Egg drop soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This classic Chinese soup features silky strands of egg in a savory broth, making it a perfect starter or light meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful soup in no time.
While most of the ingredients for egg drop soup are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Chicken broth is essential for the base of the soup, and cornstarch helps to thicken it. Soy sauce adds a touch of umami, while sesame oil provides a subtle nutty flavor. Don't forget to grab some scallions for a fresh garnish.

Ingredients for Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.
Eggs: Beaten and slowly poured into the soup to create silky strands.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the soup.
Soy sauce: Adds a touch of umami and depth to the broth.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
Sesame oil: Optional, but adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Scallions: Chopped and used as a fresh garnish.
Technique Tip for Making This Soup
When adding the beaten eggs to the soup, make sure to pour them in slowly while stirring the broth in a circular motion. This technique creates the signature silky egg ribbons that make egg drop soup so delightful.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Provides a similar savory base while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
chicken broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Adds a rich, umami flavor that complements the soup well.
beaten eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: When blended, it mimics the texture of eggs and is suitable for a vegan version.
beaten eggs - Substitute with aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped to a similar consistency as beaten eggs.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Works as a thickening agent with a similar effect.
cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Another thickening agent that can be used in the same quantity.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: A gluten-free alternative that provides a similar salty, umami flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: A soy-free option that adds a slightly sweeter, but still savory, flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a similar salty taste with potentially more minerals.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted sesame oil: Adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the soup.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: A more neutral oil that still adds a bit of richness.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Provides a similar mild onion flavor and works well as a garnish.
scallions - Substitute with leeks: Offers a slightly stronger onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or cooked into the soup.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soup
How to Store or Freeze This Soup
- Allow the egg drop soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery.
- Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.
- For refrigeration, store the soup in the airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If freezing, label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, as this can cause the eggs to become rubbery.
- If the soup has thickened too much after storing, you can add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh scallions or green onions just before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Place the leftover egg drop soup in a pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the eggs from overcooking.
- Alternatively, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is heated through.
- If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency before reheating.
- Avoid boiling the soup as it can cause the eggs to become rubbery. Aim for a gentle simmer instead.
- Once reheated, garnish with fresh scallions or green onions to refresh the flavors before serving.
Best Tools for Making This Soup
Pot: Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and cook the soup.
Whisk: Handy for beating the eggs until they are well mixed.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil accurately.
Small bowl: Useful for mixing the cornstarch and water together before adding it to the soup.
Ladle: Ideal for stirring the soup in a circular motion while pouring in the beaten eggs.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the scallions for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the scallions.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the hot egg drop soup.
Soup spoon: Perfect for enjoying the finished soup.
How to Save Time on Making This Soup
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making your own.
Pre-mix cornstarch: Combine cornstarch and water ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Quick egg preparation: Beat the eggs in advance and keep them ready to pour.
Chop scallions early: Prepare the scallions beforehand and store them in the fridge.
Measure ingredients: Have all ingredients measured and ready to go before starting.

Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
- 2 scallions green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a pot.
- 2. Add the cornstarch mixture and soy sauce, stir well.
- 3. Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup in a circular motion.
- 4. Season with salt, pepper, and sesame oil if using.
- 5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
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