Name: Chinese Hot-and-Sour Soup
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings
Ingredients: 5 ounces boneless pork loin, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips (2/3 cup); 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce*; 4 small Chinese dried black mushrooms*; 12 small dried tree ear mushrooms*; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 12 dried lily buds* (sometimes called golden needles); 1/2 cup canned sliced bamboo shoots*, cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch-wide strips (from an 8-oz can); 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned); 1 tablespoon light soy sauce*; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons peanut oil; 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 3 to 4 oz firm tofu (about a quarter of a block), rinsed and drained, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil*; 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper; 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion greens; 2 tablespoons fresh whole cilantro leaves; *Available at Asian foods markets, Uwajimaya (800-889-1928), and Kam Man Food Products Inc. (212-571-0330).

Image may contain Bowl Cutlery Spoon Dish Food and Meal

Chinese Hot-and-Sour SoupRomulo Yanes

This authentic soup is essentially an ancient doctor's curative that combines the healing magic of chicken broth, the circulation-enhancing qualities of tree fungus and lily buds, and the antiseptic properties of vinegar. The heat isn't from chiles — it's actually from freshly ground white pepper.

Bruce Cost prefers the flavor of Pearl River Bridge Golden Superior brand soy sauce for this dish and for the Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage and Dried Scallops .

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

The Most Important Ingredient in KFC's Secret Recipe Is a Spicy Surprise
The Colonel's "eleven herbs and spices" launched an empire. And this unsung spice is at the center of his closely guarded formula.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Recipe notes

The Most Important Ingredient in KFC's Secret Recipe Is a Spicy Surprise