Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chinese classic, Egg Drop Soup features a flavorful chicken broth thickened with cornstarch and delicate ribbons of cooked egg. This simple soup is enhanced with sesame oil, scallions, and subtle seasonings, making it a perfect appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken stock (about 1 liter, organic or homemade preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or 5 drops yellow food coloring, optional for color)
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (adjust to taste)
Thickener
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/3 cup water
Egg
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
Garnish
- 1 scallion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the soup base: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken stock, sesame oil, salt, sugar, white pepper, turmeric, and MSG. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the seasonings.
- Thicken the broth: Slowly stir in the cornstarch and water mixture into the boiling broth. Continue stirring and allow the soup to thicken, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the broth reaches a slightly viscous consistency.
- Create egg ribbons: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the lightly beaten eggs into the simmering soup in a thin stream while gently stirring the broth in a circular motion with a fork or chopstick. This motion will form delicate egg ribbons or wisps throughout the soup.
- Final simmer and garnish: Allow the soup to cook for another 30 seconds to set the eggs. Remove the soup from heat and stir in the chopped scallion. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use organic or homemade chicken stock for the best flavor and clarity in the soup.
- The turmeric or yellow food coloring is optional but helps achieve the traditional golden color of egg drop soup.
- Adjust the amount of MSG to suit personal preference or omit entirely if avoiding additives.
- Stir the beaten eggs gently and slowly to ensure ribbons form rather than clumps.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit MSG if desired.
Keywords: Egg Drop Soup, Chinese soup, chicken broth soup, easy soup recipe, egg ribbons, comfort food