Egg Drop Soup is that cozy, quick-to-make delight that instantly transports you to your favorite Chinese restaurant, but trust me, it’s even better when crafted at home. This classic dish features delicate ribbons of egg swirling through a savory broth, with hints of ginger, sesame, and soy coming together for a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner, a soothing remedy, or just a bowl of pure comfort, Egg Drop Soup is a must-have recipe in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Egg Drop Soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor and texture. These humble pantry staples work together to build a soup that’s far more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, providing rich, savory depth—use homemade or store-bought, but the better the broth, the better your soup.
- Large eggs: The star ingredient; create those iconic silky ribbons when drizzled into the hot broth.
- Cornstarch: Gives the soup a delicate body and slight thickness so every spoonful feels just right.
- Cold water: Essential for dissolving the cornstarch, ensuring a smooth, lump-free soup.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a gentle zing and aromatic warmth that lifts the entire dish.
- Soy sauce: Brings a deep umami note and beautiful golden color to the broth.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the soup with unmistakable toasty, nutty fragrance.
- Green onions: Sliced thin, they add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color at the end.
- Salt and white pepper: Fine-tune the seasoning to your personal taste—white pepper delivers a gentle heat and classic flavor.
- Optional garnish (extra green onions or chili oil): For those who love a little extra heat or brightness in their bowl.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by bringing your chicken broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This is where the magic begins—the warmth from the broth will soon coax out all the flavors from the other ingredients, so make sure your broth is simmering but not rolling furiously.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly stir this slurry into your hot broth. This will give the Egg Drop Soup its signature silky texture, making every bite feel just a touch more luxurious.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Seasonings
Now it’s time to infuse your soup with layers of flavor. Add the grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer so everything melds together without boiling away those delicate aromatics.
Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons
Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl. With one hand, stir the soup in a smooth, circular motion, and with the other, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. You’ll see them instantly form those beautiful, delicate ribbons—this is the hallmark of a perfect Egg Drop Soup!
Step 5: Season and Finish
Let the soup simmer for another one to two minutes, then give it a taste. Adjust with salt and white pepper as needed to suit your palate. Ladle into bowls, then top with sliced green onions and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a few drops of chili oil for a gentle kick.
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup
Garnishes
A bowl of Egg Drop Soup is always improved with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions right before serving. For those who crave a little spice, a few drops of chili oil add both color and gentle heat. If you want to get creative, try a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or even a swirl of extra sesame oil.
Side Dishes
Egg Drop Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it alongside crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple veggie stir fry. The lightness of the soup complements heartier dishes, making it a perfect starter for any Asian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Egg Drop Soup in elegant teacups or small bowls for a charming appetizer at dinner parties. For a cozy night in, enjoy it with a stack of prawn crackers or homemade wonton chips on the side. You can even set up a mini garnish bar so everyone can top their soup just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Egg Drop Soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors will continue to meld and become even more delicious.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Egg Drop Soup, it’s best enjoyed fresh. The eggs tend to lose their silky texture after freezing and thawing, so if you do freeze it, expect a slightly different consistency when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, as this can break down the delicate egg ribbons.
FAQs
Can I make Egg Drop Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. You can also add tofu or sweet corn for extra body and flavor.
Why are my egg ribbons clumpy?
Clumpy eggs usually happen if the soup is boiling too hard or if you pour the eggs in too quickly. For best results, keep the broth at a gentle simmer and drizzle the eggs in slowly while stirring.
What’s the best way to get those silky egg ribbons?
The key is to stir the soup in a steady, circular motion while slowly pouring in the beaten eggs. This technique ensures the eggs cook in wispy strands rather than large clumps.
Can I add more vegetables or protein?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, or thinly sliced carrots. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are also great additions for a more substantial meal.
Is Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, Egg Drop Soup is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels if gluten is a concern.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s nourishing, quick, and endlessly comforting, Egg Drop Soup is the answer. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to for busy nights or whenever you need a little bowl of warmth.
Print
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Chinese Egg Drop Soup is a quick and comforting dish featuring delicate ribbons of egg in a flavorful chicken broth enhanced with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Perfect as a light appetizer or a soothing meal, it comes together in just 15 minutes and can easily be made gluten-free or vegetarian.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: extra green onions or a few drops of chili oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to develop flavor but not boiling violently.
- Mix the Thickener: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water, stirring until smooth and free of lumps. Add this mixture to the simmering broth, stirring gently to thicken the soup slightly.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Beat the Eggs: Lightly beat the two large eggs in a small bowl to prepare for creating the classic egg ribbons in the soup.
- Form Egg Ribbons: While stirring the soup gently in a circular motion with a spoon or chopstick, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the simmering broth. This technique creates thin, silky strands of cooked egg throughout the soup.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes so the eggs are fully set and flavors combine.
- Season: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the thinly sliced green onions. Optionally, add extra green onions or a few drops of chili oil for an added kick of heat.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add corn kernels or soft tofu cubes for extra texture and nutrition.
- Stirring the soup slowly while pouring in the eggs is essential for creating the signature egg ribbons.
- Use fresh grated ginger for the best aromatic flavor.
- This soup can be served as a light appetizer or a comforting meal on its own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
