If you’re craving a warm, soothing bowl of comfort that comes together in no time, this Egg Drop Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a classic Chinese dish that’s deceptively simple but unbelievably satisfying, with silky ribbons of egg floating in a flavorful broth infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a starter to a larger meal, this soup offers a perfect balance of taste and texture that feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Egg Drop Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes an essential flavor note, making this soup both light and memorable.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium): A flavorful base that’s rich yet not overpowering, keeping the soup light and comforting.
- 2 large eggs: Whisked and drizzled to create delicate ribbons that melt in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds a slight thickness that gives the broth a luscious texture without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons water: For mixing the cornstarch into a smooth slurry, ensuring no lumps.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings a gentle warmth and a fresh kick to the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with subtle garlic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthy flavor, perfect for balancing out the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: A tiny drizzle takes this soup from simple to irresistibly aromatic.
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced): For a burst of color and mild onion flavor as a fresh garnish.
- Salt to taste: Essential to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Optional soy sauce for serving: Offers an extra umami punch if you like a more robust taste.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Broth
Begin by bringing your chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This step wakes up the base and gets it ready to soak in the wonderful flavors you’re about to add.
Step 2: Infuse with Spices
Stir in the grated fresh ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and sesame oil. These ingredients infuse the broth with warmth and aromatic layers that are the hallmark of a great soup.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Whisk the cornstarch and water together to create a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into your simmering broth and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the soup slightly thickens to a silky texture.
Step 4: Create the Signature Egg Ribbons
Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl. Now, here’s the fun part — while gently stirring the soup in one direction, slowly drizzle the eggs in a thin stream. This delicate technique forms those beautiful egg ribbons that make the soup so special. Let them cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds before giving the soup a gentle stir to combine.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or a dash of soy sauce. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the thinly sliced green onions to add a fresh touch and a pop of color.
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic garnish, adding crunch and a mild, refreshing sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the silky soup. You can also sprinkle a few sesame seeds or add a swirl of chili oil if you want a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, light stir-fried veggies, or crispy spring rolls. It’s also fantastic alongside dumplings for a comforting and varied meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your Egg Drop Soup Recipe in pretty individual bowls or small teacups to make it feel extra special. You can also add edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg drop soup is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days. Since the eggs can continue to cook and thicken the soup, it might become a bit denser but still just as tasty.
Freezing
Freezing egg drop soup is not ideal because the eggs tend to change texture when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy your soup fresh or stored briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling the eggs further. Stir gently until warm and avoid boiling to keep those delicate egg ribbons tender and silky.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting, and you can add extras like tofu or baby spinach to enhance the texture and nutrition.
Why do you stir the soup in one direction when adding the eggs?
Stirring consistently helps the eggs form thin, delicate ribbons rather than clumping together. It’s the technique that gives egg drop soup its signature look and silky texture.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, but keep it minimal—a small clove finely minced—because fresh garlic can be quite pungent and may overpower the soup’s delicate flavors.
Is there a gluten-free option for soy sauce?
Definitely! You can use tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce substitute to keep this Egg Drop Soup Recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal or starter for any day when you want something warm and homemade fast.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Egg Drop Soup Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this soup brings a bit of warmth and comfort to your table in the most delicious way. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to soups for any occasion!
Print
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Egg Drop Soup recipe is a quick and comforting Chinese soup made with flavorful chicken broth, delicate egg ribbons, and a touch of fresh ginger and sesame oil. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer, this gluten-free soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with optional ingredients for extra texture and nutrition.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish & Optional
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- Optional soy sauce for serving
Instructions
- Heat the broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the grated ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and sesame oil to infuse the broth with flavor.
- Thicken the broth: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering broth and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Prepare the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well to ensure smooth, uniform ribbons when added.
- Create egg ribbons: While gently stirring the soup in one consistent direction, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the pot in a thin stream. This will form delicate egg ribbons in the soup.
- Set the eggs: Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed for 30 seconds, then gently stir to finish cooking the ribbons without breaking them too much.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt or a dash of soy sauce if desired for additional flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add corn kernels, tofu, or baby spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
- Stirring in one consistent direction when adding the eggs helps create delicate, beautiful egg ribbons.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
