The Cozy Egg Drop Soup Recipe That Warms Every Soul

Swirling with comfort and nostalgia, egg drop soup carries memories of cozy family dinners.

Delicate wisps of beaten eggs dance through warm chicken broth, creating a silky harmony.

Chinese cuisine offers this simple yet magical dish that warms souls instantly.

Fragrant and light, the recipe connects traditional cooking techniques with modern kitchen ease.

Each spoonful promises a gentle embrace of flavor and tradition.

Subtle seasonings like white pepper and green onions add depth to this classic comfort.

You might want to ladle this soothing soup into your favorite bowl and savor every delightful moment.

Why Egg Drop Soup Is Comforting And Crazy Easy

• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality soup with just a handful of basic ingredients anyone can find easily.
• Master Culinary Technique: Learn the elegant art of creating delicate egg ribbons, a classic Chinese cooking method that impresses family and friends with your kitchen skills.
• Protein-Packed Meal Booster: Combines lean chicken and protein-rich eggs for a nutritious dish that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition in one delightful bowl.
• Speed Kitchen Solution: Delivers a complete meal in under half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying without spending hours cooking.

What You’ll Need For Simple Egg Drop Soup

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds substance and tender pieces to the soup.
• Eggs: Creates delicate, silky strands that give the soup its signature texture and appearance.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Provides the foundational liquid and rich flavor for the soup.

• Cornstarch, Cold Water: Creates a smooth slurry that gently thickens the soup and adds a silky consistency.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, White Pepper, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile with depth and balanced seasoning.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, crisp garnish with a light onion flavor and bright color to the finished soup.

How To Make Egg Drop Soup In Under 10 Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Protein

Slice chicken breast into small, uniform cubes ensuring consistent cooking and tender meat texture. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help achieve better browning.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Broth Base

Combine chicken broth and water in a medium saucepan. Heat mixture over medium-high temperature until liquid reaches a gentle, rolling simmer with soft bubbles around the edges.

Step 3: Develop Smooth Thickening Agent

In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a silky, lump-free slurry. The mixture should look smooth and have a consistent liquid texture without any visible powder chunks.

Step 4: Enhance Broth Complexity

Stir cornstarch mixture into simmering broth, allowing liquid to transform and become slightly thicker with a beautiful translucent appearance. This process adds depth and body to the soup.

Step 5: Build Layered Seasonings

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• White pepper
• Salt

Taste and adjust seasonings to create a balanced and harmonious flavor landscape.

Step 6: Cook Chicken Perfectly

Gently introduce diced chicken into the simmering broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring each piece becomes fully white and cooked through without becoming tough or dry.

Step 7: Prepare Egg Ribbons

Crack eggs into a small bowl. Whisk energetically until ingredients are well combined and develop a light, airy frothiness that promises delicate soup texture.

Step 8: Create Elegant Egg Threads

Reduce heat to low. Slowly drizzle whisked eggs into soup using a fork or chopsticks. Move utensil in gentle, circular motions to create beautiful, delicate egg ribbons.

Step 9: Finalize Egg Texture

Allow eggs to set for approximately 30 seconds. Softly stir soup to distribute feathery egg threads throughout the liquid, creating a stunning visual and textural experience.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finely chop fresh green onions. Sprinkle liberally over soup surface for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch that adds brightness and color.

Step 11: Present Delicious Comfort

Transfer soup into warm serving bowls. Serve immediately to preserve silky texture and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Tips For Silky, Flavorful Egg Drop Soup Every Time

• Select Lean Protein: Choose skinless chicken breast for a healthier, lower-fat version of the soup that remains tender and delicious.
• Prevent Egg Clumping: Drizzle eggs slowly in a thin stream while stirring constantly to create delicate, wispy egg threads instead of large scrambled chunks.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the broth for an authentic, rich taste that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust cornstarch slurry amount to create your preferred thickness – less for a lighter broth, more for a thicker texture.
• Enhance Nutritional Value: Incorporate additional vegetables like baby spinach or sliced mushrooms to increase nutrient content and add extra layers of flavor.

Fun Add-Ins For Egg Drop Soup To Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Egg Drop Soup: Replace chicken with tofu cubes or mushrooms, using vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative that maintains the soup's delicate texture and rich flavor.
• Spicy Asian Fusion Soup: Add sriracha sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes to create a zesty version with a kick of heat that enhances the traditional egg drop soup profile.
• Seafood Egg Drop Soup: Incorporate small shrimp or crab meat instead of chicken, blending oceanic flavors with the classic egg ribbons and light broth base.
• Herbal Wellness Soup: Infuse the broth with ginger, turmeric, and garlic to boost nutritional value and create a healing, immune-supporting variation of the traditional recipe.

What To Pair With This Light And Tasty Soup

• Pair with Jasmine Green Tea: Delicate, floral tea complements the soup's light and savory profile, cleansing the palate between spoonfuls and enhancing the subtle chicken and egg flavors.
• Serve with Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crunchy appetizer adds textural contrast to the silky soup, providing a satisfying crunch and additional vegetable notes that balance the dish's smoothness.
• Match with Steamed White Rice: Neutral, fluffy rice absorbs the soup's rich broth, creating a complete meal and offering a gentle base that lets the egg drop soup's flavors shine through.
• Accompany with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Tangy, refreshing side dish cuts through the soup's richness, adding brightness and a zesty counterpoint to the warm, comforting main course.

How To Store Egg Drop Soup Without Overcooking

• Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it chilled at 40°F or below to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Warm soup slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent egg threads from breaking and maintain smooth consistency; add small splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• When storing or reheating, expect slight texture changes as eggs might separate; stir gently to restore original silky appearance and recombine ingredients.

All Your Egg Drop Soup Questions, Answered

• What are the key ingredients for a perfect egg drop soup?

The key ingredients are chicken broth, eggs, chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, green onions, and salt.

• How do I prevent egg from becoming scrambled in the soup?

Drizzle whisked eggs slowly into the soup on low heat while gently stirring with a fork or chopsticks to create delicate ribbons instead of scrambled eggs.

• Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a smooth slurry that helps thicken the broth, giving the soup a silky, translucent texture and preventing a watery consistency.

• Can I make this soup without chicken?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting chicken and using vegetable broth, maintaining the delicate egg threads and seasoning.

Egg Drop Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky egg drop soup brings Chinese comfort to your kitchen with delicate ribbons of egg swirling through rich, warm broth. Fragrant seasonings and simple ingredients create a classic dish that warms souls and satisfies hunger with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 eggs
• 1/2 lb chicken breast

Liquids:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken breast into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
2. Pour chicken broth and water into a medium saucepan, then heat over medium-high temperature until liquid reaches a gentle simmer.
3. Whisk cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a smooth slurry, preventing lumps in the soup.
4. Stir cornstarch mixture into simmering broth, allowing liquid to thicken slightly and become translucent.
5. Season broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt, creating a robust and balanced flavor profile.
6. Carefully add diced chicken to the simmering broth, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pieces are fully cooked and white throughout.
7. Crack eggs into a small bowl and gently whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
8. Reduce heat to low and slowly drizzle whisked eggs into the soup, using a fork or chopsticks to create delicate, ribbon-like strands.
9. Allow eggs to set for 30 seconds, then softly stir to create feathery egg threads throughout the soup.
10. Finely chop green onions and sprinkle over the top of the soup as a fresh, aromatic garnish.
11. Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm bowls, enjoying the silky texture and comforting warmth.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Ensure chicken cubes are small and uniform to guarantee consistent cooking and tender texture throughout the soup.
• Use a digital thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety without overcooking.
• Cornstarch slurry creates a silky smooth base, preventing lumps and adding gentle thickening to the broth.
• Whisk eggs thoroughly but gently to create delicate, feathery strands without scrambling them in the hot liquid.
• Low heat is crucial when adding eggs to maintain their soft, ribbon-like texture and prevent tough, rubbery consistency.
• Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use vegetable broth to make the recipe completely plant-based.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg