Comforting Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Silky Egg Drop Soup Recipe: Warm Comfort in a Bowl

Warm, silky egg drop soup with its delicate wisps of egg transforms an ordinary evening into a cozy culinary experience.

Chinese egg drop soup beckons with simplicity and depth of flavor that soothes the soul.

Each spoonful carries a delicate balance of savory broth and tender egg strands.

This classic recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum comfort.

Chefs love how quickly the soup comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

The gentle technique of drizzling beaten eggs into simmering broth creates beautiful golden ribbons that dance across the surface.

You’ll savor every spoonful of this light yet satisfying soup that promises warmth and nourishment in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Egg Drop Soup

For Base Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the fundamental savory foundation, choose low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
  • Water: Helps adjust consistency and dilute intensity if needed.
For Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and salty complexity, select traditionally brewed versions for authentic taste.
  • Sesame Oil: Delivers rich nutty undertone, use toasted variety for more intense flavor.
  • White Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic warmth, fresher ground pepper offers more potent taste.
  • Ginger: Contributes bright, zesty notes, select fresh root for maximum flavor punch.
For Thickening and Texture:
  • Cornstarch: Creates silky smooth consistency, ensure it's completely dissolved to prevent lumps.
  • Eggs: Generate delicate ribbons and protein boost, use fresh room temperature eggs for smoother integration.
For Garnish and Optional Add-ins:
  • Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp crispness, chop finely for even distribution.
  • Corn: Offers sweet crunch and additional texture, use fresh or frozen kernels.

Tools To Make Egg Drop Soup

  • Medium pot: Essential for simmering broth and creating soup base.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch and water or beating eggs.
  • Whisk or fork: Great for beating eggs and creating smooth egg ribbons.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring soup and creating egg streams.
  • Ladle: Used for serving soup into individual bowls.

Simple Steps For Egg Drop Soup

  • Warm Up the Broth

Grab a medium pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Sprinkle in soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and ginger for an instant flavor boost.

  • Thicken the Liquid (Optional)

Want a heartier soup? Whisk cornstarch with water and swirl it into the simmering broth. Let it simmer for a couple minutes until the liquid gets slightly thicker.

  • Create Silky Egg Streams

Carefully pour beaten eggs into the bubbling broth while stirring in smooth, circular motions. Watch magical egg ribbons form instantly.

  • Final Flavor Touches

Toss in chopped green onions and corn kernels. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with extra green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips And Ideas For Egg Drop Soup

  • Broth Brilliance: Use homemade chicken broth for richer, more complex flavor compared to store-bought versions.
  • Egg Technique Mastery: Beat eggs thoroughly and drizzle them slowly in a thin stream to create delicate, silky egg ribbons without clumping.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add shredded cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein and make the soup more filling.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free version of the soup.
  • Veggie Variation: Experiment with additional vegetables like mushrooms, baby spinach, or bok choy to increase nutrition and add texture.

How To Serve Egg Drop Soup Warm And Right

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this warm egg drop soup with steamed white rice to create a satisfying and filling meal that soaks up the delicious broth.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Garnish the soup with extra-thin green onion slices, a delicate sprinkle of white pepper, and a light drizzle of sesame oil to elevate the visual appeal and add depth of flavor.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked shredded chicken or tofu cubes to transform the soup into a more substantial main dish that provides extra protein and texture for a complete dining experience.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Include a small dish of chili oil or red pepper flakes on the side, allowing diners to customize their soup's heat level and create a personalized taste adventure.

How To Store And Prep Egg Drop Soup Later

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Enjoy the best quality and flavor when consumed quickly after preparation.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm the soup in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of fresh chicken broth to restore original texture and prevent egg ribbons from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for freezing due to egg's delicate texture. Egg proteins break down during freezing, causing separation and unappetizing consistency when thawed.
  • Portion Control Magic: Prepare smaller batches to guarantee maximum freshness. Soup tastes best when served immediately, maintaining its silky smooth egg ribbons and vibrant flavor profile.
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Comforting Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Comforting Egg Drop Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Chinese egg drop soup combines silky eggs with savory broth in a classic comfort dish. Home cooks can quickly prepare this light, nourishing meal with simple ingredients and minimal cooking time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (75 g) green onions
  • ¼ cup (38 g) corn
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
  • ½ tsp ground white pepper
  • ½ tsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Broth Foundation: Gently warm chicken stock in a medium pot, integrating soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and minced ginger to craft a nuanced, deeply layered flavor base.
  2. Viscosity Development: Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then gradually blend into the simmering liquid, stirring consistently to achieve a velvety, cohesive texture that coats the palate.
  3. Egg Transformation: Elevate the bowl above the pot, streaming beaten eggs in a delicate, continuous thread while simultaneously rotating the broth, orchestrating elegant, gossamer-like egg ribbons that drift gracefully through the liquid.
  4. Flavor and Texture Composition: Incorporate chopped green onions and sweet corn kernels, gently folding them into the soup to introduce vibrant color, textural contrast, and complementary taste dimensions.
  5. Final Refinement: Calibrate seasoning to personal preference, then artfully ladle the aromatic soup into serving vessels, crowning with additional green onion slivers and a luxurious sesame oil drizzle to amplify the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

  • Control Egg Streaming: Pour eggs slowly and from a height to create delicate, wispy egg ribbons instead of chunky scrambled egg pieces in the soup.
  • Prevent Cornstarch Clumping: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly and add gradually to avoid lumps, ensuring smooth and silky soup texture.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding eggs and cornstarch to prevent overcooking and preserve the soup’s delicate consistency.
  • Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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