Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Some nights, I’m just in the mood for a big bowl of soup for dinner and I’m always on the hunt for a quick and simple soup recipe. Bring in this egg drop soup recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of large eggs, you can have a warm, filling soup on the table in just under 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Egg Drop Soup Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. No need to spend hours in the kitchen for a restaurant-quality meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples like chicken stock, eggs, and soy sauce to create this flavorful soup. It’s simple, but the taste is unbeatable.
• Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side, this egg drop soup fits the bill. Pair it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to customize it to your liking.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: Get that authentic Chinese restaurant flavor without having to leave your house. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce makes this recipe taste just like the soup you order out.
• Diet-Friendly Options: This soup is naturally low in carbs, and with a simple tweak, it can be made keto-friendly by omitting the cornstarch. Plus, you can easily make it gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos!

Yummy Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Any time we order Chinese food, I always order a cup of egg drop soup because it’s one of my favorites! This last time around, I really thought about it and was really curious… just how hard is it to make homemade egg drop soup?

Let me tell you- it’s not that hard! It’s actually super easy to make a batch and it tastes exactly like the egg drop soup from a Chinese restaurant.

Ingredients You Need To Make Homemade Egg Drop Soup

To make this egg drop soup right in your kitchen, you will need these ingredients:

• Chicken stock: Forms the base of the soup, giving it a rich, savory flavor.
• Eggs: The star ingredient that creates the signature egg ribbons in the soup.
• Corn starch: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect consistency.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the broth.
• Ground ginger: Gives the soup a touch of warmth and depth.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle garlic note.
• Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the flavors.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Egg Drop Soup

• Cooking Pot: To boil the broth and mix in the ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for stirring the cornstarch mixture and creating the egg ribbons.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients like chicken stock and spices.
• Soup Ladle: To easily serve the soup into bowls.

If you want to make this soup recipe gluten-free, make sure to buy gluten-free soy sauce (you might find it under tamari sauce) or coconut aminos.

How To Make Egg Drop Soup At Home

Mix 1/2 cup of chicken stock and cornstarch in a cup with a fork until it’s all smooth and set it aside for later.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs together and set it aside as well.

Pour the remaining chicken stock, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and pepper in a pot and bring everything to a boil.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir with a whisk for 30 seconds, or until it’s fully incorporated.

Slowly pour the egg mixture to the pot, whisking the soup constantly with a whisk in a single direction. The eggs will cook as soon as they land in the boiling soup.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve!

Cooking Tips

• When pouring the egg mixture into the soup, do NOT stop stirring. Pausing in between stirs will cause the texture of the soup to be very different than what you are normally used to.
• To make this soup keto, omit the cornstarch (cornstarch adds 7 grams of carbs).

What To Serve With Egg Drop Soup

If I’m honest, 90% of the time I eat this amazing soup all on its own. If I’m feeling extra hungry and feel like I need to serve it with something else, I usually serve it with a bowl of white rice. You can also serve it with a side of noodles like rice or lo mein noodles.

Trying to stick to low carb? Try serving this egg drop soup recipe with a side Asian salad or miracle noodles that are made out of mushrooms!

Tips For Success

• Keep the eggs moving: When adding the whisked eggs to the soup, it’s important to keep stirring in one direction. This helps create the classic egg ribbons you expect in egg drop soup. If you stop stirring or switch directions, the eggs can clump together instead.
• Temperature control: Make sure the soup is at a gentle boil when you add the eggs. If the broth is not hot enough, the eggs won’t cook quickly and will blend into the soup rather than forming ribbons. If it’s too hot, the eggs might cook too fast and form large clumps.
• Cornstarch consistency: Be sure to thoroughly mix the cornstarch with the chicken stock before adding it to the soup. This prevents any lumps in the soup and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth before adding the eggs to check for seasoning. You can adjust the soy sauce, ginger, or pepper according to your preferences. Keep in mind that soy sauce adds saltiness, so add additional salt only if necessary.
• Egg pouring technique: When pouring the eggs into the soup, do so slowly and steadily. This gives the eggs time to cook as they hit the hot broth, resulting in fine ribbons rather than big clumps.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the soup contains eggs, it’s best to consume it within this timeframe to ensure freshness.
• Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the eggs may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth without the eggs, then add freshly whisked eggs when reheating. Store the broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you have frozen the broth separately, reheat the broth and whisk in fresh eggs as it comes to a boil to recreate the egg ribbons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make egg drop soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make egg drop soup ahead of time, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to make the egg ribbons fresh just before serving. You can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the fridge, then reheat and whisk in the eggs when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make egg drop soup without cornstarch?

Absolutely! While cornstarch helps thicken the soup, it’s not essential. You can omit the cornstarch for a lighter, brothier version of the soup. For those following a keto diet, this is a great way to cut down on carbs.

How do I get the perfect egg ribbons?

To get those silky egg ribbons, make sure to slowly pour the whisked eggs into the hot broth while stirring continuously in one direction. This technique ensures that the eggs cook immediately into thin, delicate ribbons rather than clumping.

What can I serve with egg drop soup?

Egg drop soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a traditional Chinese meal, you can serve it with fried rice, lo mein, or steamed vegetables. If you prefer a lighter meal, it also goes well with a simple salad or a side of miracle noodles for a low-carb option.

Can I customize the flavor of egg drop soup?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. For a spicier version, add some chili oil or hot sauce. If you prefer more savory depth, you can increase the soy sauce or ginger. You can also garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

More Asian Food Recipes

If you loved this delicious egg drop soup recipe, you will also love some of these other soup recipes!

Are you a big fan of Asian cuisine? Here are some of my other favorite Asian recipes I make all the time:

• Mongolian Beef Recipe
• Orange Chicken Recipe
• Homemade Egg Rolls
• Homemade Chinese Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe

See also:

• Sesame Cucumber Salad
• Homemade California Rolls
• Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli