Egg Drop Soup is a simple, comforting, and flavorful Chinese dish that’s quick to prepare. It’s perfect for a light meal or an appetizer, and with a few tweaks, you can make it even better than what you get at a restaurant. The combination of savory chicken broth and silky egg ribbons creates a delicious soup that can be enjoyed any time of the day!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth
  Provides a rich, savory base for the soup.
• ¼ teaspoon soy sauce
  Adds umami flavor to the broth.
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
  Enhances the flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
• 2 teaspoons water (Optional)
  Used to dissolve cornstarch for thickening the soup (optional).
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (Optional)
  Helps to slightly thicken the soup.
• 1 large egg, beaten
  Creates the beautiful egg ribbons in the soup.
• 1 drop yellow food coloring (Optional)
  To enhance the color of the soup, though it’s not necessary.
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (Optional)
  Gives the soup a mild spicy kick.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (Optional)
  Season the soup to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
  For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
• Add ¼ teaspoon soy sauce and ¼ teaspoon sesame oil to the broth, stirring gently to combine. This adds depth to the soup and enhances its flavor.

2. Optional: Thicken the Soup

• If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, dissolve 1 teaspoon cornstarch in 2 teaspoons water, and stir the mixture into the simmering broth. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.

3. Add the Beaten Egg

• While the broth is simmering, slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup in a thin stream while stirring gently in a circular motion. This creates the signature silky egg ribbons that float in the broth. Continue stirring for 30 seconds until the egg is fully cooked.

4. Season the Soup

• Season the soup with ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional) and ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional) to taste.
• If you prefer, you can add 1 drop of yellow food coloring for a more vibrant appearance, but this step is purely optional.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the soup from heat and sprinkle 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve the soup immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• Cornstarch: If you want a thicker soup, use the cornstarch slurry, but if you prefer a more traditional, broth-based soup, feel free to skip this step.
• Eggs: For perfect egg ribbons, make sure to stir the broth in one direction and pour the beaten egg slowly in a thin stream. Stirring gently ensures the eggs don’t clump together.
• Broth: Use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade broth for the best flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Garnishes: Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor, but you can also use green onions or cilantro as an alternative garnish.

FAQs:

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, use the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to slightly thicken the soup. Add it to the simmering broth and cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the egg.

3. Is the food coloring necessary?
No, food coloring is purely optional. It’s often added to make the soup more visually appealing, but the soup tastes just as good without it.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added texture and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them in the broth before adding the egg.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over the stove, stirring frequently, to prevent the eggs from overcooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion:

This Egg Drop Soup is quick, easy, and incredibly comforting. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can have a restaurant-quality soup ready in just a few minutes. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a quick meal, this soup is perfect for satisfying your cravings. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in Chinese cuisine!

Enjoy your warm and savory bowl of egg drop soup!