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If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and incredibly quick to whip up, this Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this soup delivers delicate, silky ribbons of egg swimming in a savory, flavorful broth that tastes better than takeout and is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a cozy bowl to soothe your soul, this recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite its rich flavor and silky texture, this soup relies on surprisingly straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Chicken stock, low-sodium: The savory base that gives your soup its comforting warmth without overpowering the delicate egg.
- Eggs, large: These create the signature silky ribbons that give egg drop soup its charming texture.
- Green onion, finely chopped: Dividing the whites and greens allows the whites to deepen the broth’s flavor while the greens add a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- Chicken bouillon powder: Boosts the umami for a richer, more comforting broth.
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the soup from simple to special.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- White or black pepper: A gentle spice touch that adds warmth without overwhelming the broth.
- Cornstarch or potato/tapioca starch: Thickens the broth slightly to give it body and help the egg ribbons suspend beautifully.
- Cold water: Used to dissolve the starch, creating a slurry that thickens the soup evenly.
How to Make Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Beat the eggs
Start by cracking your eggs into a measuring cup or bowl with a spout, and whisk them smooth. This simple step is key because a measuring cup with a spout allows you to pour the eggs in a thin, steady stream, which helps form those perfect, delicate egg ribbons.
Step 2: Prepare the cornstarch slurry
Mix the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved. This slurry is what will thicken your broth just enough to create a silky mouthfeel without making it gloopy or heavy.
Step 3: Heat your broth with scallion whites
Pour the chicken stock into a medium pot and add only the scallion whites. Bring it to a boil on medium-high heat. The scallion whites infuse the broth with a subtle onion flavor that gives a fresh depth to the soup.
Step 4: Thicken the broth
Lower the heat to medium and slowly stir in your cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring gently until the soup thickens, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This is the moment your broth transforms into a smooth, slightly viscous base perfect for holding those egg ribbons.
Step 5: Season the broth
Now add your chicken bouillon powder, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Stir everything together to meld the flavors fully, creating that warm, savory profile that this Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe is loved for.
Step 6: Create the egg ribbons
While stirring the soup slowly, pour the beaten eggs in a thin stream from a slight height to form smaller, more delicate ribbons. If you prefer larger ribbons, pour the eggs more slowly from a lower height without stirring immediately—let them gently set for about 10 seconds, then stir.
Step 7: Final simmer and garnish
Let the soup simmer for one more minute off heat, then sprinkle the bright scallion greens on top. This final touch adds fresh color and a mild crunch, perfect for finishing your bowl with a little brightness.
How to Serve Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallion greens are classic, but feel free to experiment with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of chili oil for heat, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. These simple garnishes turn this humble soup into something visually appealing and add unique bursts of taste.
Side Dishes
Egg drop soup pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice, vegetable spring rolls, or an Asian cucumber salad. These sides complement the soup’s gentle flavors without overwhelming it, perfect for a full yet balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving your soup in stylish small bowls or even Chinese soup spoons for a bite-sized starter. Adding a swirl of soy sauce or a few drops of chili oil on top right before serving makes the presentation pop and gives your guests a delightful sensory experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the egg ribbons may thicken and change texture slightly, but the soup will still taste delicious.
Freezing
Freezing egg drop soup is generally not recommended because the delicate egg ribbons can become rubbery or separate upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this soup fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the eggs from overcooking. Stir occasionally to maintain smoothness and keep the broth luscious, ensuring it tastes just as good the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth is a great option for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different but still very comforting.
What’s the best way to get thin egg ribbons?
Pouring the beaten eggs in a slow, steady stream from a slight height while stirring continuously creates the finest, most delicate ribbons that gently float through the broth.
Can I add veggies or proteins to this soup?
Yes, feel free to add things like sliced mushrooms, corn, tofu cubes, or shredded chicken to make it heartier. Just add them during the broth boiling stage so they cook through.
Is this soup spicy?
This Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe is mild by nature, but you can spice it up with chili oil, crushed red pepper, or a pinch of white pepper to suit your taste.
How do I prevent the eggs from clumping?
Make sure your eggs are beaten smoothly and add them slowly to hot, gently stirring broth. Pouring too fast or into boiling broth can cause clumping or uneven textures.
Final Thoughts
If you want a speedy, comforting bowl that tastes like it took hours to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try this Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe. It’s a lovely, simple dish that never fails to nourish and delight, whether served as a starter or a light meal. Once you taste the silky eggs in that savory broth, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy moments at home.
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Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A comforting and delicious Chinese egg drop soup featuring silky egg ribbons in a savory chicken broth. This quick and easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a family-friendly appetizer or light meal that’s better than takeout.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (chicken stock powder)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)
- ¼ cup cold water
Garnish
- 1 green onion, finely chopped (separated into scallion whites and greens)
Instructions
- Prepare Eggs: In a measuring cup with a spout or a small bowl, beat the 3 large eggs until smooth and set aside. Using a measuring cup with a spout helps create even, thin egg ribbons later.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl, mixing until the starch dissolves completely. Set aside for thickening the broth.
- Heat Broth: In a medium pot, add 4 cups chicken stock and the scallion whites from the green onion. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Thicken Broth: Lower the heat to medium. While stirring, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry to the broth. Continue to stir and let the soup come back to a boil, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Season Soup: Add 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon white pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Create Egg Ribbons: While continuously stirring the broth, pour the beaten eggs in a thin stream from a slight height to create smaller delicate egg ribbons. For larger ribbons, pour the eggs at a lower height, do not stir immediately, and let the eggs set for 10 seconds before gently stirring.
- Simmer and Finish: Let the soup simmer for 1 minute to fully cook the eggs. Remove the pot from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped scallion greens on top as a garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade egg drop soup!
Notes
- Using a measuring cup with a spout makes pouring the eggs easier and helps create uniform egg ribbons.
- You can substitute chicken stock powder with more broth but seasoning may vary.
- Adjust seasoning (salt and pepper) to taste after thickening the soup.
- The soup is best served fresh and hot for the best texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit chicken bouillon powder.

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