Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Egg drop soup, a staple in Chinese cuisine, is renowned for its simplicity and comforting nature. This silky, savory soup is perfect for a quick meal or a soothing start to a more elaborate dinner. Below, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt to taste

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup diced tofu
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the broth, allowing their flavors to infuse for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the boiling broth while continuously stirring. This will help thicken the soup slightly, giving it a more satisfying texture.

Step 3: Season the Broth

Add soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil to the broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.

Step 4: Prepare the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk them lightly. You can use a fork or a small whisk for this purpose.

Step 5: Create the Egg Ribbons

Reduce the heat to low and ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the broth in a thin, steady stream while stirring the soup in a circular motion. This will create the characteristic silky ribbons of egg that make egg drop soup so visually appealing.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients

If you’re using additional ingredients like corn, peas, tofu, or mushrooms, add them now. Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the added ingredients are heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips and Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
2. Spice It Up: Add a dash of white pepper or a few drops of hot chili oil for a spicy kick.
3. Silken Tofu: For added texture and protein, include small cubes of silken tofu.
4. Corn and Peas: These additions can make the soup more substantial and add a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Egg drop soup is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick comfort meal or an elegant starter, this classic Chinese soup is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that this timeless recipe has to offer. Happy cooking!