Easy Egg Drop Soup - Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

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We’ve made the BEST egg drop soup recipe ever! It’s ready in 15 minutes and tastes even better than any restaurant version you could order.

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And that is saying a lot because I love ordering egg drop soup any time I go to a Chinese restaurant. The meal just doesn’t seem complete without it. The flavor has to be just right though…not too salty, not too thin, not greasy. This recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect soup!

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It is perfect for a cold night, for a light meal, or as a side dish for a delicious Asian inspired main course! See our list of possibilities later in this post!

What is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup is a Chinese soup with a chicken broth base and wisps of beaten egg throughout. It is common to see green onions added as well as tofu.

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What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Egg Drop Soup?

For a soup with the depth of flavor this has, the number of ingredients is small and likely items you already have at home:

  • Chicken Broth
  • Green Onions
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame Oil
  • Soy Sauce
  • Water
  • Eggs

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How to Make Easy Egg Drop Soup

I am going to take you through every detail of this simple recipe with pictures of every step.

Start by adding the chicken broth and chopped green onions into a pot and bring it to a boil over medium high heat.

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In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, salt, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce and cold water together and stir it into the boiling soup. The cornstarch will thicken the soup slightly and give it that perfect texture that you want with egg drop soup.

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Combine the eggs and two more tablespoons of cold water and whisk them thoroughly. Pour the egg mixture into the soup and stir it in with a fork to break up the eggs. The eggs will start to get that wispy texture that is quintessential of egg drop soup.

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Continue to stir the eggs with a fork until the eggs are opaque.

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Toss in some more fresh chopped green onions and serve!

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What to Serve with Egg Drop Soup?

Sometimes we have egg drop soup as the main course for dinner, but it makes a great side for several of our Asian inspired meals as well. Here are some ideas:

  1. Ham Fried Rice
  2. Teriyaki Veggie Rice Bowls
  3. Easy Orange Chicken
  4. Asian Sticky Salmon
  5. Crispy Honey Chicken
  6. 15 Minute Stir fry

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Is Egg Drop Soup Good For You?

This soup is packed with protein because of the eggs and chicken broth, and it is very low calorie. You want to keep your eye on the sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can use low sodium chicken broth.

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Can You Substitute Flour For Cornstarch In Egg Drop Soup?

Yes, you can use flour to thicken egg drop soup. You will want to use about half the amount of flour, so about 1.5 tablespoons. You still whisk it together with the water, soy sauce, etc. Your soup will have a cloudiness to it rather than that clear glossy look that cornstarch give.

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Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?

Your standard soy sauce is not gluten free, but you can purchase gluten free soy sauce. It will be right next to the regular soy sauce at your grocery store.

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How Do You Reheat Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup makes great leftovers. You can reheat it either on the stove top or in the microwave.

  • Stove: Warm up over medium low heat until heated through and stir it occasionally.
  • Microwave: Pour a serving into a microwave safe bowl and heat it for 30 seconds. Pull it out and give it a stir, and then heat it up in 20 second intervals until it is warmed through. You want to be careful to not overcook it.

Can You Freeze Egg Drop Soup?

Eggs become rubbery when frozen, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing the soup with the eggs added. You can definitely freeze the broth though! Then when you are ready to eat it, thaw it and add the eggs as directed in the instructions. The frozen broth will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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It’s so simple, it’s healthy, and it’s so flavorful! You’re going to want a second bowl of this easy egg drop soup! Now you don’t have to go a restaurant to get it. You’re welcome!

More Asian Recipes:

  • Easy Asian Orange Chicken
  • Korean Asian Braised Short Ribs
  • Quick and Easy 15-Minute Chicken Stir Fry
  • One Pan Simple Asian Shrimp Noodles
  • Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
  • Thai Peanut Steak Salad
  • Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
  • Pork Dumplings
  • Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken
  • Teriyaki Chicken Noodles
  • Sweet and Spicy Orange Salmon
  • Grilled Sweet and Sour Chicken
  • …All of Our Asian Recipes!

Easy Egg Drop Soup

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4.50 from 2 votes

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Description

A simple egg drop soup is sure to warm you on a cold day!

Ingredients

  • 6 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Cup Green Onions, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1/3 Cup Cold Water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 3 Large Eggs

Instructions

  • Bring the broth and green onions to a boil over medium high heat.

    6 Cups Chicken Broth, 1 Cup Green Onions

  • Mix the sugar, salt, cornstarch, cold water, sesame oil and soy sauce together and stir into the soup.

    1/4 teaspoon Sugar, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch, 1/3 Cup Cold Water, 1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil, 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce

  • Beat the eggs with 2 more tablespoons of cold water and then pour the mixture into the soup as you stir with a fork to break up the eggs. Cook until eggs are opaque.

    3 Large Eggs

  • Garnish with more green onions and serve!

    1 Cup Green Onions

Notes

Egg drop soup will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1499mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 306IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: 50 of the Best Easy Soup Recipes for Families

Cuisine: Asian

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Easy Egg Drop Soup - Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

FAQs

What broth is egg drop soup made of? ›

So What Is Egg Drop Soup? In case this recipe is new to you, egg drop soup is a staple at Chinese restaurants across the United States. It's typically made with lightly-seasoned chicken or veggie broth, and filled with delicious egg “ribbons”, which are created by whisking raw eggs into the simmering broth.

Why is Chinese egg drop soup so thick? ›

On potato starch

Most egg drop soup recipes use cornstarch as a thickener, but my dad prefers potato starch for a few reasons. First, potato starch thickens liquids while keeping it translucent so you get a clearer soup than with grain-based thickeners such as cornstarch.

Why is my egg drop soup like jelly? ›

This collagen in the bones is what is causing your soup to gel. It's completely natural, and it only happens in rich, well-made chicken stock. It can be a little freaky, though, if you're not expecting it! The good news is that this thick, gelled stock is extra-rich.

Why is my egg drop soup so thin? ›

It's okay if you have to adjust while cooking – if it's too thin, add more cornstarch. If it's too thick, add more water, stock, or broth.

How to make the best egg drop? ›

There are three basic ways to increase the likelihood of safely dropping an egg:
  1. Slow down the descent speed. ...
  2. Cushion the egg so that something other than the egg itself absorbs the impact of landing. ...
  3. Orient the egg so that it lands on the strongest part of the shell.

Is egg drop soup good or bad for you? ›

Egg drop soup is quite healthy. Egg drop soup calories and carbohydrates are low, which makes the dish good for people watching their weight. While the chicken broth and eggs are nutritious, this soup has the drawback of being high in sodium. However, you can reduce the saltiness by making the dish at home.

Is egg drop soup a laxative? ›

A: No, but you may want to have two or three bowls of egg drop soup per day. The eggs it is made with are rich in albumin, a protein that is easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Albumin helps maintain the balance of water in the bloodstream and body tissues.

What do Chinese use to thicken soup? ›

Much like French food, which relies on a roux for a perfect bechamel sauce or beef bourguignon and involves butter cooked with flour, Chinese and Cantonese cuisines use cornstarch to thicken sauces. However, it's predominantly added at the end of the cooking process rather than at the start.

What to use to thicken egg drop soup? ›

Thicken with cornstarch (add more cornstarch if you like it nice and thick as we do). Stir broth while simmering in clockwise directions. Add beaten eggs (I use 6 eggs for 4 or 5 cups broth) in slow steady stream and let cook undisturbed (important) until cooked (about a minute or so).

How do you get the ribbon in egg drop soup? ›

Once you've made your egg mixture, just follow these steps.
  1. Turn off the heat.
  2. Slowly drizzle in your egg mixture with a soup spoon in a circular motion.
  3. Let it sit for one minute.
  4. Stir to break up your glorious egg ribbons.
Jun 21, 2023

Why does my egg drop soup look like scrambled eggs? ›

If the temperature is too high, you can end up with scrambled eggs bobbing around in your soup. If you pour the egg too quickly, you can end up with a big clump of it, as opposed to evenly dispersed ribbons.

How long should egg drop soup be in the fridge? ›

How to Store Egg Drop Soup. Store your leftover egg drop soup for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What is Chinese soup broth made of? ›

It takes more than just chicken broth and soy sauce to make a Chinese soup broth! Chinese cooking wine – the key ingredient. Just 1.5 tablespoons adds complexity and depth of flavour to the store bought chicken stock. Without it, the broth will taste “flat” ie missing something.

What is soup broth made of? ›

Broth, also known as bouillon (French: [bu. jɔ̃]), is a savory liquid made of water in which meat, fish, or vegetables have been simmered for a short period of time. It can be eaten alone, but it is most commonly used to prepare other dishes, such as soups, gravies, and sauces.

Is chicken stock the same as chicken broth? ›

Stock is generally made from bones, and broth is generally made from flesh. In both cases, they are often supported with aromatic vegetables, but in the case of stock, left unseasoned for maximum flexibility in recipes, whereas broth will usually contain at least salt and pepper.

What broth is French onion soup made of? ›

What Is French Onion Soup? French onion soup, or soupe à l'oignon gratinée, is a classic French dish made with caramelized onions and beef stock or broth. The soup is topped with bread and cheese, then gratinéed to rich, gooey perfection. It's traditionally served in a ramekin or a ceramic crock with a handle.

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