Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup

Chef Nora Benson

October 31, 2024

This Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining tender seafood with the perfect balance of heat and tang. It's an easy-to-make dish that warms the soul and excites the palate, making every spoonful a comforting experience.

There’s something magical about Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup. The moment it hits your table, the mix of tangy, spicy, and savory aromas tells you this is more than just another bowl of soup. Each spoonful is brimming with succulent seafood, hints of white pepper, earthy mushrooms, and a punchy broth that’s impossible to ignore. If you’re craving a taste experience that’s both soothing and exciting, this hot and sour seafood soup is going to hit every note.

Imagine a chilly evening or a rainy day. You’re looking for warmth, something satisfying yet not heavy. This soup brings that perfect balance, with its invigorating sour notes and subtle heat that warms you from within. Not only does Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup offer bold flavors, but it also brings a sense of comfort that’s deeply satisfying. This is a soup that stays with you, lingering in both taste and memory.

What Is Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup?

Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup is a delicious take on a classic Chinese dish known for its vibrant mix of sourness and spice. Traditionally, this soup is served in many Asian restaurants, loved for its layered flavors and the contrast between the spicy, sour, and umami elements.

What makes this version unique is its balance – it’s spicy but not overpowering, sour but not sharp, and every ingredient has a purpose.

This variation is packed with seafood, which brings a fresh, ocean-like flavor to the dish. Think of shrimp, scallops, and sometimes squid, lending the soup a delicate sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the zesty broth. This soup is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone who appreciates layered, full-bodied flavors in a dish that feels like a little adventure.

What You’ll Need for Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup

Each ingredient in Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup plays a crucial role in building its rich taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips on the best choices to make each flavor stand out.

Key Ingredients and Best Choices

Seafood Mix: Choose fresh shrimp, scallops, and squid, or even fish chunks. Fresh seafood is key because it delivers the best taste and texture, and frozen options can work if fresh isn’t available. Shrimp add a touch of sweetness, while scallops offer a buttery texture, and squid brings a slight chewiness that’s just right for this soup.
Chicken or Seafood Stock: The broth forms the foundation of the soup, so a good-quality stock is essential. A chicken stock will give a richer, slightly meaty depth, whereas a seafood stock will intensify the ocean flavors. Homemade stock is always best, but high-quality store-bought options are also great.
Shiitake Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots: Shiitakes provide a rich, earthy flavor, while bamboo shoots add crunch and an almost grassy freshness that balances the soup. Both are traditional ingredients that bring authentic texture and depth to the dish.
Tofu Slices: Soft tofu adds a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the seafood and mushrooms. Go for silken tofu for a smoother, delicate bite, or medium-firm tofu if you prefer a little more texture.
Rice Vinegar and Soy Sauce: Rice vinegar brings the essential sourness, while soy sauce adds umami and saltiness. Together, they give the soup its signature hot and sour profile. Use light soy sauce to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
White Pepper and Chili Oil: White pepper has a sharper bite than black pepper and is a staple in hot and sour soup. Chili oil adds a subtle heat without making the soup overly spicy, though you can adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is a one-bowl wonder. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and has a bold flavor that’s hard to find in typical seafood dishes. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something both comforting and invigorating.

Whether you’re cozying up on a cold day or want to add a little zing to your dinner routine, Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup has you covered. Plus, it’s versatile. You can tweak the heat, add more sourness, or even switch up the seafood based on what’s fresh and available.

How to Make Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup

Cooking Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup is straightforward, and the end result is well worth the effort. Below, I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, sharing tips and personal insights that will help you feel confident in the kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Seafood: If you're using frozen seafood, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. Once thawed, pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Fresh seafood should be cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Vegetables: Slice the shiitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots into thin strips. If using whole bamboo shoots, ensure they are rinsed well and cut into manageable sizes.
Tofu: If you're using silken tofu, be gentle while cutting it into cubes. Medium-firm tofu can be cut a bit more roughly but still needs a delicate touch to maintain its shape.

Step 2: Make the Broth

Start by bringing your stock to a gentle boil in a large pot.

Heat the Stock: Pour the chicken or seafood stock into the pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Bring it to a gentle boil, which is crucial for releasing flavors.
Add Flavorings: Once boiling, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine. The broth should start to smell aromatic, which is a great sign that it’s developing those rich flavors.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

After your broth is boiling and well-seasoned, it’s time to add the veggies.

Toss in the Shiitake Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots: Add them to the broth and let them simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This allows their flavors to meld beautifully into the soup. You’ll notice the mushrooms becoming tender while still retaining some of their texture.

Step 4: Add the Tofu and Seafood

Now comes the best part—the seafood!

Gently Add the Tofu: Carefully add your cubed tofu to the pot. Since it’s delicate, you don’t want to stir too vigorously.
Incorporate the Seafood: After adding the tofu, throw in your shrimp, scallops, and squid. Give everything a gentle stir, ensuring the seafood is submerged in the broth.
Cook Until Just Done: Allow the soup to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are opaque. Avoid overcooking, as seafood can become rubbery.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

To achieve that perfect slightly thickened texture typical of Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup, we’ll add a cornstarch slurry.

Mix the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth.
Pour in the Slurry: Slowly drizzle the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring gently. This will help thicken the broth without creating lumps.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

With the soup thickened, it’s time to make it truly special.

Egg Swirl: As the soup continues to simmer, slowly drizzle in a beaten egg while stirring gently to create delicate ribbons. This adds richness and a lovely texture to the dish.
Finish with Chili Oil and Sesame Oil: A drizzle of chili oil will give your soup a beautiful color and a kick of flavor. Just a splash of sesame oil adds that warm, nutty finish that makes this soup unforgettable.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Now, give your soup a taste.

Adjust the Flavors: If you prefer it spicier, add more chili oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes. For more sourness, add a splash more rice vinegar. Remember, the soup should be a balance of hot and sour, so taste as you go!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to serve your Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup.

Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch. You can also serve extra chili oil on the side for those who want to kick it up a notch.
Pair It Up: This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a side of spring rolls for a full meal experience.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup isn’t just a comforting dish; it’s a versatile recipe perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or even a cozy dinner party, this soup shines.

A Hearty Meal for Chilly Days

On those rainy or chilly days, nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of this soup. Its comforting heat and rich flavors will make you feel cozy inside, while the aroma wafting through your kitchen will invite everyone to gather around the table.

Perfect for Celebrations

For celebrations, this soup can be a fantastic starter. It excites the palate and sets the tone for the meal to come. Serving Kenny's Hot and Sour Seafood Soup shows your guests that you’re ready to bring a little flair to the dining experience.

Regional Importance and Variations

In many Asian cultures, hot and sour soup is cherished for its ability to cleanse the palate and invigorate the senses.

Variations exist depending on the region, showcasing local seafood and spices.

Some regions might even include different types of mushrooms or additional vegetables, making every bowl a unique experience.