Egg Drop Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s quick to make! With just a few simple ingredients like eggs, broth, and green onions, it’s both fluffy and flavorful.
It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick meal. I love to slurp it up while watching my favorite shows—so cozy and tasty! 🥚🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: I suggest using low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works well too, providing a nice flavor base for the soup.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are vital for that fluffy texture. If you need a vegan option, try silken tofu blended until smooth, but the texture will be different.
Cornstarch: This thickener gives the soup a nice body. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot or tapioca flour instead; just mix well with cold water first.
Ginger: While optional, fresh ginger adds warmth and depth. If you don’t have it, try a tiny pinch of ground ginger or just leave it out.
Green Onions: These add a fresh kick. If you don’t have them, chives or shallots can also work, or just omit them if you prefer a simpler taste.
How Do I Achieve Silky Egg Ribbons?
Getting those beautiful ribbons of egg is all about technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not boiling. Boiling can break the eggs up too much.
- As you pour in the beaten eggs, do it slowly and steadily. Use a fork or chopsticks to gently stir the broth in one direction.
- This helps the eggs cook instantly into silky strands rather than clumps.
- Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it just right!
Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
To whip up this delicious Egg Drop Soup, you’ll need about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook, so just 20 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any time of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. If you’re using grated ginger, add it in now along with the white parts of the green onions. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This will give the broth a wonderful flavor.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
While the broth is simmering, take a small bowl and mix the cornstarch with cold water until it becomes a smooth slurry. This will help thicken your soup nicely.
3. Thicken the Broth:
Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the boiling broth, then reduce the heat a little bit. Keep cooking for about 1-2 minutes, mixing occasionally, until the broth thickens slightly.
4. Beat the Eggs:
In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs until they are well mixed. This will help create those lovely ribbons in your soup!
5. Create Silky Egg Ribbons:
Now, with the broth gently simmering, slowly pour the beaten eggs into the pot in a steady stream while stirring the broth gently in one direction. This technique will help the eggs form the silky ribbons we love!
6. Season the Soup:
Stir in the soy sauce and white pepper. Give the soup a taste and add salt if you think it needs it. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
7. Serve:
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the warm soup into bowls. It’s time to enjoy!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top your soup with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, silky texture of your homemade Egg Drop Soup!
Can I Use Homemade Chicken Broth?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth adds a rich flavor to the soup. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and appropriately salted. You can also use bone broth for an even deeper taste!
Can I Substitute the Eggs?
If you want a vegan alternative, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth for a similar texture. However, the flavor will differ since eggs provide that signature taste and fluffiness uniquely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, as the eggs might toughen if heated too quickly.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure to cook them beforehand, or add them to the broth early on so they soften a bit before adding the eggs.
