Name: Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 green onion (thinly sliced); Salt to taste; Optional: sesame oil or additional green onions

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If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, this Egg Drop Soup will absolutely hit the spot! Silky egg ribbons swirling in a golden, gingery broth make this classic Chinese favorite feel like a warm hug with every spoonful. Not only is it lightning fast and easy to whip up — it’s also incredibly versatile, satisfying, and healthier than any takeout option. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even when a cold has you craving something soothing, Egg Drop Soup brings restaurant flavors to your kitchen in just minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Egg Drop Soup recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet each staple ingredient brings something special: color, richness, or that signature restaurant flavor. Let’s break down how each one helps create the soup’s irresistible appeal.

Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the nourishing, savory base, allowing you to control the saltiness and keep it light.
Large eggs: The star ingredient, whipped and drizzled into the broth for beautiful, feathery ribbons.
Cornstarch: Just a touch gives the soup a luxurious texture without making it overly thick.
Cold water: Essential for dissolving the cornstarch smoothly—no lumps here!
Fresh ginger (grated): Adds brightness and that subtle, unmistakable zing.
Garlic powder: Creates depth and rounds out the aromatic base.
White pepper: Delivers gentle heat and classic Chinese soup flavor—don’t skip it!
Soy sauce: For umami depth, balance, and a splash of color (opt for gluten-free if needed).
Green onion (thinly sliced): Brightens and freshens the finished soup as a topping.
Salt to taste: Fine-tune the seasoning at the end for your perfect bowl.
Optional garnish: sesame oil or extra green onions: A drizzle of sesame oil adds amazing aroma, and extra scallions boost freshness.

How to Make Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Simmer the Broth

Start by pouring the chicken broth into a medium saucepan and heating it over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil. This is the base of your Egg Drop Soup, so bringing it up to temperature first ensures your ingredients blend in smoothly and your egg ribbons cook instantly for that signature look!

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Stir in the grated fresh ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and soy sauce. These simple ingredients create a beautifully balanced, aromatic soup. The ginger and white pepper deliver the subtle warmth and zest you expect from traditional Egg Drop Soup.

Step 3: Thicken Slightly

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the mixture is completely smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into your simmering broth, stirring constantly. This thickens the soup just enough to make it silky and luxurious without feeling heavy.

Step 4: Reduce and Simmer

Turn the heat down to low. The soup should be kept at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the eggs from getting tough. This is one of the most important tricks for a light and luscious Egg Drop Soup.

Step 5: Create Egg Ribbons

Beat the eggs well in a separate small bowl. With the broth gently swirling in a circular motion (use a fork or chopsticks), slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. You’ll instantly see delicate ribbons forming—this technique is the secret to that classic texture. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the eggs are set.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give the soup a taste and add salt if needed. Then, ladle the Egg Drop Soup into bowls and sprinkle with sliced green onions. For an extra kick of flavor, finish with a few drops of fragrant sesame oil. And there you have it—restaurant comfort, made easy!

How to Serve Egg Drop Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing is more than just prettying up your Egg Drop Soup—it also adds layers of flavor and texture! Scattered green onion slices give freshness and a pop of color, while a tiny swirl of sesame oil brings out a delightful aroma. For the adventurous, try a sprinkle of chili flakes or a handful of sweet corn kernels for even more depth.

Side Dishes

Pair your Egg Drop Soup with traditional Chinese starters like steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a crisp cucumber salad. It also works wonderfully as a light first course to homemade stir-fries or fried rice, rounding out the meal and making dinner feel like a true restaurant experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take your Egg Drop Soup to the next level? Think about serving it in small tea cups for an appetizer party, or adding fun toppings like crunchy wonton strips, julienned carrots, or silken tofu cubes. Guests will love designing their own bowls, and you’ll love how customizable (and beautiful!) your cozy creation can be.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Egg Drop Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the egg ribbons might slightly thicken as they sit, but the flavor remains spot on!

Freezing

Egg Drop Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the broth base (before adding eggs) for up to 2 months. If you freeze the finished soup, the texture of the eggs may change, becoming a bit firmer, but it will still taste comforting and delicious if you don’t mind that small tradeoff.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a hard boil, as that can toughen the eggs. If it thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a tablespoon or two of broth or water to loosen it up for the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Is Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Egg Drop Soup can easily be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check broth and seasoning labels to be certain.

Can I add extra protein or vegetables?

Absolutely! This soup is a great blank canvas for add-ins like cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or peas and carrots. Just add them during the simmering stage to warm everything through.

How do I make the egg ribbons extra thin?

For the finest egg ribbons, pour the eggs in a slow, steady stream while continuously stirring the soup in one direction. A fork, chopsticks, or even a pair of salad tongs can help achieve those delicate, feathery strands.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is a tasty alternative if you want a vegetarian Egg Drop Soup. Make sure it’s flavorful and not overly salty since it forms the backbone of the soup.

Why did my eggs clump instead of forming ribbons?

This often happens if the broth is boiling too vigorously or if the eggs were poured in too quickly. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer, stir gently, and pour the eggs in slowly for perfect, silky ribbons every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Egg Drop Soup is a staple in so many homes and restaurants—it’s easy, comforting, and wildly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick dose of comfort, give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Egg Drop Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Egg Drop Soup recipe that is perfect for a quick meal. This Chinese-inspired soup features delicate egg ribbons in a flavorful broth with hints of ginger and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Seasonings:

½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce

Garnish:

1 green onion (thinly sliced)
Salt to taste
Optional: sesame oil or additional green onions

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Instructions

Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Add ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and soy sauce.
Thicken the Broth: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir into the broth and simmer.
Add Eggs: Beat eggs in a bowl. Slowly pour into the simmering broth while stirring gently to create ribbons.
Finish the Soup: Cook for 1-2 minutes until eggs are set. Adjust seasoning with salt. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame oil if desired.