Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is a delicate and comforting Chinese classic made with a simple broth swirled with ribbons of silky egg. Quick to prepare and satisfying to eat, it’s the perfect dish for when you want something warm, light, and nourishing. Whether served as a starter or on its own, it’s a bowlful of soothing simplicity.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings People

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.

Notes

Optional additions for Egg Drop Soup:

½ cup sweetcorn kernels, diced tofu, or thinly sliced mushrooms for extra texture and flavour.

Cook’s Tips:

For a lighter texture, pour the eggs from a height while stirring slowly.

For thicker, more ribbon-like strands, stir faster and pour the eggs in a thin stream.

Using freshly made chicken stock gives the soup a richer flavour, but good-quality shop-bought stock works perfectly well.

Nutrition