Egg Drop Soup Recipe: Better Than Takeout - FeedMi (2024)

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This egg drop soup recipe is made with a light yet flavorful chicken broth and silky egg ribbons. It only takes a few minutes to throw together, so easy to make, and it’s better than takeout!

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What is Egg Drop Soup?

Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese dish that is simple yet comforting. It can be enjoyed on its own, as an appetizer, or side soup.

It features silky ribbons of beaten eggs in a slightly thick but light and flavorful broth.

The name “egg drop” comes from the process of gently drizzling beaten eggs into simmering broth, resulting in thin, delicate strands which I think makes the soup so mesmerizing!

Egg drop soup can be found on the menu at almost every Chinese restaurant and unsurprisingly, a popular staple for takeout.

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How to Make Egg Drop Soup

Remember how as kids, we would dread it when our parent’s would say no to going out because “we got food at home”? Well I get it now, I’ve officially turned into my parents.

Next time you’re craving egg drop soup, skip the take out, and try this recipe instead! I promise it only takes a few minutes to throw together and it’s just as delicious, if not better than takeout!

This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients and easy steps, so you’ll be enjoying this Chinese takeout staple in no time.

Let’s get started! I’ll walk you through this recipe step-by-step so you recreate and satisfy those cravings for egg drop soup at home! There is a recipe card at the end that you to print out or save for later!

Ingredients

A few simple ingredients is all it takes to make this delicious soup. You’ll need the following:

  • Eggs: The star of the show, it’s a great source of protein and a drizzle of beaten eggs create beautiful silky ribbons in the soup.
  • Chicken broth: Store-bought chicken broth is a pantry staple for me and the key to quick and easy soups and meals! Feel free to use homemade broth as well.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup the perfect luscious consistency.
  • Seasonings: Enhance the broth with salt, white pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and chicken bouillon.
  • Turmeric: This is an optional ingredient for color. Turmeric is a natural way to achieve the signature yellow color in egg drop soup. Plus it’s an anti-inflammatory and good for you!
  • Green onions: Finely sliced green onions for a fresh, aromatic finishing touch to the soup.
  • Sesame oil: An essential finishing touch that makes the soup nutty and fragrant, just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant!

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Step 1: Prep Work

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prep them!

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs. Set it aside for later.

In a separate smaller bowl, create a slurry with cornstarch and cold water. Mix until it is well combined and set aside.

Cornstarch can be clumpy when added to water so we make a slurry first so that it is easier to smoothly incorporate into the soup.

Next, wash the green onions, and slice them up.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a medium-sized pot on medium heat, pour in the chicken broth.

Season the broth with salt, garlic powder, white pepper, ginger powder, and chicken bouillon.

In order to get that signature yellow color of egg drop soup, just like takeout, add in a little bit of turmeric. This is an optional ingredient.

In small amounts, turmeric doesn’t change the flavor but it is an anti-inflammatory and good for you!

Afterwards, bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Taste test and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth

Mix the cornstarch slurry really well again right before you add it into the borth.

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry mixture into the gently boiling broth, stirring continuously to keep it from clumping together.

Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

The consistency should be slightly thick but as thick as a gravy.

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Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons

With the broth still gently boiling, use chopsticks or a cooking spoon to stir the broth vigorously in a circular motion. I like to call this a tornado.

Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the swirling broth. The eggs will cook instantly, forming delicate silky ribbons.

Stir gently for a few seconds to further separate the egg and create thin strands.

However, if you stir too hard or fast, the egg will break up too much and soup will become cloudy. In contrast, if you don’t stir enough, the egg will clump together.

Keep your eye on the eggs and control your stir based on the texture you want to achieve.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Lastly, turn off the heat and add sesame oil and green onions. Gently mix together to incorporate.

Ladle the egg drop soup into bowls and enjoy!

You can serve it as an appetizer or side soup. The soup has neutral and complimentary flavors that pair well with just about anything!

Serve with other classic takeout dishes like fried rice, stir fry, dumplings, or egg rolls!

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Save This Egg Drop Soup Recipe

This comforting soup brings together the simple yet cravable flavors of chicken broth and eggs!

I hope you recreate this easy satisfying recipe for egg drop soup at home and treat yourself to this perfect quick and comforting dish!

Did you make this recipe? I would love to see! Tag me on IG @feedmi_or TikTok@feedmi

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Egg Drop Soup Recipe

This egg drop soup recipe is made with a light flavorful broth and silky egg ribbons. It's so quick and easy to make and better than takeout!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chicken bouillon
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • tsp white pepper
  • ¼ tsp turmeric (optional)
  • 1 green onion (topping)
  • ½ tsp sesame oil (topping)

Cornstarch Slurry

  • 2 tbs cornstarch
  • 3 tbs water

Instructions

  • In a pot on medium heat, add chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, ground ginger, white pepper, chicken bouillon, and optional turmeric for color.

  • Taste test and adjust seasonings to your liking. Then bring to a gentle boil.

  • In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Then pour the slurry slowly into the broth while stirring at the same time to evenly thicken the soup.

  • With the broth still boiling, stir quickly in a circular motion to create a tornado. Pour the whisked eggs slowly into the swirling broth and gently stir to create thin silky egg ribbons.

  • Turn off the heat. Finish it off with sesame oil and green onions. Give it a little mix and enjoy!

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Egg Drop Soup Recipe: Better Than Takeout - FeedMi (2024)

FAQs

Is egg drop soup from Chinese restaurant good for you? ›

Egg drop soup is quite healthy. Egg drop soup calories and carbohydrates are low, which makes the dish good for people watching their weight. While the chicken broth and eggs are nutritious, this soup has the drawback of being high in sodium. However, you can reduce the saltiness by making the dish at home.

Is egg drop soup good for gut health? ›

This soup has so many healing benefits and is a great option for when you're feeling a cold coming on, inflamed from eating too much junk food, to help alleviate sinus pressure, cramps and many other uncomfortable situations. The bone broth is also great for your gut health and helps with digestive issues.

Why is Chinese egg drop soup so thick? ›

Beating the eggs with cornstarch before adding to the broth thickens them so they will be evenly distributed throughout the broth.

Is egg drop soup healthier than wonton soup? ›

Choosing the Healthiest Soup

Both egg drop and wonton soups are among the better options if you are trying to eat healthy at a Chinese restaurant. A cup of egg drop soup contains 65 calories and only 1.5 grams of fat, while a cup of wonton soup provides 71 calories but only 0.6 grams of fat.

What is the healthiest Chinese takeout soup? ›

Egg Drop Soup

Of the soups commonly found on Chinese restaurant menus, egg drop is the healthiest. Totally starving when you walk into a Chinese restaurant? Order soup as an appetizer, and egg drop is tops. "It's really made with eggs, so it does offer quite a bit of protein," says London.

What is the best Chinese soup to order? ›

So, without any further ado, let us look at some of the best Chinese soups that you can have this winter.
  1. Hot and Sour Soup. ...
  2. Sweet Corn Soup. ...
  3. Mushroom Soup. ...
  4. Wonton Soup. ...
  5. Egg Drop Soup.

Can I eat egg drop soup everyday? ›

Yes. It's very low calorie and packed with protein. One bowl of soup (about 1 cup) is only 71 calories.

Can you eat egg drop soup on a full liquid diet? ›

A full-liquid diet includes:

Broth-based soup; add in a beaten egg white or Eggbeaters to boiling broth for a healthy “egg drop” soup. Sugar-free and low-fat or fat-free regular or Greek yogurt, without fruit. Unsweetened applesauce and fat-free or low-fat whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, pureed together.

Is egg drop soup full of carbs? ›

Chinese Restaurant Egg Drop Soup (1 cup) contains 10.3g total carbs, 9.4g net carbs, 1.5g fat, 2.8g protein, and 65 calories.

Why is restaurant egg drop soup so yellow? ›

Sesame Oil: This is an optional garnish. I like to drizzle sesame oil at the end for the nutty flavor. Turmeric or Yellow Food Coloring: Most restaurants use yellow food coloring or turmeric to make the Egg Drop Soup look more appetizing.

How long can egg drop soup last in the fridge? ›

How to Store Egg Drop Soup. Store your leftover egg drop soup for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What broth is egg drop soup made of? ›

So What Is Egg Drop Soup? In case this recipe is new to you, egg drop soup is a staple at Chinese restaurants across the United States. It's typically made with lightly-seasoned chicken or veggie broth, and filled with delicious egg “ribbons”, which are created by whisking raw eggs into the simmering broth.

What is the least healthiest soup? ›

5 Unhealthy Soups You Should Skip
  • Steer Clear of Chowders and Bisques. This might enrage New Englanders, but the truth is that chowder is not a terribly healthy soup selection. ...
  • Broccoli and Cheese are Bad News. ...
  • Be Wary of Chili. ...
  • Watch Out for Potato Soups. ...
  • Give Bread Bowls the Boot.

Is takeout wonton soup healthy? ›

The pork and shrimp filling from the dumplings are packed with protein, making the soup a great dish to increase your protein intake. In addition to the poultry, the soup uses chicken broth as its base, which is also rich in protein.

What are the health benefits of Chinese egg drop soup? ›

It is: Rich in Protein: Eggs, the main ingredient in egg drop soup, are an excellent source of high-quality protein, as is bone broth (homemade or store-bought), which usually contains 8-10 g protein per cup. You can further boost the soup's protein content by adding shredded, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Is soup from a Chinese restaurant healthy? ›

Best: Soups

Wonton, egg drop, or hot and sour? Take your pick. Each typically has fewer than 100 calories per cup. Plus, the broth helps fill you up, so you won't eat as much of the heavier dishes.

How many calories are in Chinese take out egg drop soup? ›

There are 65 calories in a 1 cup (241.000g) serving size of Soup, egg drop, Chinese restaurant.

How many carbs are in restaurant egg drop soup? ›

Chinese Restaurant Egg Drop Soup (1 cup) contains 10.3g total carbs, 9.4g net carbs, 1.5g fat, 2.8g protein, and 65 calories.

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