Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is a classic, comforting Chinese dish that is light yet full of flavor. Its silky texture and delicate broth, combined with the richness of eggs, make it the perfect dish for a cold day, a quick dinner, or as a starter for any meal. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, Egg Drop Soup is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples like chicken or vegetable broth, eggs, and seasonings, you can whip up a bowl of this warming soup in no time. The secret to the perfect egg drop lies in the technique: the eggs are poured into the simmering broth in a thin stream, creating those signature silky ribbons. Infused with ginger, sesame oil, tamari soy sauce, and a pinch of turmeric for color, this soup is both nourishing and flavorful.

Whether you’re craving a comforting soup on a chilly evening or looking for a light appetizer to pair with a larger meal, Egg Drop Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Egg Drop Soup is beloved for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The broth, made from low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, provides a rich base that’s both soothing and savory. The eggs, gently poured into the hot broth, create delicate ribbons that add texture and richness to the soup. The added seasonings, including ginger, sesame oil, and tamari soy sauce, bring a fragrant, umami-packed depth to the dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is its speed. In just a few minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of soup ready to enjoy. It’s also customizable—whether you prefer a spicier kick or a more robust flavor, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick but comforting, Egg Drop Soup is sure to become a staple.

Ingredients

• Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Cornstarch
• Ground ginger
• Kosher salt
• Toasted sesame oil
• Tamari soy sauce
• Ground turmeric (optional for color)
• Ground white pepper
• Large eggs (lightly beaten)
• Green onion (thinly sliced on a diagonal)

Variations

Egg Drop Soup is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

Add Vegetables

For added nutrition and color, consider adding vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or peas. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the soup while keeping it light.

Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a little heat, add some chili flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick and take the flavor to the next level.

Use Different Broth

While chicken broth is the traditional base, you can easily swap it out for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You can also experiment with other flavored broths to add more depth.

Add Tofu

For a vegetarian protein option, add cubed tofu to the soup. It will absorb the flavors of the broth and provide a heartier feel to the dish.

Garnish with More Toppings

While the green onion adds a nice pop of color and flavor, you can garnish your soup with additional ingredients like crispy shallots, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili oil for extra flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a medium saucepan, combine the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, cornstarch, ground ginger, kosher salt, toasted sesame oil, tamari soy sauce, ground turmeric (if using), and white pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Heat the saucepan over medium heat and bring the broth mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the broth to thicken slightly from the cornstarch.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Once the broth is simmering, slowly pour the lightly beaten eggs into the broth in a thin, steady stream while stirring the soup gently with a fork or chopsticks. This will create the signature silky ribbons of egg. Continue to stir until all the eggs are added and cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Green Onion

Stir in the thinly sliced green onions, allowing them to wilt slightly in the hot broth. This will add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the soup.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Eggs: To achieve the perfect silky ribbons, be sure not to overcook the eggs. As soon as they are poured into the hot broth, they should cook quickly.
• Stir Gently: When adding the eggs, stir gently and slowly to ensure the eggs form delicate ribbons rather than scrambling into chunks.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the eggs. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce, ginger, or sesame oil to your liking.
• Use Fresh Broth: If you have homemade broth on hand, it will elevate the flavor of the soup even more. Store-bought broth works well, but fresh broth will give you a richer base.

How to Serve

Egg Drop Soup is typically served as a starter or a light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with other Chinese-inspired dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, or fried rice. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light lunch or dinner. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a small salad or some steamed vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Egg Drop Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so feel free to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Freezing

Egg Drop Soup is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the eggs. The eggs can become rubbery once frozen and thawed. For the best quality, it’s recommended to enjoy the soup fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Heat until the soup is hot and the eggs are once again silky.

FAQs

1. Can I make Egg Drop Soup without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch if you prefer a lighter broth. The cornstarch helps thicken the broth slightly, but it’s not essential to the recipe.

2. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, regular soy sauce can be used in place of tamari, though tamari is often preferred for its slightly milder flavor. Use a low-sodium version if you want to reduce the salt content.

3. Can I add other proteins to the soup?

Yes, you can add proteins such as shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the soup more filling.

4. What if I don’t have toasted sesame oil?

Toasted sesame oil provides a distinct flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular sesame oil or even vegetable oil as a substitute, though the flavor will be less nutty.

5. Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

6. Is Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?

Yes, Egg Drop Soup can be made gluten-free by using tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, which often contains wheat.

7. How can I make Egg Drop Soup spicier?

Add chili flakes, a drizzle of chili oil, or fresh chili peppers to spice up your soup. You can also add a few drops of sriracha for a spicy kick.

8. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip any animal-based ingredients for a vegetarian version of Egg Drop Soup.

9. What’s the best way to store leftover Egg Drop Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed.

10. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Egg Drop Soup is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the broth and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then add the eggs just before serving to keep them from overcooking.

Conclusion

Egg Drop Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers comfort and warmth in every spoonful. With its silky broth, tender egg ribbons, and fragrant seasonings, this soup is a perfect addition to any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices, and enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own home.

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