Cozy Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe: Silky Comfort in Minutes

Egg drop soup whispers comfort from the first spoonful, carrying centuries of culinary tradition in its delicate broth.

Ancient Chinese kitchens perfected this seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish that enhances basic ingredients into liquid magic.

Silky threads of beaten eggs dance through steaming liquid, creating mesmerizing patterns that captivate diners.

Fragrant herbs and carefully balanced seasonings elevate this classic preparation beyond mere sustenance into a sensory experience.

Lightweight and nourishing, the soup represents a masterful technique of incorporating protein with minimal effort and maximum elegance.

Home cooks appreciate its quick preparation and adaptable nature, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy evenings.

Warm, soothing, and supremely satisfying, this timeless recipe connects generations through its understated brilliance.

Classic Egg Drop Soup and Why It’s Always a Hit

• Quick and Silky Comfort: This egg drop soup delivers a velvety smooth texture with delicate egg ribbons that melt in your mouth, offering instant warmth and comfort in just minutes.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: The combination of sesame oil, ginger, turmeric, and white pepper creates a depth of flavor that's surprising for such an easy-to-prepare dish, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Asian-Inspired Starter: Perfect as a light appetizer or quick lunch, this soup works wonderfully for meal prep, can be customized with additional vegetables, and brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and effort.
• Technique-Learning Opportunity: The unique method of creating egg ribbons teaches a classic culinary technique that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to master, making it a great recipe for building cooking confidence.

What You’ll Need for Classic Egg Drop Soup

• Chicken Broth: Light and savory liquid that forms the core of the soup, choose low-sodium version for better control of salt content.
• Water: Helps to adjust the soup's consistency if needed.

• Cornstarch: Crucial for creating smooth, silky texture in the soup, ensures proper thickening without lumps.

• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp flavor with green and white parts used differently, look for crisp and bright green stalks.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone to the soup, fresh root with smooth skin is best.
• Turmeric: Offers earthy flavor and golden color, ground version works well.
• White Pepper: Gives subtle heat and depth, fresher and more delicate than black pepper.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances umami and saltiness, low-sodium option recommended.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty aroma, use sparingly for authentic taste.

• Eggs: Main protein source creating signature ribbons, fresh eggs work best for smooth texture.

Directions for Making Classic Egg Drop Soup Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Cornstarch Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk of chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add white parts of green onions and cook for 1 minute. Stir in ginger, turmeric, and white pepper, cooking for 45 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Pour remaining of chicken broth and soy sauce into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Whisk in the prepared cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken.

Step 4: Create Egg Ribbons

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and beat lightly. Slowly pour eggs into the simmering soup while gently stirring. This technique creates delicate egg ribbons throughout the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into serving bowls. Top with green parts of scallions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic soup.

Pro Tips for the Best Classic Egg Drop Soup

• Control Egg Ribbons: Use a slow, steady stream and gentle circular stirring to create delicate, silky egg strands without clumping.
• Temperature Matters: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to ensure smooth egg threads and prevent tough texture.
• Strain for Smoothness: Strain the broth before adding eggs to remove any ginger or onion pieces for a cleaner, more refined soup.
• Egg Technique: Beat eggs thoroughly and use a squeeze bag or measuring cup with a spout for precise, consistent ribbon formation.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust white pepper and soy sauce at the end to enhance the soup's depth without overpowering the delicate egg flavor.

Saving and Reheating Classic Egg Drop Soup with Care

• Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the egg ribbons intact by storing the soup carefully without stirring too much.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this soup, as the egg texture will become watery and lose its delicate ribbons when thawed. Fresh preparation is recommended for the best taste and consistency.
• Reheating: Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup appears too thick. Serve immediately after reheating to maintain the soup's silky texture and prevent overcooking the eggs.

What Tastes Great with Classic Egg Drop Soup

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this classic egg drop soup with jasmine rice or crispy spring rolls to complement its delicate texture and warm, comforting broth.
• Wine and Sip Companions: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a chilled Japanese sake to balance the soup's subtle ginger and turmeric notes.
• Protein Powerhouse Sidekick: Add grilled chicken skewers or steamed dumplings to transform this light soup into a more substantial meal with complementary Asian-inspired flavors.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Serve alongside green tea or a cold Asian-style lager to enhance the soup's delicate warmth and provide a refreshing contrast to its silky egg ribbons.

Flavorful Spins on Classic Egg Drop Soup to Try Soon

• Protein Power Boost: Add diced chicken or tofu for extra protein and hearty texture, creating a more filling meal.
• Veggie Lovers Edition: Incorporate chopped carrots, mushrooms, and baby spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Include a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh cilantro or Thai basil as a unique garnish, introducing an aromatic and refreshing element to the classic soup.

Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chinese comfort soup Classic Egg Drop Soup delivers silky whisked eggs dancing through delicate chicken broth. Golden ribbons of egg create simple yet elegant comfort perfect for warming souls on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth, or chicken stock
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil

Thickening Agent:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by whisking of chicken broth with cornstarch until fully integrated and set aside for later use.
2. Select a dutch oven or heavy stockpot and warm sesame oil over medium heat, introducing chopped white sections of green onions and sautéing for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Add minced ginger, ground turmeric, and white pepper to the aromatic base, stirring continuously for about 45 seconds to release their essential oils and fragrances.
4. Pour the remaining of chicken broth and soy sauce into the pot, increasing heat to generate a rolling boil.
5. Incorporate the prepared cornstarch mixture into the bubbling liquid, reducing temperature to a gentle simmer and allowing the soup to thicken for roughly 5 minutes.
6. Transfer beaten eggs into a pastry bag or resealable plastic bag, carefully trimming a tiny opening at the corner for precise egg distribution.
7. While maintaining a slow, consistent circular motion with a spoon, delicately stream eggs into the simmering broth, creating elegant, gossamer-like egg ribbons.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, elegantly garnishing with thinly sliced green scallion tops for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a silky smooth texture in the soup.
• Whisking eggs through a small hole ensures delicate, wispy egg ribbons that define classic egg drop soup.
• Using fresh ginger and white pepper enhances the authentic Chinese flavor profile of the dish.
• Cooking the aromatics like green onions and ginger before adding broth releases deeper, more complex taste notes.
• Low and slow stirring while adding eggs prevents scrambling and maintains the signature delicate egg strands.
• Sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty undertone that elevates the soup’s overall flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg