If you adore a comforting bowl of warm, silky, and subtly flavored soup, you are going to fall head over heels for this Egg Drop Soup Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that feels both elegant and effortlessly simple, blending the rich taste of a savory broth with delicate ribbons of egg that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a cozy snack on a chilly day, this recipe brings together vibrant ingredients and quick cooking techniques to deliver a nourishing, satisfying experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Egg Drop Soup Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building that iconic flavor and texture. From the depth of the broth to the bright pop of green onions, each item adds a special touch to the final dish.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: The foundation of the soup, providing a gentle, savory base that carries all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it that luscious, silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the eggs and broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering, crucial for seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Injects a nutty, fragrant depth that enhances the soup’s richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon tamari soy sauce: A splash of umami complexity with a touch less salt than regular soy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional): For a sunny golden color and a subtle earthy undertone.
- Pinch of ground white pepper: Provides gentle heat without clouding the broth’s clarity.
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten: The star ingredient that makes this soup truly special, forming those silky ribbons of egg.
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced on a diagonal: Adds freshness and a mild sharpness as the perfect garnish.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by combining your chosen broth with cornstarch, ground ginger, kosher salt, toasted sesame oil, tamari soy sauce, turmeric if using, and white pepper in a medium saucepan. This combination infuses the broth with layers of flavor and ensures a beautifully smooth texture. Gently heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the cornstarch, and bring it to a simmer.
Step 2: Create the Egg Ribbons
Once your broth is simmering perfectly, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. Pour them in a thin, steady stream while stirring the soup gently in a circular motion. This stirring action is the magic that shapes those delicate, silky ribbons of egg, giving the soup its signature appearance and texture.
Step 3: Let the Eggs Cook Through
After adding all the eggs, continue stirring gently for another 1-2 minutes. This will give the eggs enough time to set softly without becoming rubbery, preserving their tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Once the eggs have fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Ladle the finished soup into individual bowls and sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions on top. These bright, fresh notes provide the perfect contrast to the warm, silky broth, making your Egg Drop Soup Recipe irresistible.
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic garnish that add color and a mild bite, but feel free to sprinkle in a few toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a hint of heat. Fresh cilantro can also be a lovely addition, bringing a lively herbal contrast.
Side Dishes
Egg Drop Soup pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice, vegetable spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad. These accompaniments keep your meal balanced and let the soup shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve the soup in pretty porcelain cups or small bowls with a side of crunchy wonton chips. You might also add shredded cooked chicken or diced tofu to make it more of a filling entrée while keeping the original charm of the Egg Drop Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Egg Drop Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the egg ribbons may thicken the soup slightly as they settle.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because the delicate texture of the egg strands changes when thawed, often becoming rubbery. It’s best to enjoy this soup fresh or within a few days.
Reheating
When reheating your soup, gently warm it over low heat while stirring occasionally to maintain its silky smoothness. Avoid boiling, as this can toughen the egg ribbons and alter the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian-friendly version and still gives your Egg Drop Soup Recipe a rich flavor base.
How do I get the eggs to form those perfect ribbons?
The key is pouring the beaten eggs slowly into simmering broth while stirring in a circular motion. This creates the delicate, signature ribbons that define the soup.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
You can use potato starch or arrowroot powder as a thickening substitute. Just keep the quantity the same to achieve that silky consistency in the broth.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to toss in baby spinach, frozen peas, diced tofu, or shredded chicken to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
What if I don’t have tamari soy sauce?
Regular soy sauce works perfectly as a substitute, just be mindful of the saltiness and adjust accordingly to keep your soup balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Drop Soup Recipe is a gem that’s effortless, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and a reminder that simple ingredients can create magic in the kitchen. I truly encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to soups to brighten any day.
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: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Egg Drop Soup is a quick and easy recipe featuring a flavorful broth enriched with silky ribbons of softly cooked eggs. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, it combines simple ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, ginger, and sesame oil for a delicate Asian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups (one 32-ounce carton) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon tamari soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- Pinch of ground white pepper
Eggs and Garnish
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced on a diagonal
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, cornstarch, ground ginger, kosher salt, toasted sesame oil, tamari soy sauce, turmeric (if using), and ground white pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring to a simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the cornstarch from settling or clumping.
- Add the eggs: Once the broth is simmering, slowly pour the lightly beaten eggs into the saucepan in a thin, steady stream. Stir the broth gently in a circular motion as you pour to create delicate, silky ribbons of egg.
- Cook the egg ribbons: Continue stirring gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the eggs to cook fully and form strands without breaking apart.
- Finish and serve: Remove the soup from heat once the eggs are cooked through. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with the thinly sliced green onions.
- Enjoy: Serve the egg drop soup hot as a comforting appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels in the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure the tamari is gluten-free if needed.
- The turmeric is optional and used only to add a subtle color enhancement without altering flavor.
- Gently stirring while adding the eggs is crucial to form the signature silky ribbons; avoid vigorous stirring to prevent the eggs from clumping.
- This soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring the tamari soy sauce is gluten-free or substituting with coconut aminos.
