If you have ever wanted to master a comforting classic that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying, this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Silky ribbons of egg float gently in a flavorful chicken broth, enlivened by just the right touch of soy sauce and sesame oil. Each spoonful offers warmth and simplicity, making it the perfect dish for a cozy night or a light starter to a delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, and I can’t wait to share how to make it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this soup is delightfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the savory chicken broth to the delicate egg ribbons, every element adds something special.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory and rich base that carries all the flavors through.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps to mix cornstarch smoothly for thickening without lumps.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Gives the broth a pleasant silky thickness that clings to the egg ribbons.
- 2 large eggs: The star ingredient that creates those signature silky ribbons.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a slightly salty kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Brings a subtle toasted aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions: Freshness and a mild bite that brightens every spoonful.
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (optional): A mild heat that complements the soy sauce without overpowering.
How to Make Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Begin by bringing the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in the soy sauce and, if you like, add a pinch of white pepper for subtle warmth. This combination builds a flavorful foundation that’s both comforting and inviting.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
Next, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until fully combined and smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering broth while stirring gently. This step ensures the soup has that luscious silkiness that makes every spoonful a delight.
Step 3: Create the Egg Ribbons
Beat your eggs lightly in a separate bowl. Here’s the fun part: as you stir the hot broth in one direction, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs in a thin stream. The eggs will cook instantly, forming those signature delicate ribbons that float gracefully throughout the soup.
Step 4: Finish with Sesame Oil
Once the eggs are set, turn off the heat and add the sesame oil. This final touch brings a warming, nutty fragrance that elevates the entire soup and invites you to dig in.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. These add a fresh burst of color and a crisp, mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the smooth soup base. Now it’s time to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic garnish is sliced green onions, feel free to experiment with finely chopped fresh cilantro, a few drops of chili oil for heat, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These additions can add fresh textures and layers of flavor that make this soup personal and memorable.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully as a starter or a light meal on its own. Pair it with simple steamed white rice, crispy spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded and delightful dining experience. Its warm, light nature complements nearly any Asian-inspired spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe in small elegant cups as an appetizer at your next dinner party. You can also float delicate tofu cubes or add thin strips of cooked chicken for extra heartiness. Getting creative with presentation allows this humble soup to shine as either a comforting everyday staple or a charming dish for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since the eggs can continue to cook and thicken the broth, it’s best to enjoy the soup fresh or reheat gently.
Freezing
Freezing egg drop soup isn’t usually recommended because the eggs can change texture and become rubbery. If you must freeze it, omit the eggs at first, freeze the broth with the cornstarch thickener, and add freshly beaten eggs when reheating for best results.
Reheating
When reheating in a saucepan over low heat, stir gently to avoid breaking up the beautiful egg ribbons. Add a little water or broth if the soup is thicker than you like. Reheat only until warmed through to preserve that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works well if you want a vegetarian-friendly version. Just choose a flavorful broth to keep the soup rich and tasty.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to thicken the soup. Use the same amount but mix it the same way with water for a smooth slurry.
How do I get the egg ribbons to form properly?
Pour your beaten eggs slowly into hot broth while stirring in one direction. This gentle motion allows the eggs to cook into thin, silky ribbons instead of clumping together.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Thinly sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or shredded carrots can be added when you bring the broth to a boil for extra texture and nutrition.
Is the white pepper necessary?
White pepper is optional but recommended for its mild heat and earthy flavor that complements the soy sauce and sesame oil without overpowering the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple, quick, and utterly delicious. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether you need a quick fix or want to impress friends with a comforting classic. Give it a try, and enjoy every soothing spoonful!
Print
Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Homemade Egg Drop Soup is a comforting, quick-to-make Chinese classic. Silky ribbons of beaten eggs float in a savory chicken broth enriched with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, offering a perfect light starter or a warming snack ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Thickening Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and, if desired, 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper to season the broth.
- Make the thickener: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to form a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering broth to slightly thicken the soup base.
- Add the eggs: Beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl. While stirring the simmering broth in one direction, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs in a thin stream into the soup, allowing them to cook instantly and form delicate silky ribbons.
- Finish the soup: Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil to add a fragrant, nutty aroma and flavor to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons of sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and soy sauce with tamari or a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce or pepper according to taste.
- White pepper is optional but adds a subtle heat and traditional flavor.
- To make the egg ribbons more uniform, ensure the broth is simmering gently and stir continuously in one direction when adding the eggs.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the egg drop ribbons.
