Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that you can prepare in just 15 minutes. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a starter for special occasions. With its silky texture and savory flavors, Egg Drop Soup offers a warm embrace on chilly days. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various main dishes, making it a staple in any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A combination of garlic and ginger adds depth and warmth to every spoonful.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with protein, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add vegetables to make it your own!
• Comforting Dish: Perfectly soothing, this soup warms both the body and soul.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up Egg Drop Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Soup pot or saucepan
• Wire mesh sieve
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Soup pot or saucepan: A good pot ensures even heat distribution, allowing for consistent cooking.
• Wire mesh sieve: This tool helps create the signature ribbon-like egg strands by straining them into the soup.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for blending cornstarch with broth smoothly, preventing lumps.

Ingredients

Whip up this simple Egg Drop Soup in just 15 minutes — it might even taste better than the one from your go-to Chinese spot!

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth (divided)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger powder

For the Egg Mixture

• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste; if using low sodium chicken broth, add less salt; you can always add more later)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

How to Make Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a soup pot or saucepan set over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook Onions

Add chopped green onions to the hot oil and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Then, add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot and stir well.

Step 3: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk until well incorporated. If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the cornstarch slurry to the soup mixture and whisk well until fully incorporated. Then whisk in garlic powder and ginger.

Step 5: Simmer

Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a steady simmer. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Strain Eggs

Reduce heat to low and place a wire mesh sieve over the soup pot. Slowly strain the beaten eggs through the sieve into the pan. Allow them to cook for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Seasoning

Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Taste for salt and seasonings; adjust as needed. Garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes before serving hot. Enjoy!

How to Serve Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro – Add a burst of freshness with chopped cilantro sprinkled on top.
• Basil Leaves – For an aromatic twist, toss in fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Serve with Crispy Toppings

• Fried Wontons – Crush crispy fried wontons for added crunch and texture.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor that complements the soup.

Accompany with Protein

• Shredded Chicken – Enhance the soup’s heartiness by adding shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Diced Tofu – For a vegetarian option, incorporate diced tofu to make the dish more filling.

Create a Complete Meal

• Steamed Vegetables – Serve alongside steamed broccoli and carrots for a colorful plate.
• Rice or Quinoa – Pair with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect Egg Drop Soup

Creating the perfect Egg Drop Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh green onions and quality chicken broth significantly enhance flavor.
• Control Egg Texture – Pour the beaten eggs slowly into the hot broth while stirring gently for silky strands.
• Adjust Seasoning Carefully – Taste before adding salt; low sodium broth may already have enough seasoning.
• Thicken Wisely – If you prefer a thicker soup, gradually add cornstarch until you reach your desired consistency.
• Simmer Gently – Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent overcooking the eggs.

Best Side Dishes for Egg Drop Soup

Complement your Egg Drop Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s flavors and textures.

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy vegetable spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
2. Fried Rice – A savory fried rice loaded with vegetables pairs perfectly for a hearty meal.
3. Asian Salad – A refreshing salad made with mixed greens and sesame dressing adds brightness.
4. Steamed Dumplings – These fluffy dumplings filled with chicken or vegetables offer satisfying bites alongside.
5. Noodle Salad – Cold noodle salad tossed in soy sauce dressing brings a delightful twist to your meal.
6. Vegetable Stir-Fry – Quick-cooked stir-fried vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Egg Drop Soup, there are a few common errors that can affect its taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This is essential for achieving the right thickness in your soup. Always mix cornstarch with cold broth before adding it to the hot soup.
• Adding eggs too quickly: Pouring in the eggs too fast can create clumps. Instead, drizzle them slowly while whisking for that perfect silky texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Using low sodium broth means you may need to adjust the salt accordingly. Always taste your soup before serving and season as needed.
• Overcooking the eggs: Cooking the eggs for too long can result in a rubbery texture. Remove from heat as soon as they are added for a tender finish.
• Not garnishing: Garnishes like green onions and red pepper flakes enhance both flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step for a vibrant dish!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Egg Drop Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Egg Drop Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot. Use a microwave-safe bowl with a cover.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg Drop Soup is a light, flavorful Chinese dish made with beaten eggs added to simmering broth, creating delicate strands of egg throughout.

Can I customize my Egg Drop Soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots, or switch up the protein by incorporating shredded chicken or tofu.

How do I make Egg Drop Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and feel free to add more vegetables for extra flavor.

What can I serve with Egg Drop Soup?

This soup pairs well with steamed rice, dumplings, or spring rolls for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

Egg Drop Soup is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers endless customization possibilities. Whether you prefer it plain or loaded with veggies and proteins, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!

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