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
- 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.
- For a richer consistency, whisk cornstarch with water and incorporate into the simmering broth, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- Enhance the soup’s complexity by folding in freshly chopped green onions and corn kernels, carefully distributing ingredients for balanced flavor and texture.
- Taste the soup and make final seasoning adjustments with salt, ensuring a harmonious blend of umami and aromatic notes.
- 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