Description
This classic Egg Drop Soup recipe features silky ribbons of egg in a savory, lightly seasoned chicken broth with a hint of sesame oil and turmeric for color. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, it’s a comforting and timeless Chinese soup perfect as a light appetizer or simple 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)
Eggs and Garnish
- 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 scallion (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: 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.
- Add the cornstarch slurry: Stir the cornstarch and water mixture to recombine and slowly pour it into the boiling broth while stirring continuously. This will thicken the soup slightly, creating a smooth texture.
- Incorporate the eggs: Reduce the heat to low so the broth simmers gently. Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream, stirring the broth gently with a fork or chopsticks to create delicate egg ribbons or strands.
- Finish and serve: Once the eggs are cooked through (about 1 minute), remove the soup from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- Use organic or homemade chicken stock for the best flavor and clarity.
- Turmeric is optional and primarily used to give the soup a traditional yellow hue; yellow food coloring can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of MSG according to your taste or omit if preferred.
- Be sure to add eggs in a slow, steady stream to achieve silky egg ribbons.
- This soup is best served immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Keywords: Egg Drop Soup, Chinese Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Comfort Food, Chicken Broth Soup, Egg Ribbon Soup