Egg Drop Soup is a classic Chinese dish that is both comforting and flavorful. This soup is known for its delicate egg ribbons that float in a savory broth, making it the perfect dish for a chilly day or when you need a quick and easy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this soup in under 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
To make Classic Egg Drop Soup, you will need chicken broth, eggs, ground white pepper, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, green onions, and salt. The broth is heated in a saucepan until it simmers, while the eggs are beaten with the white pepper and sesame oil in a separate bowl. The eggs are then poured into the simmering broth while gently stirring to create the delicate egg ribbons. The cornstarch mixture is added to the soup to thicken it slightly, and the soup is seasoned with salt to taste. Finally, blanched green onions are added as a garnish.
Overview of Egg Drop Soup
Egg Drop Soup is a classic Chinese soup that has become a popular dish in many Asian restaurants around the world. It is a simple yet comforting soup made with chicken broth, eggs, and a few basic seasonings. The soup is known for its delicate egg ribbons that are formed when the eggs are added to the hot broth.
The recipe for Egg Drop Soup is easy to follow and can be made in just a few minutes. The soup is perfect for a quick lunch or as a starter for a larger meal. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
One of the key ingredients in Egg Drop Soup is chicken broth. It provides the base for the soup and gives it a rich, savory flavor. The broth can be homemade or store-bought, but it is important to use a high-quality broth for the best results.
Another important ingredient in Egg Drop Soup is cornstarch. It is used to thicken the soup and give it a slightly thicker consistency. The cornstarch is mixed with water to create a slurry, which is then added to the soup and stirred until it thickens.
The eggs are the star of the show in Egg Drop Soup. They are beaten with ground white pepper and sesame oil to create a flavorful egg mixture. When the egg mixture is added to the hot broth, it cooks immediately and forms delicate ribbons.
Finally, the soup is garnished with blanched green onions, which add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. The green onions are blanched in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove their sharp bite.
Overall, Egg Drop Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Egg Drop Soup in no time.
Gathering Ingredients
Classic Egg Drop Soup is a simple and comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home with just a few ingredients. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Ground white pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 3 tablespoons |
| Green onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Salt | to taste |
The main ingredient in this recipe is chicken broth, which serves as the base for the soup. It is recommended to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup. The eggs are beaten with ground white pepper and sesame oil to add flavor and texture to the soup.
Cornstarch is used to thicken the soup and give it a smooth and silky texture. It is mixed with water to form a slurry before adding it to the soup. Green onions are added as a garnish to give the soup a fresh and vibrant flavor.
When selecting ingredients for this recipe, it is important to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results. The green onions should be thinly sliced to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. It is recommended to blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove their sharp bite.
Overall, the ingredients for Classic Egg Drop Soup are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. With just a few simple steps, anyone can enjoy a comforting bowl of this Chinese favorite at home.
Preparation Steps
Making Classic Egg Drop Soup is easy and requires only a handful of ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:
- Heat the chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer.
- While the broth is heating, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will be used to thicken the soup.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, ground white pepper, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Once the broth is simmering, gradually pour the egg mixture into the pot in a slow, steady stream while gently stirring the broth in a circular motion. This technique will create delicate ribbons of cooked egg in the soup.
- In a separate small saucepan, blanch the green onions in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove their sharp bite. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and then add it to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Ladle the Egg Drop Soup into bowls, garnish with blanched green onions, and serve hot.
To summarize, the soup is made by first heating the chicken broth, then adding a mixture of beaten eggs, ground white pepper, and sesame oil to create delicate ribbons of cooked egg in the soup. A mixture of cornstarch and water is added to thicken the soup, and blanched green onions are added for garnish. The soup is then ladled into bowls and served hot.
Cooking the Soup
To make Classic Egg Drop Soup, start by heating the chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer. While the broth is heating, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until they form a smooth mixture. This will be used to thicken the soup later on.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, white pepper, and sesame oil until well combined. Once the broth is simmering, gradually pour the egg mixture into the pot in a slow, steady stream while gently stirring the broth in a circular motion. The eggs will cook immediately and form delicate ribbons.
To add a pop of color and flavor, blanch the green onions in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove their sharp bite. Drain and set aside.
Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and then add it to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
Finally, ladle the Egg Drop Soup into bowls, garnish with blanched green onions, and serve hot. This comforting soup is perfect for a soothing experience and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish with an Asian-inspired entree.
Final Touches and Garnishing
To add some final touches and garnishing to the Classic Egg Drop Soup recipe, blanched green onions are a great option. To do this, simply boil the green onions in water for about 30 seconds to remove their sharp bite. Then, drain and set them aside.
Another option for garnishing is to add some chopped cilantro or parsley. These herbs can add a fresh, bright flavor to the soup and make it look more visually appealing.
For an extra burst of flavor, some people like to add a few drops of soy sauce or hot sauce to the soup. However, this is a matter of personal preference and should be done sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the soup.
When serving the soup, it is important to ladle it into bowls while it is still hot. This will help to preserve the delicate texture of the egg ribbons and ensure that the soup is as flavorful as possible.
Overall, the Classic Egg Drop Soup recipe is a simple and comforting dish that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. With just a few final touches and garnishing, this soup can be transformed into a beautiful and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Drop Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to help you enjoy this classic recipe:
- Serve with steamed rice: Egg Drop Soup pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The rice can be used to soak up the flavorful broth and make the dish more filling.
- Add some protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding some protein to the soup. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to the soup before the eggs are added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add some vegetables: For a more nutritious meal, consider adding some vegetables to the soup. Sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach can be added to the soup before the eggs are added for some extra vitamins and minerals.
- Pair with a side dish: Egg Drop Soup can be served as a side dish alongside other Chinese favorites, such as stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or fried rice.
- Garnish with herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or chives. The herbs can be chopped and sprinkled on top of the soup just before serving.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Egg Drop Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of consuming Egg Drop Soup?
Egg Drop Soup is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that is a good source of essential nutrients. The chicken broth in the soup is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Sesame oil, which is used to add flavor to the soup, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The green onions used for garnish are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting.
Can Egg Drop Soup be made vegetarian, and if so, how?
Yes, Egg Drop Soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add flavor, you can use soy sauce or miso paste. Instead of eggs, you can use tofu or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and peas can also be added to the soup for added nutrition.
What is the proper technique for adding eggs to Egg Drop Soup to achieve the perfect texture?
To achieve the perfect texture for Egg Drop Soup, it is important to add the eggs in a slow, steady stream while gently stirring the broth in a circular motion. This will help the eggs cook immediately and form delicate ribbons. It is important not to overcook the eggs, as they will become tough and rubbery.
How can the thickness of Egg Drop Soup be adjusted?
The thickness of Egg Drop Soup can be adjusted by adding more cornstarch to the soup. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the soup, stirring continuously until the desired thickness is achieved.
Are there any common allergens in Egg Drop Soup that diners should be aware of?
Egg Drop Soup contains eggs, which are a common allergen. Diners with egg allergies should avoid consuming this dish. Some recipes may also contain soy sauce, which contains wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people with gluten intolerance.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Egg Drop Soup?
Egg Drop Soup is a light and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some recommended side dishes include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and dumplings. Green tea or hot tea is also a good beverage to serve with Egg Drop Soup.