If you’re looking for something warm, comforting, and delightfully simple to make, Egg Drop Soup is going to become your new favorite go-to recipe. This classic dish is quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet always feels special with its silky ribbons of egg and savory, gingery broth. It’s light but satisfying, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable—making it a perfect starter or even a light lunch. Gather a few pantry staples and you’ll be surprised just how easy it is to bring the cozy magic of Egg Drop Soup to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Egg Drop Soup relies on just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in building layers of flavor and achieving that iconic, delicate texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item deserves its spot in your pot:

Chicken Broth: The savory, comforting base that gives your soup its rich, soul-warming flavor.
Large Eggs: The star of the show, creating those lovely, velvety ribbons that float through every spoonful.
Cornstarch: A touch of cornstarch ensures the broth has a luscious, slightly thickened consistency.
Cold Water: Used to activate the cornstarch, making for a smooth slurry with no lumps.
Fresh Ginger: Just half a teaspoon grated in delivers a subtle zing and brightness.
White Pepper: Adds gentle heat and a nuanced peppery flavor that black pepper just can’t mimic.
Soy Sauce: Deepens the color and lends a savory, umami backbone to the broth.
Sesame Oil: A little drizzle brings a toasted, nutty aroma that’s key for authenticity.
Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color right before serving.
Salt (optional): Taste at the end and adjust as needed to balance the saltiness perfectly.

How to Make Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Heat the Broth

Start by pouring the chicken broth into a medium saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Add in the grated ginger, white pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bringing these together in the pot first helps the flavors meld beautifully. Let the mixture come just to a gentle boil—this is your flavor-packed foundation for Egg Drop Soup.

Step 2: Create Your Cornstarch Slurry

While the broth is gently heating, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. You’re aiming for a smooth, milky liquid with no lumps. This little slurry is the secret to giving your soup just the right silky texture, creating that signature restaurant-style feel at home.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth, whisking well as you pour. Turn the heat down to low and let the soup simmer for two to three minutes. This short simmer thickens the broth slightly, giving Egg Drop Soup a body that’s neither too thin nor too heavy. Stir gently from time to time to avoid sticking.

Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons

Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and beat them well. Now comes the really fun and mesmerizing part: With the soup at a gentle simmer, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the pot in a thin, steady stream, stirring gently in one direction. The heat from the broth will cook the eggs instantly, forming those unmistakable, wispy ribbons. Take your time to make beautiful “egg flowers”—that’s the hallmark of this soup!

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Once all the egg is cooked and you see lovely silky ribbons floating in the broth, turn off the heat. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, depending on your broth and soy sauce. Ladle the hot Egg Drop Soup into bowls, garnish with plenty of freshly sliced green onions, and serve immediately while it’s steaming and fragrant.

How to Serve Egg Drop Soup

Garnishes

How you finish Egg Drop Soup takes it from good to incredible! A heaping of thinly sliced green onions provides that classic herbal freshness, but don’t be afraid to try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a few drops of chili oil, or even a dash of cracked white pepper for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

Egg Drop Soup makes a wonderful starter, but you can turn it into a meal by pairing it with quick Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, fried rice, crispy spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad. The clean flavors of the soup balance beautifully with richer or spicier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle Egg Drop Soup into delicate teacups for an appetizer party or use Asian-style soup bowls for a cozy, authentic presentation. You can also add extras like sweetcorn, tofu cubes, or baby spinach leaves to the pot—this makes it even heartier and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Egg Drop Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The soup will keep for up to 2 days. Be aware, though, the delicate egg ribbons may soften further over time but will still taste absolutely delicious.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze Egg Drop Soup, be prepared for a slight change in texture as the eggs can break down a bit when thawed. Freeze in single-serving containers to make reheating simpler and to preserve as much of the original taste as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a hard boil to protect those coveted silky egg ribbons. If the soup thickens upon sitting, just add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Egg Drop Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable broth and you’ll still get a delicious, comforting bowl. You can also add tofu or extra veggies for extra texture and nutrition.

Why did my egg turn out chunky instead of ribbon-like?

The trick is to drizzle the eggs in a slow, steady stream and stir very gently in one direction. If the broth is boiling too hard, or if the eggs are poured in too quickly, they’ll seize up and get chunky instead of forming ribbons.

Is Egg Drop Soup gluten-free?

This recipe for Egg Drop Soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels on your soy sauce, as some brands contain wheat.

How can I make the soup even richer in flavor?

Try using homemade broth, or add a dash more soy sauce and a couple drops of fish sauce for deeper umami. Sautéing the ginger for a minute before adding the broth also unlocks tons of flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Certainly! Just scale up all ingredients proportionally and use a large pot. Stir slowly when adding the eggs so everyone gets silky ribbons in each serving of Egg Drop Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so joyful about sitting down to a warm bowl of homemade Egg Drop Soup. It’s quick, nourishing, and so much better than takeout. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious it really is!

Egg Drop Soup Recipe