Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 people
Egg drop soup, like wonton soup and hot and sour soup, is a classic comfort dish on Chinese restaurant menus. Also called egg flower soup, it’s a simple chicken broth soup made with just broth, eggs, and spring onions. You can add other ingredients like tofu, corn, or bean sprouts to suit your taste, and every cook has their own way of making it.
Some people use water instead of broth to bring out the egg’s flavor. But using chicken or vegetable stock makes the soup taste much better and more comforting. Many restaurants make their egg drop soup thicker with cornstarch or potato starch, but our recipe keeps it simple with the classic thinner version.
Traditionally, adding fresh ginger or turmeric to egg drop soup is thought to help with colds and flu. What’s clear is that a warm bowl of this comforting soup is a great way to start a meal and prepare your stomach for spicier, heavier dishes. To make it vegetarian, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Ingredients
Steps to Make It
01
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.
02
In a wok or saucepan, heat the 4 cups of chicken broth or stock until it boils. Then, slowly add the beaten eggs in a steady stream.
03
To make small pieces, stir the egg quickly in a circle while pouring for 1 minute. For thin lines, stir the eggs gently in a circle until they form.
04
Add the pepper, salt, and sesame oil if you like. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with spring onion.
Tip:
For thicker egg drop soup, do this:
- Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Slowly add this mixture to the chicken broth before putting in the eggs. Then, follow the rest of the recipe.
Recipe Ideas:
Though not traditional, many people love adding these ingredients to make egg drop soup even tastier:
- Cubed tofu: It adds texture, volume, and protein. Just cube half a pack of extra-firm tofu and add it before adding the egg so it can warm up.
- Canned corn: Add 1 can of corn before the egg. It adds texture and flavor, making the soup heartier, so it can be a light lunch or dinner, not just an appetizer.
- Bean sprouts: Adding fresh bean sprouts on top gives a nice crunch to the soft soup. Use a small handful per bowl.
- Hot sauce: Add your favorite hot sauce to spice up the soup. A bit of Sriracha or cayenne pepper works well.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Cook 1 cup of shiitake mushrooms with the broth. Once they brown a little, continue with the recipe. If you try this, use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) instead of salt.
Nutrition per serving:
- 54 calories
- 3g fat
- 2g carbs
- 5g protein
FAQs:
1. What is egg drop soup recipe?
Egg drop soup recipe is a popular Chinese soup made with broth, beaten eggs, and a few seasonings. The eggs are slowly poured into hot broth, creating delicate egg strands that float in the soup. It’s simple yet comforting.
2. Is egg drop soup healthy?
Yes, egg drop soup is a healthy dish. It’s low in calories and packed with protein from the eggs. You can also make it healthier by using low-sodium broth or adding vegetables like tofu and mushrooms.
3. Can I make egg drop soup vegetarian?
Definitely! If you don’t want to use chicken broth, you can replace it with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version. You can also add tofu for protein, making it a balanced meal.
4. What kind of broth should I use for egg drop soup recipe?
Chicken broth is commonly used because of its rich flavor, but vegetable broth works great too if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version. You can even experiment with beef broth for a different taste.
5. How do I make the eggs form strands in egg drop soup recipe?
To create smooth egg strands, gently pour the beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring in a circular motion. This helps the eggs form thin ribbons that make the soup silky and textured.
6. Can I add tofu to egg drop soup recipe?
Yes! Tofu is a great addition. It adds a soft texture and extra protein. Simply cube half a block of extra-firm tofu and add it to the broth before you pour in the eggs to give it time to warm up.
7. What other ingredients can I add to egg drop soup recipe?
There are many options! You can add vegetables like corn, bean sprouts, or mushrooms. Some people also like to use ginger or garlic for more flavor, or season the soup with soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili flakes.
8. How do I make egg drop soup recipe thicker?
To make your soup thicker, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch with a little water to create a smooth paste. Stir this into the broth before adding the eggs. This will give the soup a slightly thicker texture.
9. Can I use other types of oil in egg drop soup recipe?
Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or olive oil if you don’t have sesame oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that many people love in this soup.
10. Can egg drop soup be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the eggs just before serving because the texture of the eggs may change if reheated.
11. How long can I store egg drop soup?
You can store leftover egg drop soup in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to reheat it gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the eggs.
12. Can I freeze egg drop soup?
Freezing egg drop soup is not recommended because the texture of the eggs may become rubbery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a short time.
13. How can I make easy egg drop soup spicy?
To make the soup spicy, you can add hot sauces like Sriracha or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your spice preference. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the soup.
14. What should I serve with egg drop soup?
Egg drop soup is delicious on its own but pairs well with other Chinese dishes like fried rice, dumplings, spring rolls, or crispy noodles. It can be served as an appetizer or a light main course.
15. Can I make egg drop soup with just water?
While it’s possible to make the soup with water, it will lack the rich flavor that broth provides. Using chicken or vegetable broth enhances the taste and makes the soup more comforting.
16. Can I make egg drop soup without cornstarch?
Yes, cornstarch is optional. The soup will have a thinner consistency without it, but it will still be flavorful and delicious.
17. How do I garnish egg drop soup?
Garnishing adds a fresh touch to the soup. You can top it with finely chopped spring onions, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil. Some also like to add chili flakes for a bit of heat.
18. Is egg drop soup suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, egg drop soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and making sure your broth doesn’t contain any gluten. This makes it a safe option for people with gluten sensitivities.
19. Can I add mushrooms to egg drop soup?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, especially shiitake mushrooms, add a savory, earthy flavor. You can cook them with the broth before adding the eggs, and they make the soup even more flavorful.
20. How do I make egg drop soup less salty?
To reduce the saltiness, you can use low-sodium broth. Also, be mindful of the amount of soy sauce or salt you add to the soup, adjusting it to your taste.
