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Easy 10-Minute Chinese Egg Drop Soup

A quick, comforting, and savory Chinese restaurant classic made at home. Features a seasoned, slightly thickened broth with delicate, silky egg ribbons and green onions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: Asian-American, Chinese
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp white pepper
  • 0.125 tsp turmeric powder optional, for color
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
Thickener & Eggs
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp cold water
  • 3 large eggs well beaten
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Garnish
  • 3 stalks scallions (green onions) finely chopped

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • Small Bowls
  • Whisk or fork

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. In another bowl, beat the eggs well.
  2. In a pot over medium-high heat, bring the broth, ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, turmeric, and soy sauce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly pour it into the simmering broth while stirring continuously. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir the broth in a circle to create a gentle whirlpool. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the moving liquid to form thin ribbons. Let sit undisturbed for 10 seconds to set.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not vigorously stir the soup while adding the eggs, or the soup will become cloudy. A gentle, swirling motion is key to getting beautiful ribbons.