Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese dish known for its simplicity, delicate texture, and comforting warmth. Often served as an appetizer or light meal, this soup features silky ribbons of egg swirled into a savory, flavorful broth. The dish is typically made with chicken or vegetable stock, and it is seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, creating a balance of savory and aromatic flavors. The key to its appeal lies in the smooth, velvety texture of the egg, which is gently poured into the hot broth, forming soft, silky strands.
The process of making egg drop soup is quick and easy, requiring just a few ingredients. The broth is brought to a boil, and then eggs are slowly poured in while stirring, creating the characteristic delicate egg ribbons. Sometimes, additional ingredients like green onions, tofu, or mushrooms are added to enhance the soup’s depth and texture. For a bit of heat, a dash of white pepper or chili oil may be added, though the traditional version is mild and soothing.
Egg drop soup is often enjoyed on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of Chinese dishes, such as dumplings, spring rolls, or fried rice. The soup’s comforting warmth makes it an ideal choice during cold weather, or as a soothing start to a larger Chinese meal.
What makes egg drop soup particularly special is its ability to deliver big flavors with minimal effort. It’s a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for those looking for a quick, delicious, and light meal. And extremely easy to make and prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs beaten
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger fresh
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions for garnish
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the grated ginger and salt into the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture, and simmer for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the beaten eggs into the simmering soup while stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
- Remove from heat and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Nutrition
This soup is super easy to make, and so delish! The egg ribbons are perfect. Love it!
I tried it too, such a quick dish! But I don’t think it tastes that great. Maybe I messed something up??
I love egg drop soup! Yours looks so yummy, thank you for sharing the recipe! Can’t wait to make it!
I tried this recipe and my kids loved it! Definitely a keeper.
I dunno, it was fine but tasted kinda bland. I think it needs like more spices or something.
I totally agree! A little more seasoning can really bring out the flavors!
Bland? I thought it was alright. Maybe it’s just not for everyone. 🤷♂️
Just made this for dinner and my kids loved it! I added some tofu too, yum!
Egg drop soup? Sounds kinda boring tbh. What’s the deal with just eggs and broth?
Awesome! Tofu sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time.
It’s ok, but it needed more flavor like some soy sauce. Kinda bland.
I’m skeptical about cornstarch + broth in a soup like this… but wow, it actually helps. I definitely wouldn’t skip the cornstarch step.
This is really simple and easy to make! My kids loved it.
This soup is super easy to make and tastes amazing! I added some tofu and it worked great!
Simple and quick! Put some soy sauce on top, excellent!
Soy sauce? Really? That sounds weird. I thought it was supposed to be a light soup!
I don’t understand why it’s called egg drop soup. It’s not dropping eggs, it’s more like adding them in. Just weird.
Disappointing. I was expecting more, but it was just okay.
I’m sorry to hear that! Egg drop soup can be really simple, but have you tried adding more spices or ingredients? Sometimes a little tweak can make a huge difference!
Quick and delicious! Perfect for a sick day.
Totally agree! It’s super easy and comforting for those days when you’re feeling under the weather. I love it!
I don’t know, my soup turned out all eggy. Is it supposed to be like that? I thought it was gonna be more broth-y.
This has too much ginger for me. I like it more plain. Next time I’ll just skip that.
I don’t get the hype. It’s just hot water with eggs. Where’s the beef?
Pretty good, but I think my broth wasn’t boiling enough at the start because the egg ribbons weren’t as pretty. Still tasted great though. Next time I’ll be more patient with the simmer.
Too many eggs! Next time I’ll only use 1 egg, it was a bit too eggy for me.
Super easy. Also I accidently used powdered ginger instead of grated fresh, but it was fine. My kid ate it without complaining, so win.
Simple and quick, just like my grandma used to make. Thumbs up from me!
I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out bland. Needs more flavor.
Maybe try adding some soy sauce or sesame oil next time? Those can really boost the flavor!
I think I messed up the cornstarch part. It didn’t thicken at all!
Don’t worry! Cornstarch can be tricky sometimes. Maybe it didn’t mix well? Next time stir it in slowly while the broth is boiling.
Used vegetable broth instead of chicken. Tasted great! Very comforting.
Just okay. I think it needed some more flavor. Added some soy sauce but still felt bland. 3 stars.
Soy sauce? No way! That’s not traditional. This soup is perfect as is, you just gotta embrace the simple flavors!
I totally agree! I found it a bit bland too. Maybe try adding some garlic next time?
So so so good! I can eat this every day! My grandma used to make it.
It was just okay. Needed more flavor. My soup ended up pretty bland. Maybe more spices next time?
I totally feel you! I added some garlic and chili flakes, and it turned out way better. Give it a try next time!
What do you mean by bland? I thought it was perfect! Maybe try adding soy sauce?
This is a great “use what you have” recipe. I used vegetable broth once and it was still decent, though obviously not the same. The egg part is the star.
Too simple for my taste, I added some soy sauce and it was much better!
The scallions really make a difference! I used green onions instead and it still turned out great.
Yeah, green onions are a good substitute! Love how easy this soup is. 😊
Egg drop soup? More like bland water soup! I don’t get the hype.
I used beef broth instead of chicken… kinda worst decision ever!!
Beef broth?! That sounds weird… like, why would you even try that? Just stick to the recipe!
I’ve done that too! It’s not the same, huh? Chicken broth is key. Better luck next time!
Uhh, not sure about this one. The eggs came out weird for me. I must’ve done something wrong?
I didn’t have any scallions, so used parsley instead… still tasted great! Will make again.
Meh. I felt like it needed more than just ginger and scallions—like maybe a little garlic or soy sauce. The broth flavor was okay but bland to me.
Simplicity at its best! But I forgot the scallions. Still tasted good. Next time I’ll remember the garnish! 4 stars.
Glad to hear it still turned out good! Scallions do add a nice touch, but the soup sounds tasty regardless. Try it with shrimp next time!
I dunno if it’s just me, but my eggs didn’t turn into ribbons. It looked more like a scramble. Not sure what I did wrong.
Maybe you poured the eggs in too fast? You gotta do it slowly and stir right after, or it’ll scramble for sure!
I added extra ginger because I like it spicy, and it turned out amazing. Also, don’t stop stirring when pouring the eggs.
Yes!! Ginger-forward egg drop soup is the best. And agreed—keeping that stirring motion helps the ribbons not clump.
I substituted chicken broth with vegetable broth, and it still worked! This makes me feel like a chef! 5 stars.
Wait—does cornstarch go in first or after the ginger? Mine got clumpy for a minute, then smoothed out after stirring.
This is the best egg drop soup I’ve ever made! So easy and delicious. 5 stars!!
I don’t really get the point of egg drop soup. Just scrambled eggs in broth? But my friend loves it.
I get what you mean, but it’s more than just scrambled eggs! The eggs create these nice ribbons in the soup, and the broth’s flavor is really comforting. Give it a try sometime!
I don’t even like soup but this was okay. It was quick to make. Just add some more flavor next time!
Glad you found it okay! Maybe try adding some soy sauce or chili oil next time for more flavor!
I don’t get why people love egg drop soup—it’s basically just broth with eggs, right? But I admit, the texture is nice. Still not my favorite.
Can I use egg whites instead? I’m trying to eat healthier and wonder if that would work?
Pretty solid weeknight soup. I used a little extra pepper because I like it spicy, and it thickened fast once the cornstarch hit. Would recommend.
Thanks! I like that you mentioned the cornstarch thickening quickly—good tip for timing. I’m definitely trying your extra-pepper version next time.
Huh, I made egg drop soup before and it never thickened “fast” like that for me. Maybe my cornstarch ratio was off? Still sounds good though—pepper definitely helps.
This recipe was super easy to follow! The soup turned out delicious, just like what I get at my favorite restaurant. Definitely a 5-star! 🤤
Pretty good… but I forgot the ginger and it was kinda bland. I think that 1/2 tsp matters more than I thought. Still will make again.
I always eyeball it and wonder why it tastes “off.” I’m convinced 1/2 tsp is the sweet spot. 😅
Oof—ginger really does make the difference in egg drop soup. Glad you’ll try again though!
I have to say, I love a good egg drop soup! Yummm!
A simple recipe, but don’t forget to add more ginger for a kick! It’s just right otherwise.
3 stars, no more, I didn’t have chicken broth so I used water instead 😕. Didn’t taste great.
You really need the chicken broth for the flavor! Try it again with broth, it’s super easy to make.
Water instead of broth? 😳 That’s a big mistake! You should’ve just gone to the store!
Yuck! Soup should not be made with eggs! Gross!
Eggs? In soup? Sounds weird. But okay, gave it a try. Wasn’t too bad. I’m neutral on this.
Egg drop soup always scares me because I think I’ll end up with scrambled eggs in a bowl. Mine turned out ribbon-y though, so I’m impressed.
The egg ribbons turned out perfect! So happy I tried this recipe!
That’s awesome! Egg ribbons are the best part of the soup. Great job!
I’m not a big fan of soup but this one was really quick. Easy to make and my kids liked it. 4 stars!
Soup’s not for everyone, but this one’s easy! I tried it and felt it could use more flavor tho.
I’m glad your kids liked it! Sometimes simple dishes are the best. 🍲
Made this tonight—super comforting. The egg ribbons came out pretty silky, and the ginger gave it a nice warmth. I added a tiny bit more pepper than the recipe said and it was perfect.
Not bad, but I think my cornstarch didn’t fully thicken. I simmered like 2 minutes instead of 1 and it got a little too thick and starchy. Next time I’ll watch it closer.
Instructions were confusing, my eggs scrambled instead of ribbons. Disappointed!
I’m sorry to hear that! The egg ribbons can be tricky. You have to pour them in slowly and stir gently. Keep trying! 🥄
What do you mean scrambled? Just whisk it real fast next time or smthin. Eggs always do what they wanna do.
I added garlic to mine and it was on fire! 🔥 Highly recommend garlic lovers!
The cornstarch step is clutch. I always worry egg soups will be too thin, but this thickened just enough for me.
Super easy to make! My kids enjoyed it, even asked for more. Will definitely make again!
I tried this recipe too! It’s super simple and my kids loved it as well. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I didn’t have ginger, so I used garlic instead. It was nothing like I expected. Kinda gross tbh. 2 stars.
Yummm! I love egg drop soup! Made it for dinner and my family enjoyed it. Will make again for sure!
Ehhh, I don’t like soup made with just eggs. This ain’t my thing, fam. 1 star.
Really? I think it’s super tasty! Just eggs? Nah, it’s got more flavor than that with the broth and ginger! Give it another shot maybe.
I get that! Egg drop soup isn’t for everyone. But I love how light it feels, it’s a perfect quick meal for me! Maybe try adding some veggies next time?
Why would you simmer the eggs when you could just fry ’em? Shakes head.
I don’t think ginger belongs in soup. It tastes weird.
Too salty! I think the sodium in the broth was too much. Next time I will use no salt added.
Super easy to make and really warming, love it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this was so good! My family loved it!
This soup reminded me of the one I had at the Chinese restaurant! So easy and delicious!
Really? Only eggs and broth? This seems too simple to taste good.
It might seem simple, but sometimes the best dishes are the simplest! Give it a try and you might be surprised!
This soup is so easy to make and tastes amazing! Perfect on a cold day! 5 stars!
Looks easy but I don’t know if the eggs will really make ribbons. Anyone else tried it? 🤔
I tried this recipe yesterday and it turned out great! My kids loved it too. Thanks for sharing! 😄