Classic Chinese Egg Drop Soup (Ready in 15 Minutes)

A silky-smooth, restaurant-style soup with delicate egg ribbons in a golden broth.

KEY INFO

– Prep Time: 5 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 15 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Easy
– Dietary: Gluten-free, Low-carb
– Cost: Under $10

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

– Large saucepan or pot
– Whisk
– Measuring cups/spoons
– Soup ladle
– Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)

INGREDIENTS

For the Broth

– 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth or stock
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon white pepper
– Salt to taste

For the Eggs

– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) water

To Finish

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, finely sliced
– Extra white pepper (optional)

METHOD

1. Make Cornstarch Slurry
– Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth
– Set aside

2. Heat Broth
– Bring chicken broth to a gentle boil
– Add ginger, white pepper
– Season with salt

3. Thicken Broth
– Whisk in cornstarch slurry
– Simmer until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes)
– Broth should coat the back of a spoon

4. Prepare Eggs
– Beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water until well combined
– No streaks of white should remain

5. Create Egg Ribbons
– Reduce heat to maintain gentle simmer
– Stir broth in one direction to create a whirlpool
– Slowly pour beaten eggs in a thin stream
– Let eggs set for 30 seconds before stirring

6. Finish
– Remove from heat
– Stir in sesame oil
– Garnish with green onions

CRUCIAL TIPS

– Temperature: Broth must be simmering, not boiling, when adding eggs
– Egg Stream: Pour eggs slowly through fork tines for finer ribbons
– Stirring: Don’t overstir after adding eggs
– Seasoning: Taste before serving – broth should be slightly saltier than you think (eggs will dilute it)

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage
– Best served immediately
– Can refrigerate for up to 2 days but texture will change

Variations
– Add cooked chicken for protein
– Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
– Include corn or peas for extra nutrition

Common Mistakes
– Using hot water for cornstarch slurry
– Pouring eggs too quickly
– Stirring too vigorously after adding eggs

This recipe captures the essence of authentic Chinese egg drop soup while being incredibly simple to make at home. The key is in the technique rather than complex ingredients.