Egg Drop Soup, also known as “egg flower soup,” is a staple in Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its delicate strands of egg floating in a flavorful broth. This comforting soup is not only a favorite in Chinese households but also a popular choice in Chinese-American restaurants.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a swift meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires basic pantry staples and a few fresh items.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Comforting Flavor: The savory broth combined with silky egg ribbons offers a soothing experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch
- Large eggs
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- White pepper
- Turmeric or yellow food coloring (optional, for color)
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Season the Broth: Stir in sesame oil, salt, white pepper, and turmeric or food coloring if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Thicken the Soup: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering broth, stirring continuously until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add the Eggs: Lightly beat the eggs. Using a ladle, stir the soup in a circular motion to create a whirlpool effect. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the moving broth, forming delicate egg ribbons.
- Serve: Once the eggs are set, remove the soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
- Vegetable Boost: Add corn kernels, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Introduce a dash of sriracha or white pepper for a spicy kick.
- Herbal Notes: Garnish with cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil to maintain the delicate texture of the egg ribbons.
FAQs
What is Egg Drop Soup?
Egg Drop Soup is a traditional Chinese soup where beaten eggs are poured into simmering broth, creating silky strands or “flowers” of cooked egg throughout the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of Egg Drop Soup.
How can I achieve the bright yellow color?
The yellow hue can be enhanced by adding a small amount of turmeric or yellow food coloring to the broth.
Is it possible to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, increase the amount of cornstarch in the slurry. Add it gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I prepare Egg Drop Soup in advance?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add the beaten eggs just before serving.
What are common garnishes for this soup?
Common garnishes include chopped chives, green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
How do I prevent the eggs from clumping?
Pour the beaten eggs slowly into the swirling hot broth while stirring gently to create thin, silky strands.
Can I freeze Egg Drop Soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the eggs may become rubbery upon reheating.
What dishes pair well with Egg Drop Soup?
Egg Drop Soup pairs well with dishes like fried rice, spring rolls, or stir-fried vegetables.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, ensure that the chicken broth and any added seasonings, such as soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Egg Drop Soup is a delightful combination of simplicity and comfort. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it a go-to recipe for those seeking a warm, soothing dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a starter to a larger meal, this classic soup is sure to satisfy.
For a visual guide on preparing Egg Drop Soup, you might find this video helpful:
videoEGG DROP SOUP | Chinese Comfort Food in 10 Min!turn0search5
Print
Egg Drop Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Egg Drop Soup is a classic Chinese dish made with a simple yet flavorful broth and silky, ribbon-like eggs. It’s quick to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and is perfect as a light appetizer or a comforting meal on its own.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels or peas (optional, for extra texture)
Instructions
- In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir in ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper.
- If using cornstarch, mix it with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, then stir it into the broth to slightly thicken it.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks. This will create the classic egg ribbons.
- Let the soup simmer for another 1–2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and, if using, corn or peas. Serve hot!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use the cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a lighter texture, skip it.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—add more soy sauce for saltiness or sesame oil for a richer flavor.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
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