Best Ever Egg Drop Soup Recipe You Will Actually Make
Have you ever craved that warm, comforting hug of a good egg drop soup, only to be let down by bland takeout or a recipe that’s way too complicated?
We’ve been there too, and you are not alone.
It always seems like making restaurant-quality egg drop soup at home is this impossible dream.
Maybe you tried once and made a complete mess of the recipe.
Well, throw out all your old recipes because you can stop dreaming. We’ve got a foolproof recipe that will truly change how you think about this classic Chinese soup.
It is so darn easy, and you’ll be shocked at how much better it tastes than anything you’d get in a restaurant.
What is Egg Drop Soup?
Egg drop soup is a classic for good reason. It is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.
You’ve likely had it at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
It is a simple, savory, and lightly thickened broth with delicate ribbons of egg swirled throughout.
This soup is made by slowly drizzling beaten eggs into simmering broth while stirring.
The result is a comforting and flavorful soup, often served as an appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients for Egg Drop Soup
Let’s talk about what you will need for this culinary adventure.
Here’s a list of ingredients.
For our soup, we’re using chicken broth as the base, which gives it that rich, savory flavor you love.
The white pepper adds a hint of warmth.
Cornstarch is our thickener, helping us get that perfect, slightly silky texture.
The soy sauce brings a salty, umami kick to the table.
We’ll use sesame oil for its nutty aroma, and fresh ginger and garlic for an aromatic punch.
The green onions on top add a fresh, crisp bite.
But our special touch? A little Shaoxing rice wine.
Shaoxing Rice Wine is going to make the flavors really pop.
How to Make the Best Egg Drop Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking!
First, grab a large pot and pour in 6 cups of chicken broth.
Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot.
Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, so the ginger and garlic can infuse the broth with flavor.
Strain out the ginger and garlic to make a smooth broth.
Get a small bowl, and whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until it’s smooth.
Return your broth to the pot.
Put it over medium heat and when it simmers, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mix.
Keep stirring until your soup thickens a bit, about a minute or two.
Now, in a separate bowl, lightly beat 3 large eggs. Slowly pour them into the soup in a thin stream while you stir the soup in a circle.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and the secret ingredient, 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing rice wine.
Tips for Making Perfect Egg Ribbons
Getting those perfect egg ribbons can seem tricky.
It is really quite simple if you follow the correct steps.
The trick is all in the technique.
You want the broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. The pot should not be too hot.
As you slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs, stir the soup in one continuous, circular motion.
What happens is that a gentle current forms. This helps create those long, silky ribbons that make egg drop soup so special.
Mastering the egg ribbon technique is key! For more kitchen tips, learn the difference between volume vs. weight in cooking to ensure accuracy. Also, check out our guide on how to read a recipe so you never miss a step, and brush up on basic culinary terms.
Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
This really is the easiest egg drop soup recipe you’ll ever find. And honestly, it tastes better than takeout.
Once you get the hang of it, you can whip it up in no time at all.
No more complicated recipes or disappointing delivery orders.
You will have a fresh, homemade soup, ready in just about 20 minutes.
Making a delicious soup should not be this easy. We promise you will want to eat this all the time.
Print
Better-Than-Takeout Egg Drop Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Forget takeout! This is the best, easiest way to enjoy restaurant-quality egg drop soup right in your own kitchen. It’s a comforting, savory soup with silky egg ribbons that you’ll want to make again and again. We’ve taken the classic recipe and given it a little boost to make it even more flavorful. Trust me, once you try this, you will never order takeout egg drop soup again.
Equipment:
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Secret Ingredient: 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine (see notes)
Instructions
- In the pot, bring the chicken broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This is where you want that ginger and garlic to release all their wonderful flavors into your broth.
- While the broth simmers, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into another large bowl or pot. You want a clear, smooth broth that doesn’t have any pieces of ginger or garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until you have a smooth slurry with no lumps. This is your secret weapon for that signature egg drop soup thickness.
- Pour the broth back into your pot, and place it over medium heat. When it returns to a simmer, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the broth, whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the soup thickens slightly. It should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Now, the fun part! While continuously stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. You’ll see beautiful ribbons of egg form as they cook in the hot broth.
- Stir in the soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and that special touch of Shaoxing rice wine. Remove the soup from the heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle those thinly sliced green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve it hot, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Notes
- The Secret Ingredient – Shaoxing Rice Wine: This is what sets this recipe apart. Shaoxing rice wine is a traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds a depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory broth perfectly. It’s like a secret weapon for umami! You can find it at most Asian grocery stores. If you absolutely can’t find it, you can omit it, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out.
- Egg Ribbon Tip: For the best egg ribbons, make sure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Stir the soup in a constant, slow, circular motion as you drizzle in the eggs. This creates a gentle current that helps form long, silky ribbons.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to your bowl.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or baby corn. Cooked, diced chicken or tofu are also great additions for extra protein.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this recipe completely vegetarian.
- Storing Leftovers: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to boil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Soup’s On! Exploring Other Delicious Recipes
Loved this egg drop soup? Explore more! Try our collection of easy vegan recipes, our classic pad see ew recipe, or our flavorful lemon pesto pasta. Find these and more on our recipes page. If you are craving soup, you should try this delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to mix things up?
No problem!
Feel free to throw in some sliced mushrooms or baby corn for extra veggies.
You can also add cooked, diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like things spicy. This is where you can let your taste run wild.
What to Serve with Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is great on its own. It also plays well with others.
Try serving it with some spring rolls, dumplings, or even a simple stir-fry.
It is a fantastic starter to a larger Chinese-inspired meal, or just a light and satisfying lunch or dinner on its own.
Serve this with your favorite Asian food dishes for an amazing meal.
Health Benefits of Egg Drop Soup
This soup isn’t just tasty. Egg drop soup is a pretty healthy choice, too.
Eggs give you a good dose of protein. Using a low-sodium broth helps keep the salt in check.
Plus, if you add extra veggies, you’re getting even more nutrients. It’s a light yet filling meal that won’t weigh you down. You will get vitamins and nutrients from all the ingredients.
Can I make egg drop soup without cornstarch?
Sure, you can make egg drop soup without cornstarch.
Cornstarch is the most commonly used thickener for egg drop soup.
Cornstarch is great because it creates a clear, glossy finish.
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are good alternatives, though they might make the soup a bit cloudier.
You can use these in a 1:1 ratio, but the soup will be a tad thinner. It’s all about your preference.
Why is my egg drop soup cloudy?
If your egg drop soup is cloudy, it could be a few things.
It might be because you used a different thickener instead of cornstarch.
Overcooking the eggs, or not straining the broth properly can lead to a cloudy soup.
Using a low-quality broth may also have this effect. Make sure your broth is simmering gently, not boiling, when you add the eggs.
Egg Drop Soup Nutrition
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info for one serving of our egg drop soup: Calories come in around 180, Fat is about 8g with 2g of that being Saturated Fat, Cholesterol sits at approximately 140mg, Sodium is near 600mg. For Carbohydrates, we’re looking at 12g, Fiber is roughly 1g, and Sugar is about 2g. Protein is a solid 15g. Remember, these numbers can vary a little depending on the exact ingredients you use.
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes, we just don’t have every single item on hand.
You don’t want to run to the store for one ingredient.
Maybe you just don’t like a certain ingredient.
Here are some swaps you can make.
No Shaoxing rice wine? Try a splash of dry sherry or even a little mirin for a similar depth of flavor.
Don’t have fresh ginger? A teaspoon of ground ginger can work in a pinch.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Drop Soup
Yeah, you can use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. Beef broth will give it a different, richer flavor.
Let it cool, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 days.
It is best to not freeze egg drop soup. The texture of the egg ribbons can change after freezing and thawing.
The gentle stirring motion as you drizzle in the eggs creates a current that stretches them into ribbons. It is important not to stir to fast.
Sure, go for it! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork would all be delicious additions. Add it at the end.
It can be! Just make sure your broth and soy sauce are gluten-free. Use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
You might have added too much cornstarch, or cooked it for too long. Try adding a bit more broth to thin it out.
The Final Bite
You’ve got this!
Now you can make egg drop soup that’s better than any takeout, right at home.
Think warm, flavorful broth, silky egg ribbons, and that special touch of Shaoxing rice wine.
It is your turn to make this recipe your own. Picture yourself cozying up with a bowl of this homemade goodness.
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Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.