Egg Drop Soup Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

If you’re craving a delicious, quick, and comforting soup, look no further than egg drop soup. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken stock, eggs, cornstarch, and a few seasonings to create a warm and satisfying dish.

Making egg drop soup at home is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. You can achieve perfect egg swirls and ribbons with a few tips and tricks that I’ll share. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is a must-try.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make delicious egg drop soup, you need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here is everything you’ll need:

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  Chicken Broth: This is the base of your soup. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of bouillon.

  
  
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  Eggs: The star of the show. Make sure to beat them well before adding to the soup.

  
  
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  Cornstarch: This helps thicken the soup. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch.

  
  
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  Soy Sauce: Adds a little umami flavor. Tamari or coconut aminos are good substitutes.

  
  
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  White Pepper: Gives a bit of warmth. Black pepper can be used if you don’t have white pepper.

  
  
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  Sesame Oil: Adds a nice richness at the end. If you don’t have sesame oil, a drizzle of olive oil or another mild oil can work.

  
  
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  Salt and Sugar: These season the soup to taste. You can skip the sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

  
  

• Optional Ingredients:

  • Turmeric or Yellow Food Coloring: For that rich yellow color you often see in restaurants.
  • Mushrooms: For added texture and flavor.
  • Ginger: Adds a nice spicy kick. Fresh or ground both work.

Feel free to substitute based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Experiment and adjust to make the soup perfect for you!

Instructions

1. 
   

   Prepare the Broth
   Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a medium-sized soup pot.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add Seasonings
   Stir in sesame oil, salt, sugar, and white pepper.

   
   
3. 
   

   Optional Coloring
   Add a pinch of turmeric or a few drops of yellow food coloring for a rich color.

   
   
4. 
   

   Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

   
   
5. 
   

   Thicken the Soup
   Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth while stirring continuously.

   
   
6. 
   

   Whisk Eggs
   In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with a couple of tablespoons of cold water.

   
   
7. 
   

   Add Eggs to Soup
   Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the broth while gently stirring in a circular motion.

   
   
8. 
   

   Finish and Serve
   Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve your egg drop soup hot. Add chopped green onions or other garnishes if desired.

   
   

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and quality chicken stock for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference.

Whisking the Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a pourable cup. This gives you more control when adding them to the soup.

Cornstarch Slurry: A cornstarch slurry is essential for a silky broth. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then add it to the soup to thicken.

Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the broth at a bare simmer before adding the eggs. This ensures you get delicate, wispy egg strands.

Add Eggs Slowly: Drizzle the whisked eggs slowly into the simmering broth while stirring gently. This creates those classic “egg ribbons.”

Season to Taste: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Common additions include sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and even a pinch of sugar.

Coloring: For that restaurant-style yellow color, you can add a pinch of turmeric or a few drops of yellow food coloring—completely optional!

Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the eggs from overcooking.

Freezing: Egg drop soup is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can change the texture and make the eggs rubbery. If you must freeze, do so without the eggs and add fresh eggs when reheating.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

You can make egg drop soup more exciting with some simple variations.

Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just slice them thin and add them to the broth.

For a little more heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Adding corn kernels can give a sweet crunch to each bite. Just toss in a handful while cooking.

You can also use tofu for extra protein. Cube firm tofu and stir it in near the end.

Don’t forget to mix up the garnishes! Chopped scallions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds add a fresh touch.

For serving suggestions, pair the soup with a side of steamed rice or spring rolls.

You could also serve it with fried wontons for a satisfying crunch.