Egg Drop Soup is a cozy classic that’s both simple to make and delicious. This easy recipe walks you through making a flavorful broth laced with delicate egg ribbons, just like the ones served in Chinese restaurants. It’s straightforward and enjoyable, ideal for a quick meal or a light appetizer.
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Why You Will Love Making Egg Drop Soup
Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe:
- Quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at 20 minutes. Talk about fast food!
- Minimal ingredients: A few simple ingredients come together to create a soup that’s full of flavor.
- Flexibility: Feel free to tweak the recipe with add-ins like mushrooms or tofu.
- Healthy choice: Packed with protein and low in calories, it’s nourishing without weighing you down.
- Impressively elegant: Those beautiful egg ribbons? They’ll make your homemade soup look as good as it tastes.
- Comfort in a bowl: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup with Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get that soup simmering! Here’s how to bring this comforting classic to your table:
Prep your base
Start by heating your pot over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once hot, toss in the ginger, garlic, and both types of pepper. Stir until fragrant—this builds the foundation of your soup’s flavor.
Get the broth ready
Pour in the chicken stock and bring everything to a simmer, taking care not to let it boil. This is where all the flavors start to meld together.
Swirl it together
Now, create a whirlpool in the simmering broth using a ladle. This helps the eggs form those thin, beautiful strands when you drizzle them in. Keep the ladle moving in a circular motion and slowly add your beaten egg mixture. Remember, keep stirring; no pauses allowed if you want those perfect ribbons!
Serve and enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick. Each bowl is simple, flavorful, and ready to dig in.
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Sichuan pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Green onions to serve
- Cilantro to serve
- Chili oil to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch.3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Heat a pot to medium and add the sesame oil. Once it’s hot, add the ginger, garlic and both peppers. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 garlic clove, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon Sichuan pepper, 4 cups chicken broth
- Once the broth is bubbly, create a whirlpool stirring with two chopsticks in circular motion. Add the egg while continuously whisking with the chopsticks – at this point you can’t stop stirring, otherwise the egg will not cook in those characteristic thin strings.
- Serve in bowls with green onions, cilantro and chili oil.Green onions, Cilantro, Chili oil
Notes
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- Cornstarch slurry: For the smoothest texture, mix the cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl before adding it to the eggs. This prevents clumps and guarantees silky smooth ribbons.
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- Low and slow: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when adding the eggs. If it’s boiling too vigorously, the eggs will break apart too much.
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- Continuous stirring: The key to those beautiful egg threads is constant, slow stirring. No rush here!
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- Season to taste: After the soup is ready, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of soy sauce can really make the flavors pop.
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- Make it your own: Feel free to add extras like tofu, thinly sliced mushrooms, corn, or even a splash of white wine for a different twist.
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- Vegetarian: Just swap the chicken broth for a robust vegetable broth. You’ll still get that great flavor profile that makes egg drop soup a favorite.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
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- Cool and airtight: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing, and pop it in an airtight container to keep the soup in the fridge.
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- Refrigerate: For the best taste and safety, consume the leftover soup within 3-4 days.
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- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stove. Avoid boiling it, as that can make the eggs tough and rubbery.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Nailing this egg drop soup is easy with these tips:
- Cornstarch slurry: For the smoothest texture, mix the cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl before adding it to the eggs. This prevents clumps and guaruntees silky smooth ribbons.
- Low and slow: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when adding the eggs. If it’s boiling too vigorously, the eggs will break apart too much.
- Continuous stirring: The key to those beautiful egg threads is constant, slow stirring. No rush here!
- Season to taste: After the soup is ready, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of soy sauce can really make the flavors pop.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add extras like tofu, thinly sliced mushrooms, corn, or even a splash of white wine for a different twist.
- Vegetarian: Just swap the chicken broth for a robust vegetable broth. You’ll still get that great flavor profile that makes egg drop soup a favorite.
How to Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your egg drop soup tasting great for later:
- Cool and airtight: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing, and pop it in an airtight container to keep the soup in the fridge.
- Refrigerate: For the best taste and safety, consume the leftover soup within 3-4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stove. Avoid boiling it, as that can make the eggs tough and rubbery.
What to Serve with Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup goes with a variety of dishes, enhancing both casual dinners and special meals. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside:
Sweet and Sour Pork
This classic sweet and sour pork dish, with its rich, tangy sauce and crispy pork pieces, complements the subtleness of egg drop soup perfectly. The contrasting flavors bring out the best in each other, making for a satisfyingly balanced meal.
Orange Chicken
Juicy, crispy orange chicken with its sweet and slightly spicy sauce makes a great partner for the delicate flavors of egg drop soup. This combo is popular in many Chinese restaurants and is always a hit at home too.
Salt and Pepper Shrimp
For a seafood twist, try salt and pepper shrimp. The crispiness of the shrimp seasoned with a simple blend of salt and pepper adds a wonderful texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smooth and savory soup.
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