10-Minutes Egg Drop Soup – A Delicate Chinese Cuisine For Your Day

Often hailed as the quintessential comfort food, the humble yet soulful easy egg drop soup recipes has been the cornerstone of Chinese cuisine for centuries. Yet, beneath its silky, golden broth lies an intricate symphony of culinary craftsmanship. 

With a simplistic harmony of ingredients — delicate ribbons of egg, enriching chicken stock, and subtle notes of sesame oil — this soup transcends the ordinary, transporting you to a realm of authentic flavors. 

But what sets it apart? Is it the flawless technique, the perfect temperature, or the finesse in the final presentation?

For the uninitiated, the beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its making. It’s about understanding the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, elegance and simplicity, and texture and taste. 

What Is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup is a beloved Chinese cuisine staple characterized by simplicity, warmth, and comfort. The name “egg drop” comes from dropping raw egg into the hot soup, which cooks instantly into soft, silky ribbons.

The basic version of this soup is made with a few simple ingredients: a seasoned chicken or vegetable broth, lightly beaten eggs, and green onions for garnish. Some variations may include additional components such as corn, tofu, or mushrooms. 

The eggs are whisked and then gradually drizzled into the simmering broth, creating thin, wispy strands floating in the soup.

Despite its simplicity, egg drop soup offers a delicate balance of flavors and textures: the rich, savory taste of the broth complements the soft, slightly custardy texture of the eggs, while green onions add a fresh, crisp note to the dish. 

It’s a perfect starter for a larger meal, but it can also be a comforting dish all on its own.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto and Whole30 Make sure to use a homemade or store-bought broth with no added sugars or preservatives. Replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which have a similar umami flavor but comply with these diets. Be aware that cornstarch isn’t suitable for Keto or Whole30 diets, so consider a thickener like xanthan gum instead.
• Paleo Like Keto and Whole30, use a compliant broth and replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. For thickening, consider arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
• Gluten-Free Ensure your broth is gluten-free. Replace soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as tamari.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and replace the eggs with silken tofu to mimic the texture of the egg drops. You can add a little turmeric to give the soup a golden color typically imparted by the eggs.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations And Add-Ons

• Protein: Add cooked chicken, tofu, and shrimp for additional protein.
• Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like peas, corn, spinach, or bok choy for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spices and Flavorings: Experiment with different spices or flavorings like garlic, white pepper, or chili oil for a spicy kick. A dash of vinegar can also add a pleasing sour note.
• Noodles or Rice: To make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked rice or noodles.

Toppings

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can add a nice touch of freshness and color.
• Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds or even roasted pumpkin seeds can add a delightful crunch.
• Extra Scallions: A generous sprinkling of extra sliced scallions can really brighten up the dish.
• Spices: If you enjoy heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can be delightful.
• Sesame Oil: A few drops of sesame oil can add a final touch of rich, nutty flavor.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Add all the ingredients except the eggs and cornstarch to the slow cooker. This includes your broth, soy sauce, ginger, scallions, salt, and optional ingredients like mushrooms or tofu.
• Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a little cold broth or water until smooth, then stir it into the soup to thicken.
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then slowly drizzle them into the soup while stirring slowly.
• Let the soup sit for another 15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired thickness, then serve.

Instant Pot

• Add all ingredients except the eggs and cornstarch to the Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid and set the pressure release valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
• Once done, quick-release the pressure.
• Mix the cornstarch with a little cold broth or water until smooth, then press the “sauté” function and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then slowly drizzle them into the soup while stirring slowly.
• Continue stirring until the soup is thickened to your liking, then serve.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Homemade Broth

• If you have the time and ingredients, making homemade broth can give the soup a deeper flavor. You can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your preference. Homemade broth can be made in large batches and frozen for future use.

Store-Bought Broth

• This is a convenient and time-saving option. Choose a high-quality, low-sodium variety for the best results. The low-sodium variety allows you to control the saltiness of your soup. If you’re following a specific diet, like gluten-free or organic, you can find broths that meet these requirements.

How To Serve?

• Temperature: Egg drop soup is best served hot. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly if it has been cooled or stored in the fridge.

• Bowl Selection: Use deep soup bowls to keep the soup hot for longer. A porcelain or ceramic bowl would be a classic choice.

• Garnishing: Garnish the soup right before serving. The traditional garnish includes chopped scallions or chives and white pepper. Also, add a sesame or chili oil drizzle for an extra flavor boost.

• Accompaniments: Egg drop soup can be served as a starter or light meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside stir-fry dishes, dumplings, or fried rice. Steamed bok choy or other vegetables can also make a nice side.

• Serving Utensils: Provide soup spoons for easy eating. A fork or chopsticks may also be needed if the soup contains larger pieces of vegetables or meat.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Asian-Style Salad: A light salad with sesame dressing can balance the warmth and richness of the soup.
• Steamed Dumplings: Whether filled with vegetables, pork, or shrimp, dumplings make a delightful accompaniment.
• Spring Rolls: These crispy treats would add a different texture to the meal.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A simple side of stir-fried veggies would complement the soup nicely, adding more fiber and nutrients to your meal.
• Fried Rice: Either as a side or a main dish, fried rice pairs well with egg drop soup.
• Steamed Buns (Baozi): These fluffy, steamed buns can be filled with a variety of ingredients and pair nicely with the soup.
• Grilled Shrimp or Tofu Skewers: If you’re looking for a protein-rich side, grilled shrimp or tofu skewers would make a great choice.
• Asian Noodle Dish: A simple noodle dish, like lo mein or sesame noodles, would work well alongside egg drop soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Opt for fresh ingredients: Use farm-fresh eggs and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor in your egg drop soup.
• Pre-cook aromatics: Sauté minced garlic and ginger in sesame oil before adding broth. This step enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
• Beat eggs thoroughly: Whip the eggs until smooth and frothy before gradually pouring them into the simmering broth. This ensures even distribution and a silky texture.
• Add a dash of soy sauce: For an extra umami kick, incorporate a splash of soy sauce into the soup. It enhances the overall savory profile.
• Stir slowly: To achieve those classic egg ribbons, gently stir the soup in a circular motion as you pour in the beaten eggs.
• Garnish creatively: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftover egg drop soup can be used in a variety of ways, though it is best when consumed fresh due to the delicate nature of the eggs. Here are a few suggestions:

• Reheat and Eat: The simplest way is to gently reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave and enjoy it as is. Remember not to let it boil vigorously as it can affect the texture of the eggs.
• Add to Stir-fries: You could use the soup as a flavorful addition to a stir-fry dish. Just pour it over your stir-fried veggies or protein of choice, and let it simmer until everything is well incorporated.
• Add Noodles: Transform it into a quick noodle soup. Simply add cooked noodles of your choice, some additional vegetables or protein if desired, and heat it up for a satisfying meal.
• Add More Ingredients: For a more substantial soup, add additional ingredients like tofu, diced chicken, or more vegetables and reheat.

TIPS

• Store leftovers: Once prepared, let the egg drop soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: To extend the shelf life, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make ahead: Prepare the soup base (broth, seasonings) and store it separately from the beaten eggs. Combine them just before serving for fresher taste and better texture.
• Reheat gently: When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent the eggs from overcooking and becoming rubbery. Stir frequently.

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