Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Silkiest Egg Drop Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Memories of cozy Chinese egg drop soup often transport me to bustling restaurants with steaming bowls.

Comfort radiates through delicate wisps of beaten eggs swirling in fragrant broth.

Delightful textures dance between silky eggs and warm liquid, creating a simple yet magical experience.

Grandmother’s traditional recipe inspired this version, blending minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.

Kitchen novices can master this technique quickly, feeling confident with each careful stir.

Seasonal ingredients enhance the soup’s character, making each batch unique and personal.

Warm up your spirit and appetite with this classic comfort in a bowl.

Directions for Preparing Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Warm Up The Broth

Pour chicken broth into a medium pot and heat over medium temperature. Gently add these flavor boosters:
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • White pepper
  • Fresh grated ginger

Let the liquid start bubbling softly without reaching a full boil.

Step 2: Create Silky Texture

For a richer consistency, whisk together cornstarch and cool water in a separate small bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering broth while stirring. Allow the liquid to slightly thicken for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Delicate Egg Swirls

Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk until fully blended. Using a fork or chopstick, stir the broth in a gentle circular motion. While stirring, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup. Watch beautiful, soft egg ribbons form instantly.

Step 4: Add Final Flavor Touches

Sprinkle in these tasty extras:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sweet corn kernels

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls. Garnish with extra green onions and a light drizzle of sesame oil. Enjoy your comforting, restaurant-style soup immediately!

Smart Tips to Improve Your Egg Drop Soup

  • Simmer Gently: Keep the broth at a low, steady simmer to prevent tough egg ribbons and maintain a silky texture.
  • Whisk with Care: Beat eggs thoroughly before adding to create smooth, delicate egg strands without clumping.
  • Customize Your Soup: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or add tofu for extra protein.
  • Season Smartly: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, as soy sauce already provides saltiness to the broth.
  • Temperature Matters: Pour beaten eggs slowly and steadily into the soup while stirring to achieve those classic, wispy egg ribbons.

Storing Egg Drop Soup for Later

  • Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent eggs from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup looks too thick.
  • Microwaving can cause eggs to become tough and change the soup's delicate texture. Stovetop reheating preserves the silky egg ribbons.
  • Reheat only the portion you plan to eat immediately to maintain the best flavor and consistency of this delicate soup.

Sides to Serve with Egg Drop Soup

  • Create a fluffy bed of jasmine or white rice to catch the delicate egg ribbons and soak up the savory broth. The mild rice perfectly balances the soup's robust flavors.
  • Add a delightful crunch by topping the soup with homemade or store-bought crispy wontons. Their golden, crisp texture provides a delicious contrast to the silky egg drops.
  • Brew a light, hot green tea to complement the soup's delicate flavors. The tea's subtle earthiness enhances the ginger and sesame notes while cleansing the palate between spoonfuls.
  • Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. The cool, refreshing side dish cuts through the soup's warmth and adds a bright, tangy element to the meal.

Different Takes on Egg Drop Soup

  • Vegetarian Egg Drop Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Add tofu cubes for extra protein and texture.
  • Low-Carb Egg Drop Soup: Skip cornstarch thickening and use xanthan gum instead. Add spinach or zucchini noodles for more volume without extra carbs.
  • Spicy Asian Fusion Soup: Add sriracha sauce or chili oil for heat. Include sliced mushrooms and a dash of rice vinegar for complex flavor profiles.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate shredded chicken or cooked shrimp into the soup. Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added nutrition.

Your Questions About Egg Drop Soup

  • Is egg drop soup healthy?

Egg drop soup is a nutritious choice. It’s low in calories, high in protein from eggs, and provides essential vitamins and minerals from broth and optional vegetables.

  • Can I make egg drop soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The technique remains the same, creating delicate egg ribbons in a flavorful vegetable base.

  • What type of eggs work best?

Fresh large eggs at room temperature work perfectly. They create smoother, more consistent egg ribbons when slowly drizzled into simmering broth.

  • How do I prevent egg scrambling?

The key is to drizzle eggs slowly while stirring gently in a circular motion. Keep broth at a low simmer, not a rolling boil, to create silky egg ribbons instead of scrambled eggs.

Egg Drop Soup That’s Silky and Simple

  • Perfect for busy home cooks needing a quick, satisfying meal in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
  • Delivers warm, silky texture that feels like a comforting hug, providing nourishing goodness with every spoonful of delicate egg ribbons.
  • Easily adaptable recipe allowing variations like adding corn, extra protein, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.
  • Beginner-friendly technique that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive Chinese-inspired soup, making home cooks feel like professional chefs without complex cooking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Egg Drop Soup

Base Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory foundation for the soup with a deep flavor profile.
  • Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume if needed.
Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty complexity.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty and aromatic undertones.
  • White Pepper: Offers subtle, warming heat with mild spiciness.
  • Ginger: Brings fresh, zesty warmth and traditional Asian flavor notes.
Thickening and Binding Agents:
  • Eggs: Creates signature silky ribbons and adds protein.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickener for a more substantial soup texture, provides smooth consistency.
  • Water (for cornstarch): Helps dissolve and activate cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Garnish and Optional Add-Ins:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, sharp flavor with bright green color for visual and taste contrast.
  • Corn: Sweet, tender vegetable that adds texture and natural sweetness (optional).
  • Salt: Final seasoning adjustment for personal taste preference.
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Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Egg Drop Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Chinese Egg Drop Soup emerges as a silky symphony of delicate eggs swirling through clear, fragrant broth. Delightful simplicity blends traditional flavors that invite you to savor each warming spoonful of this classic Asian comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup (80 g) green onions, sliced

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)

Thickening and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch + 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water (for thickening, optional)
  • ¼ cup (40 g) corn (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a medium pot and pour chicken broth, heating it to a gentle simmer over medium temperature while introducing soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and ginger for initial flavor development.
  2. For a richer consistency, whisk cornstarch with water and incorporate into the simmering broth, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Create delicate egg ribbons by gradually streaming beaten eggs into the swirling soup, using a circular stirring motion that helps eggs form soft, elegant strands throughout the liquid.
  4. Enhance the soup’s complexity by folding in freshly chopped green onions and corn kernels, carefully distributing ingredients for balanced flavor and texture.
  5. Taste the soup and make final seasoning adjustments with salt, ensuring a harmonious blend of umami and aromatic notes.
  6. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with additional green onion slices and a delicate drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the presentation and provide a final layer of rich, nutty essence.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, fresh chicken broth for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
  • Whisk eggs thoroughly to create smooth, silky egg ribbons without clumping.
  • Control heat carefully to prevent overcooking eggs, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Experiment with low-sodium options for those watching salt intake or wanting a lighter version.
  • Add extra protein like shredded chicken or tofu to make the soup more substantial and filling.
  • Consider using vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative that maintains similar flavor complexity.
  • Drizzle eggs slowly and steadily while stirring to achieve delicate, soft egg threads throughout the soup.
  • Fresh ginger provides more vibrant flavor compared to powdered or dried versions.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
  • Garnish with additional sesame oil right before serving to enhance the aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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