If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that effortlessly combines simplicity and sophistication, this Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe is just the ticket. With its silky ribbons of egg swirling through a flavorful chicken broth, enhanced by just the right touch of white pepper and sesame oil, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little cozy pick-me-up without fuss. Once you master this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite that dazzles every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, relying on simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. The chicken broth forms a savory base, the eggs add luscious texture, and the cornstarch creates that smooth, velvety consistency that makes the soup so irresistible.
- 4 cups of chicken broth: A rich, flavorful base that carries all the other ingredients beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Produce the silky egg ribbons that are the star of the soup’s texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper: Adds subtle heat while keeping the soup’s delicate color intact.
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil: Infuses the broth with an irresistible nutty aroma.
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch: Thickens the broth slightly for a luscious mouthfeel.
- 3 tablespoons of water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for even mixing.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh, bright garnish and a mild crunch.
- Salt to taste: Essential to balance and heighten all the savory elements.
How to Make Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Broth
Start by warming the chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it just begins to simmer gently. This step is key because a gentle simmer allows the egg to cook just right later without becoming rubbery or tough.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture
While the broth heats, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will be your secret to achieving that beautiful silky texture that’s classic for egg drop soup.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs with Seasoning
In another bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with the ground white pepper and sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a lovely depth of flavor while the white pepper gives a gentle kick without overpowering the soup’s delicate taste.
Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the simmering broth in a steady stream while stirring gently in a circular motion. This technique forms the iconic delicate egg ribbons that make this recipe so special. Take your time here for the best texture.
Step 5: Blanch the Green Onions
Quickly blanch the green onions in boiling water for about 30 seconds to take away any raw sharpness, then drain and set aside. The green onions will add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color when it’s time to serve.
Step 6: Thicken the Soup
Give the cornstarch mixture a quick stir and slowly pour it into the broth, stirring continuously. The soup will thicken gently and develop a velvety texture that perfectly balances the tender eggs and savory broth.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and add salt as necessary to bring all the flavors together. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with the blanched green onions to finish. Your Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe is ready to warm your soul!
How to Serve Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the blanched green onions add a traditional finishing touch, you can also sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or a dash of finely chopped fresh cilantro for added aroma and visual appeal. These small additions elevate the soup’s flavor without overshadowing its simplicity.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, light vegetable stir-fry, or even crispy spring rolls for a satisfying meal that feels balanced and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner party or just to impress at home, serve the soup in elegant bowls and drizzle a tiny bit of chili oil on top for a vibrant splash of color and a hint of heat. Alternatively, you can add soft tofu cubes or sweet corn for a tasty twist on this classic favorite while keeping all the soul-warming goodness intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the eggs may firm up over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is not recommended because the delicate egg ribbons can turn rubbery and the texture may become grainy when thawed. For best results, prepare fresh or refrigerate and consume within a couple of days.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from clumping or toughening. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water during reheating can help restore the soup’s silky consistency and keep it tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth makes this Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe vegetarian-friendly and still deliciously flavorful. Just choose a broth that’s nicely seasoned to maintain that rich base.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
The cornstarch acts as a thickener, giving the soup a smooth, velvety texture. Without it, the broth would be much thinner, lacking that signature silky mouthfeel.
Can I add other ingredients to this soup?
Definitely! You can customize this soup by adding mushrooms, corn, peas, or tofu. Just remember to adjust cooking times to keep the egg ribbons intact and preserve the soup’s delicate balance.
Why do you use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper provides heat without the dark specks that black pepper would leave, maintaining the soup’s classic clear and clean appearance. It also has a slightly earthier and more subtle flavor which complements the broth well.
How do I make perfect egg ribbons?
Pour the beaten egg slowly into the simmering broth while stirring gently in a circular motion. This careful technique encourages the eggs to cook into thin, silky strands rather than clumping together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how a handful of simple ingredients can come together in this Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe to create such a comforting, elegant dish. It’s fast to prepare, deeply satisfying, and incredibly versatile — a staple that everyone should have in their kitchen repertoire. I can’t recommend it enough; once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this heartwarming soup time and again.
Print
Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Classic Egg Drop Soup is a simple and comforting Chinese soup made with gently simmered chicken broth, delicate egg ribbons, and flavored with sesame oil and white pepper. This quick recipe results in a silky, savory soup perfect for a light meal or starter.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat the Broth: Heat the chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it gently simmers, creating the perfect base for the soup.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to ensure a lump-free thickener.
- Beat the Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the ground white pepper and sesame oil until well combined, which will create flavorful egg ribbons.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Slowly pour the egg mixture into the simmering broth in a steady stream while stirring gently in a circular motion. This technique produces delicate ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup.
- Blanch the Green Onions: Briefly blanch the sliced green onions in boiling water for about 30 seconds to soften their flavor, then drain and set aside for garnish.
- Thicken the Soup: Stir the cornstarch mixture again then add it to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the blanched green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture in the egg ribbons.
- Adjust the thickness by modifying the cornstarch quantity according to preference.
- For vegetarian variation, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- White pepper adds subtle heat without overpowering the soup’s delicate flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the egg ribbons.
