Description of this recipe:
Egg Drop Soup, a classic of Chinese-American cuisine, is known for its simplicity and comforting flavors. This recipe provides an easy way to recreate the restaurant-quality experience at home, offering a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect as a starter or a light meal. The soup features delicate egg ribbons suspended in a savory broth, seasoned with ginger, white pepper, and a touch of sesame oil for an authentic taste. Optional additions such as corn, peas, or carrots add texture and nutritional value, while various garnishes allow for personalization to suit individual preferences.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Egg Drop Soup recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. You can whip it up in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a soothing bowl of soup in a hurry. Second, it’s customizable. You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking, adding more ginger for a spicier kick, including your favorite vegetables, or experimenting with different garnishes to create your own signature version. Third, it’s a healthier alternative to many other soup options. With a base of low-sodium chicken broth and simple seasonings, it’s light on calories and packed with flavor, providing a comforting and nourishing meal without the guilt. Finally, this recipe brings a taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the authentic flavors of Egg Drop Soup whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ½ cup corn kernels, peas, or diced carrots
- Optional garnish: extra scallions, chili oil, or crispy wonton strips
Preparation:
The secret to great Egg Drop Soup lies in the balance of flavors and the technique used to create those delicate egg ribbons. Follow these simple steps to achieve a restaurant-quality soup every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Slurry
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the soup to the perfect consistency, giving it that velvety texture that characterizes Egg Drop Soup. Make sure there are no lumps in the slurry before proceeding.
Step 2: Heat the Broth
In a medium saucepan or soup pot, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. For a healthier option, opt for low-sodium broth. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add ½ teaspoon of grated fresh ginger (or ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger) and ½ teaspoon of ground white pepper. These seasonings provide the soup with its signature aromatic and slightly spicy flavor. Add a pinch of salt to taste, keeping in mind that the broth itself may already contain some sodium.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth, stirring constantly with chopsticks or a spoon to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Continue to simmer the soup for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. The soup should develop a light, velvety texture. Be careful not to overcook the soup at this stage, as excessive thickening can result in a gloopy consistency.
Step 4: Beat the Eggs
While the soup is simmering, crack 2 large eggs into a separate bowl. Lightly whisk the eggs with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Avoid over-whisking, as this can create too much foam. The goal is to have a smooth, homogenous mixture that will form delicate ribbons in the soup.
Step 5: Create the Egg Ribbons
This is the most crucial step for achieving those signature egg ribbons. Turn off the heat under the soup pot to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup in a steady, thin stream while simultaneously stirring the broth in a circular motion with chopsticks or a spoon. The circular motion helps to disperse the eggs and create those beautiful, silky strands. Continue stirring gently for about 30 seconds until the egg ribbons are cooked and floating in the broth.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Stir in ½ teaspoon of sesame oil to add a rich, nutty aroma and flavor to the soup. Add 2 thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or white pepper to suit your preferences. If desired, stir in ½ cup of corn kernels, peas, or diced carrots for added texture and nutritional value. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra scallions, a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick, or crispy wonton strips for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Egg Drop Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve small bowls of Egg Drop Soup as a light and comforting appetizer before a larger meal.
- As a Light Meal: Enjoy a larger portion of Egg Drop Soup as a light and satisfying meal, especially on cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- With Noodles: Add cooked noodles, such as thin rice noodles or egg noodles, to the soup to make it a heartier and more substantial meal.
- With Tofu: Add cubes of soft or firm tofu to the soup for added protein and texture.
- As a Side Dish: Serve Egg Drop Soup as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries, dumplings, or spring rolls.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Broth: The quality of the chicken broth significantly impacts the flavor of the soup. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium broth for the best results.
- Control the Heat: Turning off the heat before adding the eggs is crucial for creating delicate egg ribbons. If the heat is too high, the eggs will cook too quickly and form clumps instead of strands.
- Stir Gently: Avoid over-stirring the soup while the eggs are cooking, as this can break up the ribbons.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: While Egg Drop Soup is best served fresh, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and add the eggs and garnishes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 80-120
Protein: 6-8g
Sodium: Varies depending on broth, adjust to taste.
Conclusion:
This Egg Drop Soup recipe is a delightful and easy way to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant into your own kitchen. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and customizable options, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer, a comforting meal, or a healthy side dish, this Egg Drop Soup recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of homemade Egg Drop Soup!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the soup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the soup. Some popular choices include mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- How do I prevent the eggs from clumping together? To prevent the eggs from clumping together, make sure to turn off the heat before adding the eggs to the soup. Slowly pour the eggs in a steady stream while simultaneously stirring the broth in a circular motion. This will help to disperse the eggs and create those beautiful, silky strands.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? While Egg Drop Soup is best served fresh, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth and add the eggs and garnishes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Be sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy. You can also substitute the cornstarch with tapioca starch or arrowroot starch, if needed.
