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Home » Soup » Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
June 11, 2022
4.82 from 22 votes


Last Updated June 11, 2022 | 2 Comments

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Egg Drop Soup is so easy to make at home with simple ingredients including chicken broth, eggs, soy sauce, and scallions. Just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant, enjoy this cozy and comforting egg drop soup recipe in less than 20 minutes.

Overhead image of two white bowls filled with egg drop soup.

Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Delicious, comforting, and so easy to make, this egg drop soup recipe is guaranteed to be a year-round dinnertime staple. Ready in nearly no time at all (15, maybe 20, minutes), egg drop soup cooks really fast. While the ingredients are super basic and require very little preparation, its flavor is bold, smooth, and perfectly balanced. Serve as a side or as the main course, you can even add some shredded chicken or tofu for added protein and serve with rice to really fill you up.

What is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup (蛋花湯) is a Chinese soup made by adding well-beaten eggs into boiling chicken broth to create long wispy strands of egg. Literally translated to Egg Flower Soup, this is one of the more well-known and popular soups offered at Chinese American restaurants.

Unlike in Chinese cuisine, Westernized egg drop soup is often thickened with cornstarch whereas those versions found in China are (usually) of a thinner consistency.

Close up image of a large pot filled with egg drop soup topped with thinly sliced green onions

What is in Egg Drop Soup

  • Broth (low-sodium) – Use your favorite store-bought broth or try adding homemade chicken stock, bone broth, or vegetable stock.
  • Ground ginger + Garlic powder – Now, usually I recommend that you always add fresh aromatics (ginger and garlic), but in this soup, I think the powdered stuff is better. Of course, either will do. Just remember that powdered seasonings are always more potent than fresh, so should you plan to add fresh garlic or fresh ginger, add two to three times the amount called for in the recipe.
  • Soy sauce – Start with 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce and add more as needed. If you’re avoiding soy products substitute with an equal amount of coconut aminos or liquid aminos.
  • Cornstarch – Visit any Chinese restaurant in the US and you’ll find that their egg drop soup is (almost) always thickened with a little cornstarch. That said it’s completely optional and adds little in terms of flavor. Always remember to mix your cornstarch in a little cold water before adding it to your hot soup to prevent the cornstarch from clumping.
  • Eggs – Aside from the broth, eggs are the most important ingredient in this soup! Whisk well before drizzling it into your soup.
  • Sesame oil (optional) – You really only need a drop or two of sesame oil as it has a pretty strong flavor. If this is something you don’t have or you can’t find it available, simply skip it.
  • Green onions – Thinly sliced green onions are my favorite garnish for this soup. Add just before serving.

Variations:

  • Top your bowl with a little drizzle of Sriracha or red chili flakes.
  • Sweeten it up with corn. A can of drained sweet corn is all you need.
  • Add some mushrooms. I do recommend sauteeing them in a little olive oil before adding them to the soup.
  • Add more protein like tofu or shredded chicken.

How to Make Egg Drop Soup

1. First, bring the broth to a simmer.

2. Next, while the broth is coming to a simmer, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.

3. Third, once the broth reaches a low boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and season the hot broth with ground ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil (if using). Stir in the cornstarch slurry until combined.

4. Last, reduce heat to low and use a fork or whisk to stir the broth in a circular, whirlpool motion. Stirring continuously (don’t stop) slowly pour the whisked eggs into the soup creating long egg ribbons. Remove from heat and season to taste. Serve with sliced green onions, if desired.

White shallow bowl filled with homemade egg drop soup.

Is Egg Drop Soup Healthy?

Yes. Most people would consider egg drop soup to be very healthy. Packed with protein (thank you eggs) and low in calories (just 54 calories per serving!), it is also low in carbs.

Is Egg Drop Soup Gluten-Free?

No. To make egg drop soup gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce for an alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.

Is Egg Drop Soup Keto?

No. Although it is very high in protein, it contains cornstarch and soy sauce which are both off-limits to those following a strict keto lifestyle. Omit the cornstarch and replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos or liquid aminos to get the keto stamp of approval.

Large white shallow bowl filled with easy egg drop soup recipe garnished with sliced green onions.

Storage and Leftovers

Egg drop soup is meant to be enjoyed right away. I do not recommend making this soup in bulk to enjoy all week long, nor do I recommend freezing leftovers.

How to Serve

Light and healthy, there are several ways to serve egg drop soup. Sometimes I’ll add chicken and serve it with a side of white or brown rice. Other times, when I’m feeling a little more ambitious I’ll serve it with a few egg rolls or alongside my Chinese chicken salad, fried rice, or this easy chicken stir fry with bok choy.

Large white stock pot filled with Egg Drop Soup and garnished with green onions.

More Delicious Homemade Takeout Recipes,

  • 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • Chicken Chow Mein Recipe (How to Make Chow Mein)
  • Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
  • Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
  • Moo Goo Gai Pan Recipe
  • Chinese Broccoli Recipe with Garlic (Stir-Fried Gai Lan)

Have you tried making this Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

Large white shallow bowl filled with easy egg drop soup recipe garnished with sliced green onions.

Egg Drop Soup

4.82 from 22 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
This delicious restaurant-style Egg Drop Soup Recipe is made with simple ingredients like chicken stock, eggs, soy sauce, and green onions. Just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant, enjoy this easy egg drop soup in less than 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 6 cups
Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 cups chicken broth - (good-quality )
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce - (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 large eggs - beaten
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil - optional
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions - to garnish
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Instructions
 

  • Add chicken broth, ground ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce and toasted sesame oil to a medium saucepot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Meanwhile, as the broth comes to a boil, whisk together the cornstarch and water until combined. Stir into the boiling broth and mix well until thickened.
  • Reduce heat to low and use a fork or whisk to stir the broth in a circular, whirlpool motion. Stirring continuously (don't stop) slowly pour the whisked eggs into the soup creating long egg ribbons.
  • Immediately remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil (if using) and sliced green onions. Season with additional soy sauce or salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Best served immediately.

Jessica’s Notes

  • Try to use a good-quality low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock. Or, make this vegetarian and swap the chicken broth for your favorite low-sodium veggie broth.
  • This soup is best enjoyed right away as it does not reheat well.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 162mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Egg Drop Soup, Egg Drop Soup Recipe, How to make egg drop soup, What is Egg Drop Soup
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

891 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Monique says

    July 2, 2022 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    Do you have a recipe for crispy fried noodles. I love to pour my egg drop soup over crispy fried noodles. I usually have to order extra noodles from the Chinese Restaurant. I can’t find them in the grocery stores or found a company that will sell them to me on line. Please help..

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      July 2, 2022 at 3:20 pm

      I do not have a crispy fried noodle recipe, yet, Monique 🙂

      Reply

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica, the chef behind The Forked Spoon, where I share my delicious recipes along with my kitchen tips and expert advice to transform your everyday cooking into a gratifying culinary experience. Learn more about me→

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