Egg Drop Soup is a traditional Chinese dish known for its simplicity, light flavor, and comforting warmth. This soup is often served as a starter or a light meal in itself, featuring silky threads of egg floating in a flavorful broth. With just a few key ingredients, it’s a quick and delicious soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re looking for a soothing dish. The balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh chives brings both depth and freshness, while the soft texture of the egg makes it truly satisfying. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this easy-to-make recipe will add an authentic touch to your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken broth – Adds a savory base to the soup.
• ¼ teaspoon soy sauce – For added umami flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty fragrance to the broth.
• 2 teaspoons water (Optional) – To adjust the consistency.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Optional) – Thickens the soup slightly for a velvety texture.
• 1 large egg, beaten – The main feature of the soup, creating delicate strands.
• 1 drop yellow food coloring (Optional) – For the classic yellow hue often seen in restaurant-style soups.
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (Optional) – Adds a mild peppery kick.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (Optional) – To enhance the soup’s overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives – For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth
   • In a medium-sized pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, letting the mixture come to a simmer. This forms the base of your soup, giving it that signature umami flavor.
2. Optional Cornstarch Mixture
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, in a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of water with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering broth. Stir until it’s well incorporated and the soup slightly thickens. This step is optional but adds a silky texture to the broth.
3. Prepare the Egg
   • Beat 1 large egg in a small bowl until the yolk and white are fully combined. For a more vibrant color, add 1 drop of yellow food coloring to the beaten egg, but this step is entirely optional.
4. Create Egg Ribbons
   • Once the broth is simmering gently, reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup in a thin, steady stream while stirring the broth with a fork or chopsticks. This will create the signature silky egg ribbons. Continue stirring for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until all the egg is set and forms delicate strands.
5. Season and Garnish
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and ground white pepper according to your preference. White pepper gives the soup a subtle heat, while salt enhances the flavors of the broth.
6. Final Touches
   • Remove the soup from the heat and ladle it into bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Egg Texture: To get the best egg ribbons, make sure to stir the soup gently as you pour the beaten egg. Pour slowly and consistently, so the egg doesn’t clump together.
• Thicker Soup: For a heartier version, add the cornstarch slurry. It’s optional, but it gives the soup a lovely velvety finish.
• Customization: You can add tofu, mushrooms, or cooked chicken for extra protein and texture.
• Season to Taste: While soy sauce adds saltiness, feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the texture of the egg.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Egg Drop Soup, as the egg strands can become tough when reheated.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
   • Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you want to make a vegetarian version of the soup. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
2. How do I avoid clumping when adding the egg?
   • To avoid clumping, make sure the broth is at a gentle simmer and pour the egg slowly while stirring the broth in one direction.
3. Can I add vegetables to the soup?
   • Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, corn, or spinach to make the soup more filling and nutritious.
4. What can I substitute for sesame oil?
   • If you don’t have sesame oil, you can omit it or use a small amount of toasted peanut oil for a similar nutty flavor.
5. Is cornstarch necessary?
   • Cornstarch is optional and is used to thicken the soup. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip this step.