This Egg Drop Soup Recipe is my go-to comfort food on chilly days or whenever I need a warm, nourishing meal ready in minutes. With its silky ribbons of egg swirling in a golden, aromatic broth, each spoonful feels both restorative and delightfully light. The best part? It’s so easy to customize, making it a perfect foundation for whatever fresh flavors or textures you crave. Get ready to discover just how simple, delicious, and soul-soothing this classic Chinese soup can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This set of ingredients keeps things refreshingly simple, letting each element shine through. Every item adds its own special character, from subtle warmth and aroma to delicate texture and color. Here’s what you’ll need for your homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe:
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, offering rich savory notes and that signature golden color.
- Large eggs: The stars of the show, creating beautiful delicate ribbons as they cook in the broth.
- Cornstarch: Just a touch to thicken the soup, giving it the perfect silky texture.
- Cold water: Essential for dissolving the cornstarch smoothly before adding it to the broth.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a gentle heat and bright, zesty aroma that lifts the whole bowl.
- Green onions: For color and a fresh, crisp bite; they double as both an ingredient and an eye-catching garnish.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle brings a lovely nutty aroma and depth to the finished soup.
- Salt and white pepper: Simple seasoning, but crucial for rounding out the flavor.
- Corn kernels or peas (optional): A handful of these add pops of sweetness and color, making the soup feel special and hearty.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Broth
Start by bringing your chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat in a medium saucepan. The magical thing about this base is how quickly it comes together—just a lovely heat and a slow bubble is all you need. Stir in the grated ginger and sesame oil right away, which infuse the soup with warmth and a subtle earthy aroma that sets the stage for everything to come.
Step 2: Thicken the Broth
In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water until you have a completely smooth slurry—no lumps! Stir this gently into the hot, simmering broth. You’ll notice the soup thickens ever so slightly, creating a gorgeous, silky backdrop to showcase the delicate eggs later on.
Step 3: Beat and Pour the Eggs
While the broth simmers away, beat your eggs until well combined in another bowl. Here comes the part everyone looks forward to: Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the broth, all while you gently swirl the soup in a circular motion (a fork or chopsticks work perfectly for this). The motion is the secret to those wispy, feather-light egg ribbons that make this Egg Drop Soup Recipe extra special. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about a minute until just set.
Step 4: Season & Add Veggies (If Using)
Now’s the time to taste and tweak the seasoning—add salt and white pepper to hit your perfect savory balance. If you like a little sweetness or heartiness, toss in corn kernels or peas and heat them through. The result is a soup that’s customizable, fresh, and utterly satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Egg Drop Soup Recipe with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions right on top. They provide a burst of color and a little crunch, bringing the entire bowl together. Serve immediately for that dreamy, just-cooked texture!
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For the classic look and flavor, always sprinkle on freshly sliced green onions right before serving. If you’d like to amp up the aroma, add a pinch more grated ginger or a swirl of toasted sesame oil. For a bit of color and nutrition, try a few cilantro leaves or even a dash of chili oil for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This Egg Drop Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with all kinds of simple sides! Try serving it alongside steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or light vegetable stir-fries. Even a bowl of steamed rice is a perfect, soothing companion and makes this quick soup a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle your soup into small cups for an appetizer at a family gathering, or serve as a starter for an Asian-inspired dinner. If you’re hosting, add mini soup spoons and let everyone customize their own bowl with a toppings bar: think chopped scallions, fried garlic, or thin slices of red chili for color and zip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Egg Drop Soup Recipe, simply let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just remember, the egg ribbons will continue to absorb some broth, so the soup may thicken slightly.
Freezing
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal for this soup because the eggs can become a little rubbery when thawed. If you do freeze it, give the soup a good stir after reheating to blend everything back together. For best results, consider freezing just the broth and whisking in fresh eggs when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Try not to let it boil, which could make the eggs tough. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much, and season to taste before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make this Egg Drop Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious, meat-free version. Just don’t skip the ginger and sesame oil—they really make the flavors sing.
How do I get those beautiful egg ribbons in my soup?
The key is to pour the beaten eggs very slowly while stirring the simmering broth in a gentle circle. This ensures the eggs cook into thin, lacy ribbons rather than clumping together. A fork or chopsticks work great for swirling!
What toppings pair well with Egg Drop Soup Recipe?
Besides green onions, feel free to add chopped cilantro, a dash of white pepper, crispy garlic bits, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes. Personalizing the toppings is part of the fun!
Can I add more protein to this soup?
Certainly! Stir in a handful of diced tofu, shredded cooked chicken, or even sliced mushrooms toward the end of cooking. These additions make the Egg Drop Soup Recipe much heartier while keeping prep quick and easy.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It is, as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten free. Always double-check the packaging if dietary needs are important to you!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Egg Drop Soup Recipe enough—so simple to make, yet so soothing and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a quick appetizer, or something to warm you up on a cool day, give this recipe a try. I think you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how delicious it tastes, every single time.
Print
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and comforting Egg Drop Soup at home with this easy recipe. This Chinese-inspired soup is light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Soup Base Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
Additional:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup corn kernels or peas
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add grated ginger and sesame oil.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir it into the broth to thicken slightly.
- Add Eggs: Beat the eggs well in another bowl. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the simmering broth while gently stirring to create ribbons.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt, white pepper. Add optional vegetables and heat through. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use a fork or chopsticks to gently swirl the broth while pouring in the eggs for delicate ribbons.
- For a heartier version, consider adding tofu, cooked chicken, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
