Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Classic Egg Drop Soup is the ultimate in cozy, comforting Chinese soups—a dish I love turning to when I crave something quick and deeply satisfying. Velvety egg ribbons like silken threads float in a savory, richly seasoned broth, bringing together the humble beauty of basics like chicken broth, eggs, and green onions. Under its simple surface, every spoonful balances warmth, umami, and a dash of nostalgia, making it a true restaurant favorite that’s effortless to recreate at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday staples to make Classic Egg Drop Soup, but don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list! Each one brings something special, from the silkiness of the eggs to the pop of fresh green onion, and together they create a bowl that’s satisfying on every level.
- Chicken broth: The soul of this soup, chicken broth provides the savory base and sets the stage for all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch (mixed with water): A quick cornstarch slurry gives the soup just a bit of body, making each bite wonderfully smooth.
- Large eggs (lightly beaten): The signature egg ribbons add color, protein, and an elegant texture—be sure to whisk gently for pretty streaks.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon infuses the entire batch with nutty depth and classic warmth.
- Soy sauce: Adds that essential umami and saltiness, rounding out every flavor note.
- Ground white pepper: A pinch brings gentle heat and an unmistakable Chinese restaurant aroma—don’t skip it!
- Salt (or to taste): Season to your liking—the broth and soy sauce already add saltiness so go gentle and taste as you go.
- Green onions (thinly sliced): The finishing touch; they bring freshness, color, and a little crunch to every bowl.
How to Make Classic Egg Drop Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by pouring your chicken broth into a medium saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil over medium heat. This step is all about layering savory flavor—if you want an extra punch, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the broth. It’s the perfect foundation for those signature egg ribbons.
Step 2: Season the Soup
Once your broth is bubbling, add in the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and just a touch of salt. Stir everything well to dissolve and distribute all those wonderful layers of umami flavor. Remember, this is where the soup gets most of its depth, so take a moment to let the aroma fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Thicken Gently
Stir together two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry—this is the simple secret for getting that classic egg drop soup texture. Slowly whisk the slurry into your soup and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s slightly thickened and silky.
Step 4: Create the Signature Egg Ribbons
Now comes the magical part! Reduce the heat so the soup simmers very gently. While stirring the soup in a steady circular motion with a spoon or chopsticks, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. You’ll see delicate, feathery ribbons form right before your eyes—don’t over-stir or the eggs can break apart, so go slow and steady.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once those beautiful egg ribbons have set, take the pot off the heat. Ladle into bowls immediately and scatter with plenty of fresh sliced green onions. Serve hot and watch everyone marvel at how you’ve brought this Chinese restaurant classic into your own kitchen!
How to Serve Classic Egg Drop Soup
Garnishes
A handful of thinly sliced green onions is the timeless finishing touch for Classic Egg Drop Soup, offering both freshness and a little bite. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch or a dash of chili oil to add warmth and color. You can even scatter a bit of fresh cilantro or finely chopped chives for an herbal twist that brightens each bowl.
Side Dishes
Classic Egg Drop Soup is delightful on its own, but it also makes a perfect starter alongside favorites like crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a light lunch or dinner, pair it with a bowl of steamed rice or a plate of stir-fried vegetables—simple, cozy, and so satisfying when you’re craving Chinese comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Classic Egg Drop Soup in small teacups for an elegant party appetizer, or ladle it into wide, shallow bowls to show off those gorgeous egg ribbons. For family style, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone help themselves. If you want to get playful, set up a “soup bar” with little bowls of toppings—think extra green onions, chili crisp, or even sweet corn—to let everyone customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Classic Egg Drop Soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just know that the egg ribbons may absorb a bit more broth as it chills, but the flavors only become more pronounced and comforting over time.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Classic Egg Drop Soup if you have extra. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind: the texture of the egg ribbons may change a bit after freezing, becoming a touch softer.
Reheating
Gently reheat Classic Egg Drop Soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Avoid boiling, as high heat can break apart those tender ribbons. If the soup thickens in storage, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Egg Drop Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a completely vegetarian version. The eggs will still shine, and the flavors will remain light and comforting—just be sure to use a broth you really love.
How do I get perfect egg ribbons every time?
The trick is to stir the soup gently in one direction while slowly pouring in the beaten eggs in a thin stream. Don’t pour too quickly or stir too fast—this helps the eggs set into those beautiful, silky strands that define Classic Egg Drop Soup.
Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Yes! Feel free to add fresh or frozen corn, green peas, or even shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal. Just add them with the broth at the beginning so everything heats through evenly.
Is Classic Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos work well), Classic Egg Drop Soup is naturally gluten-free. It’s also low in carbs, making it a great option for a range of diets.
What other seasonings work in this soup?
Freshly grated ginger, a dash of white vinegar, or even a tiny splash of fish sauce can add intriguing depth and complexity. Try customizing your classic egg drop soup to suit your mood!
Final Thoughts
I hope you try Classic Egg Drop Soup soon and discover just how easy and joyful this timeless dish can be. It’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again, especially on chilly nights or when you crave a taste of familiar, homemade comfort. Happy cooking!
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Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a classic egg drop soup at home with this easy recipe. This comforting Chinese soup is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt.
- Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce the heat to low.
- While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs to form thin ribbons. Remove from heat immediately.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a small amount of grated ginger to the broth.
- You can also add corn kernels or peas for more texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
