What is egg drop soup?

Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese-American dish known for its simplicity and comforting qualities. It consists of a light, clear broth, typically chicken-based, that has been seasoned with ingredients like ginger and white pepper. The signature element is "egg ribbons," created by slowly pouring a beaten egg into the simmering broth while stirring. This cooks the egg into delicate, silky strands. It is commonly finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and sliced green onions.

How do you get thin egg ribbons in egg drop soup?

To create thin, wispy egg ribbons, the technique matters more than the ingredients. First, ensure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. In a slow, steady stream, pour the beaten eggs into the soup while simultaneously stirring the broth in a circular motion with a whisk or chopsticks. The gentle heat and constant movement will prevent the eggs from clumping and will immediately form them into fine, silky ribbons instead of scrambled pieces.

Is egg drop soup healthy to eat?

Egg drop soup can be a healthy, low-calorie choice. A typical bowl contains around 80-150 calories, making it a light appetizer or meal. The eggs provide a good source of protein. However, the main health consideration is sodium, as many restaurant versions and pre-made broths are very high in salt. Making it at home allows you to control the sodium by using low-sodium broth and adding salt sparingly, making it a much healthier option.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken egg drop soup?

If you're out of cornstarch or prefer an alternative, several other thickeners work well. Arrowroot powder and tapioca starch are excellent gluten-free substitutes that can be used in a 1:1 ratio for cornstarch. Potato starch is another good option. To use them, create a slurry by mixing the chosen starch with a small amount of cold water before stirring it into the hot soup to prevent lumps. For a thinner, more traditional consommé-style soup, you can simply omit the thickener.

How long does leftover egg drop soup last in the fridge?

Leftover egg drop soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For best quality, let the soup cool down to room temperature before sealing and storing it. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the egg ribbons tough and rubbery. Due to changes in the egg's texture, it is not recommended to freeze this soup.

Egg Drop Soup: Easy Chinese Restaurant Recipe at Home

Name: Egg Drop Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: – 4 cups chicken stock for the base; – 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil for nutty aroma; – 3/4 teaspoon salt for balancing broth; – 1/8 teaspoon sugar for sweetness; – 1/8 teaspoon white pepper for heat; – 1/2 teaspoon MSG for umami or 5 drops yellow food coloring for color; – 3 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening; – 3 eggs for ribbons; – 1 scallion for topping; – 1/4 teaspoon additional salt for seasoning

Description

🥣 This Egg Drop Soup recipe is a quick, comforting classic that delivers authentic Chinese restaurant flavors at home.
🍲 It’s a light, silky soup that’s perfect for a simple meal or starter with delicate egg ribbons and savory broth.

Ingredients

– 4 cups chicken stock for the base

– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil for nutty aroma

– 3/4 teaspoon salt for balancing broth

– 1/8 teaspoon sugar for sweetness

– 1/8 teaspoon white pepper for heat

– 1/2 teaspoon MSG for umami or 5 drops yellow food coloring for color

– 3 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening

– 3 eggs for ribbons

– 1 scallion for topping

– 1/4 teaspoon additional salt for seasoning

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Measure out 4 cups of chicken stock and set it aside in a medium soup pot. Lightly beat 3 eggs in a separate bowl, and mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/3 cup water to avoid lumps later. This mise en place helps you focus on cooking without rushing, and it’s a great way to adapt for dietary tweaks, like using veggie stock if needed.

2-Second Step: Simmer the Broth Bring the chicken stock to a simmer over medium heat in your soup pot. Once it’s gently bubbling, stir in 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon white pepper. If you’re using MSG or yellow food coloring, add it now and give it a taste adjust seasonings to your liking for that perfect Chinese egg drop soup balance. This step takes about 5 minutes and sets the stage for a flavorful base.

3-Third Step: Add the Thickener With your broth simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Keep an eye on the consistency; you might need less or more based on how thick you want your easy egg drop soup. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the soup thickens nicely this is where you can make adjustments for low-calorie versions by using less cornstarch.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate the Eggs Now for the fun part: Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the soup while stirring in a circular motion with a ladle. The speed of your stirring will control the size of the egg swirls, so go slow for delicate ribbons. This should take just a minute or two, and it’s a spot where you can experiment with how to make egg drop soup your own, perhaps adding in some herbs for extra flair.

5-Fifth Step: Final Touches and Serving Once the eggs are set, turn off the heat and add the chopped scallion for a fresh pop. Taste and add that extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls right away the total cook time is about 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy parents or working pros. Serve it up hot, and if you’re looking for more ideas, try our chicken casserole recipe for a hearty follow-up meal. For more tips, check out The Woks of Life Egg Drop Soup Recipe.

Notes

🍜 Use homemade or natural chicken broth for a richer and healthier flavor.
🧂 Adjust salt and seasoning carefully to balance the taste.
🥄 Stir cornstarch mixture well before adding to avoid lumps and get a smooth texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Stirring
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
Calories: 109
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 551mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 87mg

Keywords: Egg Drop Soup, Chinese soup, Authentic recipe, Easy soup