Egg Drop Soup Recipe
If you’re craving something warm, soothing, and unbelievably quick to make, Egg Drop Soup is your answer! This classic Chinese restaurant staple brings silky ribbons of egg swirling in a fragrant, golden broth, seasoned just right to tease your taste buds. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: you get maximum comfort with minimal fuss, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you just want a cozy bowl in your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Egg Drop Soup is in its lineup of simple ingredients—each one playing an essential role in taste, texture, or color. With these trusty staples, you’re moments away from a gorgeous, homemade soup that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
- Chicken broth (4 cups, low-sodium): The backbone of your soup, rich and savory but not overpowering—opt for good quality for best results.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Gives the broth a subtle silkiness and a bit of body rather than a thin watery base.
- Ground white pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and authentic aroma that’s worth seeking out, though black pepper works in a pinch.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): A touch goes a long way, infusing the soup with a glorious, toasty finish.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you love a hint of zing, a little ginger takes this soup up a notch in the flavor department.
- Large eggs (2, lightly beaten): The star ingredient that forms those iconic egg ribbons—be sure to beat them gently for best texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Balances savory notes; add a little more if your broth needs a lift.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): Sprinkle these on top for fresh color, crispness, and subtle bite.
- Soy sauce (for serving, optional): Offers a final savory touch and customizable seasoning for every bowl.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Broth Base
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and mixing 1/4 cup of your chicken broth with the cornstarch. Whisk them together until smooth—this little step ensures you won’t get any pesky lumps later. Then, add the rest of the chicken broth, ground white pepper, sesame oil, and ginger if you’re using it, and set the pan over medium heat. This is your flavor foundation!
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer
As everything warms up, stir occasionally and keep an eye out for that tell-tale shimmer on the surface. You want it just starting to bubble—not a rolling boil but a gentle simmer. This helps develop a rich, layered broth while keeping it smooth and inviting, exactly how you want your Egg Drop Soup to feel.
Step 3: Create Silky Egg Ribbons
With your soup simmering, it’s time for the fun part! Take your lightly beaten eggs and, holding a spoon or chopsticks, gently swirl the broth in one direction. With your other hand, slowly drizzle the eggs into the center of the pot in a thin, steady stream. Watch as they magically bloom into delicate ribbons right before your eyes—a sure sign of perfect Egg Drop Soup. Turn off the heat, and season with salt, tasting and adjusting if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and scatter over the sliced green onions for a burst of color and crunch. If you like, set out soy sauce at the table so everyone can amp up the savoriness to their liking. In 15 minutes flat, you’ve created a soup that’s atmospheric, satisfying, and totally homemade.
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup
Garnishes
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or scallions for visual flair and crispness. If you want to get fancy, try a dusting of extra white pepper, a drizzle of sesame oil, or even a handful of sweet corn or thinly sliced mushrooms for added texture. Garnishes aren’t just pretty—they add an extra layer of taste and freshness!
Side Dishes
Egg Drop Soup goes beautifully with light meals. Consider classic pairings like steamed dumplings, vegetable spring rolls, or a helping of fried rice. For a lighter spread, a crisp cucumber salad or a platter of blanched green vegetables makes a lovely complement. It’s a meal that welcomes whatever else you have on hand.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or dinner parties, try serving Egg Drop Soup in small teacups as an appetizer—your guests will love the cozy, hands-on vibe. Or, pour it into a clear glass mug to show off those beautiful egg ribbons. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a swirl of chili oil also gives bowls a restaurant-worthy wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Egg Drop Soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture of the eggs stays lovely, and flavors may even deepen a bit!
Freezing
While you can freeze Egg Drop Soup, be aware that the eggs may lose some of their signature silky texture once reheated. If freezing, cool the soup completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, add freshly beaten eggs after thawing and reheating the broth base rather than freezing the egg ribbons.
Reheating
To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan and warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the eggs tender and avoid overcooking the broth.
FAQs
Can I make Egg Drop Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good vegetable broth, and your vegetarian friends will be thrilled. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, and you’ll still get all those comforting flavors.
Why do I need to stir the soup when adding eggs?
Stirring gently as you pour in the eggs helps them form those beautiful, wispy ribbons. If you skip this step, the eggs can clump or sink, so swirl the broth and drizzle slowly for the best texture in your Egg Drop Soup.
Can I add extras like corn or tofu?
You bet! Sweet corn, silky tofu cubes, or even thinly sliced mushrooms are all traditional and delicious add-ins. Just stir them into the simmering broth before adding the eggs—this is a great way to make the soup heartier.
Is there a way to make Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure your broth and soy sauce (or tamari) are gluten-free, and follow the rest of the recipe as written. This adaptation makes Egg Drop Soup a gluten-free comfort food favorite!
How do I keep the egg ribbons light and tender?
The key is to pour the eggs in slowly while gently stirring the soup, and to remove the pan from heat as soon as the ribbons form. Overcooking can make the eggs tough, so go slow and enjoy watching them transform.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Egg Drop Soup at home, you’re in for a treat. There’s something magical about turning everyday ingredients into a bowl of warm, savory comfort so quickly. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, versatile, and thoroughly satisfying, this is it—so grab your saucepan and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
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Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and traditional Chinese soup, Egg Drop Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish made with chicken broth, eggs, and aromatic seasonings like ginger and sesame oil. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For Serving:
- Soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth.
- Once the soup is simmering, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the pot in a thin stream while gently stirring in one direction. Turn off the heat and season with salt to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with a splash of soy sauce if desired.
Add the remaining broth, white pepper, sesame oil, and ginger if using. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- For added texture, you can stir in sweet corn, tofu cubes, or thinly sliced mushrooms.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
