Quick Egg Drop Soup

Quick Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, known for its silky texture and delicate, savory flavor. This quick egg drop soup recipe allows you to recreate the comforting taste of this dish in less than 20 minutes.

The combination of a flavorful broth, lightly whisked eggs, and a hint of ginger makes this soup a go-to option for an easy appetizer or a light meal.

Whether you’re craving something warm and soothing or simply want a delicious, protein-rich dish, egg drop soup is a perfect choice.

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker soup)

1 tablespoon cold water (for mixing with cornstarch)

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

A pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

How to Make Quick Egg Drop Soup:

Prepare the Broth:

In a medium pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and white pepper to the broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the ginger to infuse the broth with flavor.

Thicken the Soup (Optional):

If you prefer a slightly thicker egg drop soup, you can mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the broth is simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir well. Let the broth simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Whisk the Eggs:

In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly until the yolks and whites are fully blended. You want the eggs to be smooth, but not too frothy, to ensure the perfect texture for the egg ribbons in the soup.

Create the Egg Ribbons:

With the broth simmering gently, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the broth in a thin stream while stirring the broth in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks. The eggs will immediately cook and form delicate ribbons in the soup. Be sure to pour slowly and stir continuously for smooth, thin egg strands.

Final Touches:

Once all the eggs have been added, continue to cook the soup for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the eggs are fully cooked through. Taste the soup and add additional soy sauce, white pepper, or a pinch of salt, if needed, to adjust the flavor.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef’s Note:

Broth Variations: You can experiment with different broths for unique flavors. For example, using a mushroom broth instead of chicken or vegetable broth will give the soup an earthy, umami flavor. You can also use low-sodium broth if you are watching your sodium intake.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a lovely aromatic warmth to the soup. However, if you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can substitute with ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon).

Egg Texture: The key to perfect egg drop soup is the way the eggs are added to the broth. Pouring the eggs slowly and stirring continuously creates thin, silky egg ribbons. If you prefer larger chunks of egg, you can pour the eggs more quickly and stir less.

Spice it Up: If you enjoy spicy food, add a dash of sriracha or chili oil to the soup for an extra kick of heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a mild spice.

For Extra Flavor: To deepen the flavor of the soup, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a small pinch of five-spice powder. Both will bring an additional layer of complexity to the dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 90

Protein: 7g

Carbohydrates: 3g

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 900mg (depending on soy sauce and broth used)

This Quick Egg Drop Soup is not only light but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying and healthy option. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and can be made gluten-free with the right soy sauce substitution. The broth provides a comforting, savory base, while the eggs add richness and texture.

This soup is ideal for those looking for something quick and delicious that’s full of flavor without taking much time to prepare. Serve it as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal or enjoy it on its own for a warm, nourishing dish.