What is egg drop soup and how is it made?

Egg drop soup is a traditional Chinese soup made by slowly pouring beaten eggs into hot broth, creating silky egg ribbons or "flowers" in the soup. The base is usually chicken broth seasoned with ingredients like ginger, white pepper, and scallions. The eggs cook instantly upon contact with the hot liquid, giving the soup its distinctive texture. It's quick to prepare, nutritious, and commonly served as a starter in Chinese cuisine.

Can I make egg drop soup at home without MSG?

Yes, making egg drop soup at home allows you to control the ingredients, including avoiding MSG. Use homemade or organic chicken broth, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Season with fresh garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and white pepper instead of MSG. Fresh eggs and natural flavorings ensure a healthier and more personalized soup without compromising taste.

How long does it take to prepare classic egg drop soup?

Preparing classic egg drop soup at home usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This quick cooking time makes it convenient for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal without the wait. Since the egg ribbons form instantly when added to hot broth, most of the time is spent heating the broth and seasoning the soup to your liking.

What variations can I try to customize my egg drop soup?

You can customize egg drop soup by adding ingredients such as tofu, corn, peas, mushrooms, or sliced chicken for added texture and nutrition. Some recipes include a splash of vinegar for tanginess or a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma. Adjust the thickness by whisking cornstarch with water and adding it to the broth before pouring in the eggs for a heartier soup.

Is egg drop soup nutritious and healthy?

Egg drop soup is generally low in calories and provides protein from the eggs and vitamins from the broth and added vegetables. When made with low-sodium broth and fresh ingredients, it can be a light, healthy option suitable for various diets. It is also easy to digest, making it suitable for people recovering from illness or looking for a gentle meal.

Egg Drop Soup Recipe With Simple Ingredients And Fast Prep

Name: Egg Drop Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken stock (about 1 liter, preferably organic or homemade); 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon sugar; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper for seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional); 5 drops yellow food coloring (optional for color); 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water; 3 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 scallion, chopped

Description

🥚 Experience the comfort of classic Egg Drop Soup made with simple, fresh ingredients and quick preparation.
🍲 This easy-to-make soup offers a nourishing and warm meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups chicken stock (about 1 liter, preferably organic or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon white pepper for seasoning

1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)

5 drops yellow food coloring (optional for color)

3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 scallion, chopped

Instructions

1-Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly add it to the simmering broth. Let it cook for a few minutes to reach your desired thickness stir well to avoid any lumps.

2-Slowly pour in the lightly beaten eggs while stirring in a circle; this creates those beautiful egg ribbons that make the soup so appealing. The faster you stir, the smaller the ribbons, so play around with it for fun.

3-Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then garnish with chopped scallions before serving hot. The whole process takes about 15 minutes, with 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, making it ideal for busy days.

Notes

🌟 Use turmeric or yellow food coloring to achieve a traditional yellow color.
🥄 Properly mix cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps in the soup.
🥚 Adjust the amount of slurry and stirring speed to control the soup thickness and the size of egg ribbons.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Stirring
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 90
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Egg Drop Soup, Simple Soup, Quick Soup, Classic Chinese Soup