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Hot & Sour Matzo Ball Soup

Hot & Sour Matzo Ball Soup

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Hot & Sour Matzo Ball Soup is a creative twist on the traditional Jewish comfort food, blending the classic tender matzo balls with a flavorful broth that delivers both heat and tang. Matzo ball soup has long been cherished in Jewish households and communities, especially during Passover, for its nourishing qualities and nostalgic appeal. This version elevates the classic by adding spicy and sour elements, creating a vibrant, warming soup that excites the palate while remaining comforting and familiar.

In this recipe, fluffy matzo balls are cooked directly in a hot and sour broth infused with ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and chili, giving the soup a lively balance of acidity and spice. Vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and scallions enhance the flavor and texture, while fresh herbs and optional chili oil add depth and aroma. Each spoonful combines the soft, delicate matzo balls with a tangy, savory broth that’s both warming and invigorating.

Perfect for chilly nights, festive meals, or as a unique appetizer, Hot & Sour Matzo Ball Soup is both comforting and exciting. It offers a playful fusion of traditional Jewish cuisine with bold, Asian-inspired flavors, making it a standout dish for family gatherings or dinner parties. This recipe proves that classic comfort foods can be reimagined in flavorful and unexpected ways.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 5 pounds chicken bones (wings, necks, backs, etc.)
  • 4 quarts cold water
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
  • 2 parsnips, peeled, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 carrots, diced
  • 1 turnip, peeled, diced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons chicken fat (or vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 cup seltzer water
  • 1 cup matzo meal
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup light soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sambal (red chili paste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 12 springs cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot, add the chicken and water.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to allow to simmer 30 minutes, uncovered.  Skim off any foam.
  2. Add the parsnips, onions, celery, turnip and carrots.  Simmer for 1½ hours.
  3. Meanwhile, make the matzo ball mixture.  In a medium bowl, beat 4 of the eggs.  Add the fat or oil, seltzer, matzo meal and 1 teaspoon salt.  Mix thoroughly.  Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
  4. To finish the matzo balls, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Dip your hands into cold water and make 12 balls, about 1″ (or larger if preferred.) Carefully add each ball to the boiling water.  Cook for 25 minutes.
  5. Strain the chicken soup and discard the solids. Return the soup to the pot and heat on medium.  Add soy sauce, vinegar, samba, white pepper and 1 tablespoon salt.
  6. Dissolve the cornstarch with ¼ cup water in a small bowl.  Add ¼ cup of the soup to the bowl.  Slowly pour cornstarch into the pot and mix well.
  7. Beat well the remaining eggs.  Remove the soup from the heat and whisk in the beaten eggs in a circular motion.
  8. Add matzo balls to the soup pot.
  9. When ready, serve soup hot with 1-2 matzo balls in each bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro.
  • Author: Recipe Maker
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Soups Side Dishes
  • Cuisine: Chinese Recipes Jewish Recipes
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