This quick and easy egg drop soup recipe is a Chinese cuisine staple that has won hearts around the globe. With its light, savory broth and silky egg ribbons, it's not only delicious but also comforting. The recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to whip up a wholesome bowl of this soup.
Photos of Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
The recipe calls for enoki mushrooms, which may not be readily available in all supermarkets. These are long, thin white mushrooms that are typically used in Asian cuisines. They have a delicate flavor and a slight crunch that complements the soft texture of the eggs in the soup. If you can't find enoki mushrooms, you can substitute them with other types of mushrooms.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup
Eggs: The main ingredient which adds texture and richness to the soup.
Chicken stock: Acts as the base of the soup, giving it a savory taste.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup to your desired consistency.
Ginger: Adds a bit of a kick and freshness to the soup.
Soy sauce: Gives the soup an umami flavor and a little bit of color.
Green onions: Adds a slight crunch and fresh flavor.
White pepper: Gives a subtle heat to the soup.
Enoki mushrooms: These mushrooms have a mild flavor and provide a unique texture.
One reader, Kameko Waldron says:
This quick and easy egg drop soup recipe is a game-changer! It's so simple to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture of the eggs adds a lovely touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a definite winner!
Essential Techniques for Making Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup
How to make cornstarch slurry: Mix 1/2 cup of the chicken stock with the cornstarch until fully dissolved.
How to bring the soup to a boil: Place the remaining chicken stock, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, mushrooms, and white pepper in a pot and bring to a boil.
How to stir in the cornstarch slurry: Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring the soup, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
How to stir in beaten eggs: Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup slowly to allow the eggs to spread out into ribbons.
How to serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with a few more chopped green onions, then serve immediately.
How To Make Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese restaurant dish that is actually super easy to make at home. In 20 minutes, you can make this comforting dish yourself.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3largeeggs,lightly beaten
- 4cupschicken stock,homemade preferred
- 1tbspcornstarch
- ½tspscant grated ginger
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 3green onions,chopped
- ¼tspwhite pepper
- ¾;
Instructions
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Make the cornstarch slurry: Measure out half a cup of the stock and mix with the cornstarch until dissolved.
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Place the remaining chicken stock, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, mushrooms and white pepper in a pot and bring to a boil.
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Stir in the corn starch slurry and reduce heat to a simmer.
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Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup while stirring slowly. The egg will spread out into ribbons.
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Turn off the heat and garnish with a few more chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 158.52kcal
- Fat: 6.53g
- Saturated Fat: 1.95g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.78g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 12.69g
- Fiber: 0.72g
- Sugar: 4.24g
- Protein: 11.64g
- Cholesterol: 146.70mg
- Sodium: 618.56mg
- Calcium: 38.10mg
- Potassium: 397.16mg
- Iron: 1.56mg
- Vitamin A: 68.03µg
- Vitamin C: 2.64mg
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Crucial Technique for Perfecting Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup
To ensure your egg ribbons are delicate and not clumpy in your egg drop soup, it's crucial to pour the beaten eggs slowly into the soup while stirring. The heat of the soup will cook the eggs instantly, creating beautiful, feather-like strands. If you pour the eggs in all at once, they can clump together and create large chunks instead of thin ribbons. Remember, patience is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Egg Drop Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use store-bought broth: Save time by using pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Quick-cooking ingredients: Choose ingredients that cook quickly, such as enoki mushrooms, to speed up the preparation process.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, such as waiting for water to boil, to prep other ingredients simultaneously.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can provide a similar creamy texture and protein content to eggs in the soup.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken stock, providing a similar savory flavor to the soup.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, providing a similar consistency to the soup.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh grated ginger, providing a similar flavor to the soup.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor to the soup.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a similar mild onion flavor to the soup.
white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper can be used as a substitute for white pepper, providing a similar level of spiciness to the soup.
enoki mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms can be used as a substitute for enoki mushrooms, providing a similar texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
How to Beautifully Present Egg Drop Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the egg drop soup to Michelin-starred professionals, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use fine china or artisanal bowls to showcase the soup beautifully.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with delicate microgreens or edible flowers. The garnish should be meticulously placed to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a steady hand to drizzle a small amount of sesame oil in an artistic pattern on the surface of the soup. This not only adds a pop of flavor but also creates a stunning visual effect.
Emphasize symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of ingredients in the soup. Aim for symmetrical arrangement of the enoki mushrooms and green onions to create a sense of balance and harmony on the plate.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the soup to be the focal point. Avoid overcrowding the presentation and let the simplicity speak volumes.
Attention to detail: Wipe the rim of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation. Attention to these small details demonstrates a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Egg Drop Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and stewing ingredients.
- Whisk: A utensil used for mixing and whipping ingredients together.
- Strainer: A tool used for separating liquid from solid ingredients.
- Saucepan: A small, deep cooking vessel used for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and liquids.
- Measuring cup: A tool used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Soup ladle: A large spoon with a deep bowl used for serving soups and stews.
- Chopping knife: A large, sharp knife used for chopping and mincing ingredients.
- Soup bowls: Bowls used for serving the egg drop soup.
Storing and Freezing Egg Drop Soup: A Guide
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for quick and easy egg drop soup:
- Refrigerating: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, stir well and add a little chicken stock or water if needed to thin out the consistency.
- Freezing: Egg drop soup doesn't freeze well due to the delicate nature of the eggs and the tendency for them to become rubbery when thawed. The cornstarch in the soup can also break down, affecting the texture. It's best to enjoy this soup fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Meal prep: If you want to prepare this soup in advance, you can make the base (without adding the eggs) and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to serve, reheat the base, bring it to a simmer, and then add the beaten eggs as directed in the recipe.
- Garnishing: For the best flavor and texture, add fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or enoki mushrooms just before serving. This will ensure they maintain their crispness and vibrant color.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Egg Drop Soup
Reheat the egg drop soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat until the soup is steaming and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method ensures that the soup is evenly heated and the eggs maintain their delicate texture.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Transfer the leftover egg drop soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as this can cause the eggs to become rubbery.
If the egg drop soup has thickened during storage, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken stock or water while reheating. This will help restore the soup's original consistency and make it easier to reheat evenly.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover egg drop soup, consider garnishing it with some freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of white pepper, or a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving. These simple additions can help revive the flavors and make the soup taste as good as new.
If you have a large batch of leftover egg drop soup, you can reheat smaller portions as needed. This way, you can enjoy the soup over several meals without compromising its quality or texture. Simply transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and follow the reheating instructions above.
Interesting Trivia About Egg Drop Soup
The egg drop soup is a popular Chinese dish that is believed to have originated over 1000 years ago. It is known for its simplicity and comforting qualities, making it a staple in many households. The addition of enoki mushrooms not only adds a unique texture to the soup but also provides a good source of nutrients such as B vitamins and antioxidants. This soup is often enjoyed as a starter or light meal and is a great way to warm up during colder months. Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it a go-to option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Is Making Egg Drop Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This egg drop soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients like eggs, chicken stock, and green onions, it offers a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors.
Is Egg Drop Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The egg drop soup recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it contains several nutritious ingredients such as eggs, chicken stock, ginger, and green onions. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, while chicken stock provides essential minerals and amino acids. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion. Green onions offer a good amount of vitamin K and antioxidants. The use of cornstarch as a thickener is minimal, which helps keep the calorie count low.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more green onions or other nutrient-dense options like spinach or bok choy
- Opt for a healthier protein source, such as tofu or shrimp, to provide variety and additional nutrients
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like garlic or turmeric, to boost the soup's flavor and health benefits without relying on excessive salt or oil
Our Editor's Opinion on This Egg Drop Soup Recipe
This egg drop soup recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of chicken stock, ginger, soy sauce, and enoki mushrooms creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of beaten eggs adds a delicate texture. The use of cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the soup, and the garnish of green onions adds a fresh and aromatic finish. Overall, this recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a simple and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Egg Drop Soup
Perfect Main Course and Dessert Pairings for Egg Drop Soup
Why trust this Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, using simple and fresh ingredients. The chicken stock provides a rich and savory base, while the addition of enoki mushrooms adds a delightful texture. The use of ginger and soy sauce brings depth and warmth to the soup, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The incorporation of eggs adds a creamy and luxurious touch. With the guidance of this recipe, you can create a comforting and satisfying egg drop soup that's perfect for any occasion.
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