Egg Drop Soup is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its delicate egg ribbons, savory broth, and simple yet comforting flavors. Often served as an appetizer at Chinese restaurants, this dish is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility—you can keep it traditional or add your own twist with ingredients like corn, tofu, or mushrooms. Plus, making it at home means you have complete control over the flavor, texture, and seasoning. Forget the takeout—this homemade version is fresher, healthier, and just as satisfying.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a perfect bowl of Egg Drop Soup at home. From key ingredients to step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients
To create a flavorful and satisfying Egg Drop Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken Stock: 4 cups of unsalted chicken stock serve as the base, providing depth and richness to the soup.
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons, mixed with 5 tablespoons of water to form a slurry that thickens the soup to a silky consistency.
- Large Eggs: 2, beaten.
- Green Onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced; the whites and greens separated for different stages of cooking.
- White Pepper: ½ teaspoon, for a subtle heat that complements the soup’s mildness.
- Salt: 1½ teaspoons, to enhance the overall flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, added at the end for a fragrant finish.
*Note: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Egg Drop Soup:
1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 5 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, creating a smooth slurry.
2. Heat the Chicken Stock
Pour 4 cups of unsalted chicken stock into a medium-sized saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add 1½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of white pepper, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Thicken the Soup
Once the stock reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Stir the cornstarch slurry to ensure it’s well-mixed, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering stock while continuously stirring. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps from forming.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 to 30 seconds until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Add the Eggs
With the soup at a gentle simmer, hold the beaten eggs about a foot above the pot. Slowly pour the eggs into the soup in a thin, steady stream, moving in a circular motion around the saucepan.
For delicate, wispy egg strands, gently stir the soup immediately after adding the eggs. If you prefer thicker ribbons, let the eggs set for a few seconds before stirring.
5. Incorporate Aromatics
Add the whites of the sliced green onions to the soup, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 30 seconds to meld the flavors.
6. Finish with Sesame Oil
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. This adds a subtle, nutty aroma that enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade Egg Drop Soup.
Tips for the Perfect Egg Drop Soup
- Achieving the Ideal Egg Texture: The texture of the egg strands can be adjusted based on your preference. Stirring immediately after adding the eggs results in finer, more delicate strands, while waiting a few seconds before stirring creates thicker ribbons.
- Preventing Lumps: To avoid clumping when adding the cornstarch slurry, ensure the slurry is well-mixed before drizzling it into the soup. Stir the soup continuously during this process.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a dash more salt or white pepper can enhance the flavor to your liking.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your Egg Drop Soup by adding ingredients such as sweet corn kernels, tofu cubes, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
By following these steps and tips, you can easily prepare a delightful bowl of Egg Drop Soup that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Enjoy this classic dish as a starter or a light meal, and savor the satisfaction of creating it in your own kitchen.
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