There’s something wonderfully soothing about a bowl of Egg Drop Soup. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug from the inside out—simple, silky, and satisfying. Whenever I’m feeling a bit run down or in need of something warm yet light, Egg Drop Soup is my go-to. It’s quick to make, beautiful to look at, and delicious in its pure, understated way.
The charm of Egg Drop Soup lies in its simplicity. At its heart, it’s just whisked eggs gently swirled into a simmering broth, creating those delicate, ribbon-like strands that seem to dance in the bowl. There’s an almost magical moment when you slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot broth and watch as they turn into golden threads—soft, airy, and impossibly tender. It’s no wonder this dish is a staple in Chinese home cooking and on restaurant menus worldwide.
The soup itself is light yet comforting, with the warmth of the broth balanced by the richness of the egg. You can keep it as simple as eggs, stock, and seasoning—or dress it up with extras like spring onions, sweetcorn, tofu, or a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty finish. Personally, I love adding a touch of white pepper for that gentle heat that makes your taste buds perk up without overwhelming the palate.
There’s a kind of honesty about Egg Drop Soup. It’s not trying to impress with complexity or exotic ingredients—it’s just quietly nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you how satisfying minimalism can be in cooking. With just a handful of ingredients, you get something truly heartwarming. And if you’ve ever been under the weather, you’ll know that Egg Drop Soup is exactly what you crave: light enough to soothe, but comforting enough to satisfy.
One of my favourite things about Egg Drop Soup is how it fits so easily into any meal. It can be the start of a feast, a side dish to something spicy, or even a light lunch on its own. It’s especially lovely served in small bowls before a stir-fry or a noodle dish—it just sets the tone for the meal beautifully.
If you’re in the mood to make a whole spread, here are a few ideas for side dishes that pair wonderfully with Egg Drop Soup:
- Spring Rolls – Crispy on the outside, packed with vegetables inside, they add crunch and texture alongside the smoothness of the soup.
- Fried Rice – Whether it’s classic egg fried rice or a version with prawns and peas, it makes a hearty and satisfying partner.
- Steamed Dumplings – Soft, juicy dumplings filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables go hand in hand with the gentle flavours of the soup.
- Stir-Fried Greens – Simple bok choy, broccoli, or Chinese cabbage sautéed with garlic and soy sauce brings a lovely freshness.
- Bao Buns – Those pillowy soft buns, especially with a savoury filling like barbecue pork or tofu, make for a delicious pairing.
- Sesame Noodles – A little rich, a little nutty, these can turn the meal into something extra special.
- Cucumber Salad – Cool and refreshing, it balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.
Egg Drop Soup is also a great dish for experimenting. You can make it vegetarian with vegetable stock, add seafood for a more luxurious version, or toss in a few slices of mushroom for earthiness. I’ve even seen it made with a splash of chilli oil or soy sauce for a bolder flavour. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your mood or what’s in your fridge.
When I make Egg Drop Soup, I often find myself slowing down just a little. There’s a peaceful rhythm to whisking the eggs, stirring the broth, and watching everything come together. It’s not a flashy dish—it’s humble, timeless, and comforting in the truest sense.
Whether you serve it as a starter, a side, or a simple meal all on its own, Egg Drop Soup has a way of making any day feel a little warmer, a little calmer, and a lot more delicious. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that bring the most joy.
Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients
- 1 litre chicken stock vegetable stock
- 2 large eggs free range
- 1 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 medium spring onions finely sliced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour the stock into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce, white pepper and a pinch of salt.1 litre chicken stock, ½ tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce, salt
- Mix the cornflour slurry (Cornflour and water) to ensure it’s smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering broth, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly. This gives the soup a silky texture.1 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp cold water
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork until smooth and well mixed.2 large eggs
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot soup while stirring continuously in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks.
- The eggs will instantly cook and form soft, delicate ribbons.
- Stir in the sesame oil (if using) and half of the sliced spring onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.½ tsp sesame oil, 2 medium spring onions
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining spring onions for garnish.
11 comments
A lot better than I thought it would be. Will try again soon but pay more attention to the recipe.
Simple yet so satisfying, I loved watching the egg ribbons form in the broth, it felt like magic!
Light, warming, and full of comfort — I made this on a rainy afternoon and it was exactly what I needed.
A quick and tasty dish that looks beautiful in the bowl, definitely one of the best simple soups I’ve tried.
The soup had a smooth consistency and delicate taste, I’ll make it again with homemade stock next time.
Tasted lovely and fresh, I added a little chilli oil and some sweetcorn for extra flavour and texture.
Such a comforting bowl, I loved the combination of egg and spring onion, it felt wholesome and nourishing.
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make, the Egg Drop Soup came out silky and full of flavour, just like the restaurant version.
Warm, fragrant, and full of delicate flavours — I can’t believe something so easy could taste this good.
Perfect light starter before dinner, my whole family enjoyed it and asked for seconds.
Soothing, gentle, and incredibly easy to make, this Egg Drop Soup will be my go-to comfort dish.