If you’re looking for a comforting, quick, and incredibly satisfying soup, this Egg Drop Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a beautiful balance of silky egg ribbons floating in a flavorful, lightly thickened broth, enhanced by a touch of sesame oil and fresh chives. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress friends with very little effort, this soup brings warmth and bright flavors with every spoonful. Once you try this version, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Egg Drop Soup Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet every item plays a crucial role in building the dish’s classic flavor and texture profile. From the richness of the chicken broth to the silky eggs and the subtle boost from soy sauce, each element contributes something special.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The savory liquid base that carries the soup’s flavor without overwhelming it.
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth and balances the broth’s taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps gently thicken the broth for that perfect, velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry, ensuring smooth incorporation without lumps.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: The star ingredient that forms delicate, silky ribbons throughout the soup.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant drizzle that gives the soup a warm, nutty aroma.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate broth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a gentle peppery kick that wakes up the palate.
- ¼ cup chopped chives: Fresh herbs that provide a mild oniony brightness and a delightful color contrast.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Broth
Start by pouring the chicken broth into a saucepan, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This combination forms the base of your soup, blending savory with fragrant notes.
Step 2: Thicken with Cornstarch
Next, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling broth while stirring constantly. This step is crucial for achieving that silky thickness we all love in a great egg drop soup.
Step 3: Create Egg Ribbons
Turn the heat down to low to prevent boiling. Then, with a whisk or fork, gently stir the broth in a circular motion while slowly drizzling in the beaten eggs. The eggs will cook immediately and form delicate, ribbon-like strands that float beautifully throughout the soup.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Add the chopped chives on top, which brighten the soup with a fresh, herbal note and add a lovely splash of green. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped chives are traditional and delicious, feel free to experiment by adding finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few drops of chili oil for a little heat. Garnishes offer the chance to make the soup uniquely yours while adding subtle texture and flavor boosts.
Side Dishes
Egg drop soup pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad. These complementary dishes balance the soup’s warm, comforting nature and can easily turn a single bowl into a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the soup in beautiful Chinese-style bowls and garnish with a single chive leaf or a swirl of sesame oil on top. For a fun twist, you could even add small clusters of cooked shrimp or tofu to the broth before pouring in the eggs, adding more substance and a personal flair to your classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover egg drop soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the egg ribbons may thicken the soup a bit as it chills, but a quick stir before reheating will restore its texture.
Freezing
Freezing egg drop soup is generally not recommended because the delicate egg ribbons can become tough and watery upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy the soup fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from clumping too much. Avoid boiling the soup again, as this can break down the texture and affect the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! While chicken broth gives a classic flavor, vegetable broth works well too, especially if you want a lighter or vegetarian version of this Egg Drop Soup Recipe. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I get the egg ribbons so delicate and thin?
The key is to lower the heat before drizzling in the eggs and to pour them in slowly while continuously stirring. This slow addition allows the egg to cook gently and form those signature thin ribbons rather than clumping into larger pieces.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to this soup?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped mushrooms, shredded cooked chicken, or tofu cubes can add more texture and substance. Just add them to the broth before incorporating the eggs, so everything has time to heat through properly.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I use something else?
You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch in the same quantity to achieve a similar thickening effect. Flour isn’t recommended as it may leave the broth cloudy and affect the smooth texture of the soup.
Is sesame oil essential in this recipe?
Sesame oil is not essential, but it adds a wonderful aroma and a slight nuttiness that elevates the soup’s flavor. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out or substitute with a tiny bit of toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Drop Soup Recipe is simply one of those dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl—ready in minutes but lingered over with joy. Whether you’re new to making soup or looking for a quick weeknight fix, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is. So grab your whisk and broth, and whip up this warm classic that’s sure to brighten any meal.
Print
Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and comforting Egg Drop Soup recipe made with a flavorful chicken broth base, thickened with cornstarch, and delicate ribbons of beaten eggs. Seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, garnished with fresh chives, this soup is perfect for a light, warming appetizer or meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Seasoning 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 boil to develop the flavors.
- Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to form a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and to thicken the soup evenly.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Reduce the heat to low. While continuously whisking the soup to keep it moving, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. As the eggs hit the hot broth, they will cook instantly and form delicate, thin ribbons, giving the soup its signature texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Garnish with freshly chopped chives to add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control saltiness but adjust seasoning as needed.
- Whisk the eggs thoroughly for smooth ribbons and add them slowly to avoid clumping.
- Continuous stirring while adding eggs is key to forming the signature texture of egg drop soup.
- Garnish with fresh chives or scallions for an authentic touch and added freshness.
- This soup can be customized by adding tofu, corn, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
