Description
This classic Egg Drop Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful Chinese appetizer featuring silky ribbons of egg in a savory chicken broth enhanced with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying starter that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 6 green onions, cut in thirds
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
Thickener and Eggs
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 4 large eggs, whisked
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the green onions, ginger slices, and garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release their flavors into the oil.
- Add Broth and Soy Sauce: Pour in 5¾ cups of the chicken broth and the soy sauce. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Thicken the Broth: In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the boiling pot while stirring continuously. Allow it to boil for 5 minutes so the soup thickens slightly.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Gradually pour the whisked eggs into the hot soup in a thin stream while stirring constantly in one direction. This technique creates delicate, silky egg ribbons throughout the broth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the broth and add kosher salt if desired. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use soy sauce or tamari for added depth.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
- Slowly pouring the eggs while stirring creates the classic egg ribbons characteristic of this soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slightly but avoid over-thickening.
- Garnish with additional sliced green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
