorite Dishes

Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup can be served as a standalone meal or paired with other dishes to create a complete dining experience. The soup’s bold, spicy, and sour flavors make it an excellent complement to lighter, milder dishes such as steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or dumpling appetizers.

If you’re looking for a larger meal, consider serving the soup alongside a simple stir-fried vegetable dish or a rice-based side. The hearty and flavorful broth pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a great option for dinner parties or family meals.

Conclusion

Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful fusion dish that combines the best elements of Chinese and Sichuan cuisines. With its rich broth, chewy noodles, and savory dumplings, this soup provides a satisfying meal that will warm you up and tantalize your taste buds. The balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, enhanced by the crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs, makes this soup a truly memorable dish. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy evening or for a special occasion, Hot and Sour Dumpling Noodle Soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.