Hototay Soup: Recipe, Price & How to Make It | Amber Golden Plate Guide

Hototay (pronounced hoh-toh-tie) is a rich and delicious soup dish made with a hearty mix of ingredients like pork, chicken, and liver. Known for its comforting taste and nutritional value, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.

I have experienced both Chinese and Filipino Hototay soup; however, my preference lies with the Filipino variant. My first encounter with this dish occurred at Amber Golden Plate Restaurant, and since that initial tasting, I have developed a profound appreciation for it. After several attempts to replicate the homemade Hototay soup, I can confidently state that it has become the preferred soup for my family.

The Chinese version of the soup bears a resemblance but notably excludes liver, which I believe enhances the appeal of the Filipino recipe. Today, I will be sharing the techniques that contribute to achieving a restaurant-quality taste in this soup. Let us delve into the specifics.

Hototay Soup Amber: Menu Price & Locations

Why Hototay Soup Is a Must-Try Filipino Soup

Hototay soup is a Filipino comfort dish known for its savory depth and wholesome health benefits. Typically made with a variety of vegetables, liver, pork, and chicken, this soup offers a nutritious profile that supports overall well-being.

Hototay Soup Taste:

Hototay soup is renowned for its exceptional flavor. Many appreciate its rich, savory taste, making it one of the most enjoyable soups available.

Combination of Ingredients :

Originally from China, the Filipino interpretation of Hototay soup has gained popularity and is often considered superior by many. The inclusion of an array of vegetables, along with liver, enhances its flavor and nutritional value and contributes to its distinctive character.

Hototay Soup Nutrition Facts: Calories, Carbs & Health Benefits

One serving (approx. 350g) of Amber’s hototay soup provides:

• Calories: 91 kcal (per serving as shown on menu)
• Protein: 12-15g (from pork, chicken, liver)
• Fat: 2-3g (light broth, minimal oil)
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g (vegetables)
• Sodium: 950mg (moderate salt content)
• Fiber: 2g (from cabbage, mushrooms, carrots)

Health Benefits:

• Liver Benefits: Rich in iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin A for energy and vision​
• Chicken Benefits: High-quality protein, supports muscle health
• Vegetables: Antioxidants from shiitake mushrooms, carrots (beta-carotene), cabbage (vitamin C)
• Light Broth: Hydrating, mineral-rich (calcium, magnesium from bone stock)​

Perfect For: Post-workout meals, cold weather comfort, family gatherings, light appetizer.

How to Make Hototay Soup: Authentic Filipino Recipe

Learn how to make hototay soup exactly like Amber Golden Plate serves it. This hototay soup recipe yields 8-10 servings and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes total.​

Hototay Soup Ingredients (For 8-10 Servings)

Proteins:

• 1 lb (500g) pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced thinly
• 1 lb (500g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ lb (250g) pork liver, sliced thinly

Aromatics & Base:

• 6 cups chicken stock or broth (unsalted preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, quartered

Vegetables:

• 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• 1½ cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped (or cremini mushrooms)
• 1 cup carrots, sliced thin
• ½ cup wood ear mushrooms (tenga ng daga), rehydrated and sliced​

Finishing Touches:

• 4-5 fresh eggs, beaten
• 1 cup green onions, chopped finely for garnish
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp sesame oil for aroma

Hototay Soup Step-by-Step Instructions (How to Cook)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes)

Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and quartered onion. Sauté until fragrant and onion softens (2-3 minutes). This creates the flavor base.​

Step 2: Brown the Meats (10 minutes)

Add sliced pork and cook until edges turn light brown (4-5 minutes). Then add chicken pieces and pork liver. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until meat changes color and flavors develop. Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; let meat develop a slight crust for better taste.​

Step 3: Build the Broth (15 minutes)

Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock slowly while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes. This step melds flavors and ensures meat is fully cooked and tender.​

Step 4: Create Clear Broth (Optional but Authentic)

For restaurant-quality hototay soup, strain the broth through fine mesh to remove impurities, returning clear liquid and cooked meat to the pot. This is Amber’s signature technique for crystal-clear broth. Skip if you prefer thicker texture.​

Step 5: Add Vegetables (5 minutes)

Add sliced carrots and shiitake mushrooms. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Then add napa cabbage and wood ear mushrooms; simmer another 2 minutes. Vegetables should retain slight crunch.​

Step 6: Season & Finish (2 minutes)

Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add sesame oil if desired for authentic aroma.

Step 7: Add Egg Drop (2 minutes)

Slowly pour beaten eggs into the simmering broth while stirring gently in circular motions. This creates silky egg ribbons throughout the soup, the signature hototay finish.​

Step 8: Serve Hot

Ladle hototay soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot. Perfect serve: With steamed rice or Filipino bread for a complete meal.​

Total Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10 | Per Serving: ~91 calories

Hototay Soup Ingredients: Health Profile & Substitutions

Each ingredient brings nutritional and flavor benefits:

Hototay Soup Under 100 Calories: A Lighter Version You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a lighter way to enjoy this delicious Filipino soup, Hototay Soup under 100 calories is a great option. By trimming the fat off meats, reducing the amount of liver, and skipping the egg topping, you can easily create a leaner version. Use more leafy vegetables like napa cabbage and substitute regular broth with low-sodium chicken stock. This lighter variant still delivers the rich umami flavor of the original while helping you stay on track with your wellness goals. Ideal as a low-calorie meal starter or a nourishing bowl during your fitness journey, this version is equally comforting and satisfying, without the guilt.

Popular Variations of Hototay Soup

Hototay soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized based on preference or dietary needs. While the classic recipe includes pork, chicken, and liver, there are several delicious variations worth exploring. Hototay soup with shrimp adds a seafood twist, while a vegetarian Hototay skips the meat but keeps the rich broth and vegetables intact. You can also enjoy Hototay with sotanghon noodles for a more filling meal, or try Hototay with tofu and mushroom for a plant-based protein boost. These options not only enhance the taste but also help cater to a broader range of dietary lifestyles.

Allergen Info of Hototay Soup

Hototay Soup may contain the following allergens:

Eggs: Commonly included as beaten or boiled eggs in the soup.

Soy: Typically present in soy sauce or other seasoning sauces used in the Best Hototay Soup recipe.

Shellfish: Variations of the recipe may include shrimp or other seafood.

Gluten: Found in soy sauce or any wheat-based noodles, if included.

Sesame: May be used as oil or garnish in certain variations.

Celery: Occasionally part of the vegetable base.

Please note that the soup is prepared in a kitchen that also handles potential allergens, including:

– Peanuts

– Tree Nuts

– Dairy

– Fish

– Crustaceans

– Mollusks

Keep in mind that ingredients may vary based on location or customization. Before ordering, it is advised to inform the staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

The process of preparing the renowned Filipino Hototay soup, which is done in restaurants, is now within your reach. You can replicate this delightful dish at home by following the guidelines provided in our blog, ensuring that your family enjoys a nourishing meal. This soup is particularly beneficial for health, especially for individuals experiencing a cold. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare it on rainy days to help protect your family from viral infections.