There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, silky bowl of egg drop soup that just hugs you from the inside out. This Egg Drop Soup Recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that combines a flavorful chicken broth with delicate ribbons of egg, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you need a little culinary comfort served easily and quickly. Plus, with just a handful of humble ingredients, you’ll have a delicious bowl of soup ready in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this soul-soothing Egg Drop Soup Recipe, all you need are a few essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a key role, from lending rich flavor to creating the signature silky texture.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that gives the soup its savory depth without overpowering the delicate eggs.
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a subtle hint of umami and a touch of color.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the broth slightly, ensuring it coats your spoon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: The star ingredient forming those beautiful, tender ribbons in the soup.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that elevates every spoonful.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Balances the flavors just right.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a gentle kick to the mild broth.
- ¼ cup chopped chives: Fresh green bursts that brighten the bowl visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Broth
Begin by pouring your chicken broth into a saucepan along with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. This combination forms the flavorful and aromatic foundation of your soup, so giving it a good simmer helps meld all those tastes together.
Step 2: Thicken with Cornstarch
While the broth is heating, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until perfectly smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling broth while stirring continuously. This step thickens the broth just enough to carry the delicate egg strands without being too heavy, creating that luscious, velvety texture we all love.
Step 3: Create Egg Ribbons
Turn the heat down to low and, here comes the magic moment: slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the gently simmering broth while whisking constantly. This continuous motion ensures the eggs cook in thin, silky ribbons rather than clumping together. Watching the eggs transform is pure kitchen poetry!
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once your egg ribbons have formed, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped chives for a fresh, mild onion note and a pop of vibrant green color. Serve your Egg Drop Soup Recipe piping hot, and prepare for some serious comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Egg Drop Soup Recipe, garnishes like finely sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add layers of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs such as cilantro or a few drops of chili oil can bring in some exciting contrasts that make each spoonful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, some potstickers or spring rolls complement the soup beautifully, turning a simple dish into a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Egg Drop Soup Recipe in individual cups or small bowls during a party or family gathering. Adding a swirl of fresh herbs or a dash of chili oil on top just before serving can make the presentation pop and encourage everyone to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover Egg Drop Soup Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but because the eggs soften over time, it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible for that perfect texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not generally recommended for this soup since the eggs can become rubbery and the texture of the broth may change. If you do freeze it, expect a slightly different mouthfeel after thawing, and be sure to stir well when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating your soup, do so gently over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs further. Stir occasionally and heat just until warmed through—this will help maintain the delicate texture of the egg ribbons and keep the soup silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! While chicken broth provides a rich, traditional flavor, vegetable broth works well if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just keep an eye on seasoning as vegetable broth can be less savory.
What type of eggs work best?
Large eggs are ideal for their size and richness, producing beautiful ribbons in the soup. Make sure they’re well beaten for even streaming into the broth.
How do I avoid clumps when adding the eggs?
The trick is to drizzle the beaten eggs slowly into the soup while whisking constantly. This gentle motion disperses the egg evenly, creating those signature silky strands instead of clumps.
Can I add other ingredients to this soup?
Yes, you can personalize your Egg Drop Soup Recipe by adding mushrooms, tofu, corn, or peas. Just add them early enough to cook through in the broth before adding the eggs.
Is this soup spicy?
Traditionally, egg drop soup is mild, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili oil, sliced fresh chili, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when serving.
Final Thoughts
Egg Drop Soup Recipe is that cozy, quick-to-make dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly evening or need a fast yet impressive starter, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Print
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A classic and comforting Egg Drop Soup made with a flavorful chicken broth base, thickened with cornstarch, and enriched with silky egg ribbons. This quick and easy soup is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garnished with fresh chives, perfect for a light appetizer or a cozy bowl on any day.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Heat Broth: In a saucepan, combine the low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling broth, stirring constantly to ensure the soup gently thickens without lumps.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Reduce the heat to low. While continuously whisking the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot broth. The eggs will cook immediately and form delicate, thin ribbons throughout the soup.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve the soup immediately while hot and silky.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to better control salt levels.
- Whisk eggs slowly and steadily into the soup to get the signature egg ribbons.
- This soup can be customized by adding finely diced vegetables or tofu for extra texture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the egg ribbons might overcook if left standing too long.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a soy-based seasoning sauce.
