Warm, silky, and savory, this Chinese Egg Drop Soup is a classic restaurant-style appetizer that you can whip up in just 15 minutes at home. Featuring wispy ribbons of egg in a light, flavorful broth, it’s the perfect low-calorie soup for lunch, dinner, or a cozy starter to any Asian meal.
Why This Egg Drop Soup Recipe Is So Good
This soup is light but deeply comforting. It uses pantry ingredients and takes almost no time to make. Unlike heavy cream-based soups, Egg Drop Soup is easy on the stomach, packed with protein, and ideal for when you’re under the weather or want a warm, nutritious bowl without the fuss. It also reheats beautifully for meal prep.
A Chinese Soup with Centuries of Tradition
Egg Drop Soup has roots in traditional Chinese cooking, where eggs were stirred into boiling soup to form “egg flowers.” The dish dates back centuries and is appreciated across China and globally for its simplicity, elegance, and balance. It’s especially popular in American-Chinese restaurants, often served before main dishes like sweet and sour pork or lo mein.
You can find versions thickened with cornstarch or made extra hearty with corn, tofu, or seaweed. This version is a classic take—with optional upgrades to customize it your way.
INGREDIENTS FOR EGG DROP SOUP
Chicken or vegetable broth – base of the soup; use low-sodium for better control of salt
Eggs – whisked and slowly streamed in for that signature ribbon texture
Cornstarch – thickens the broth slightly for silkiness
White pepper – adds subtle heat without overpowering the soup
Sesame oil – adds aromatic nuttiness
Soy sauce or tamari – for salt and umami depth (tamari for gluten-free)
Scallions – thinly sliced for garnish and fresh bite
Optional: Corn, tofu, or spinach – for extra body or nutrients
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free (with tamari), vegetarian-friendly, low-calorie, dairy-free
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE EGG DROP SOUP
- In a pot, bring broth to a simmer over medium heat. Reserve 4 tablespoons to mix with cornstarch.
- Season the broth with salt, soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while gently stirring in a circular motion to form ribbons.
- Mix cornstarch with cold broth until smooth and stir it into the pot. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 30 seconds.
- Top with scallions and any optional add-ins. Serve hot.
Chinese Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
Slurry
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 4 tablespoons cold stock or water
Optional
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup tofu cubes, handful of baby spinach
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add salt, soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil to the pot.
- Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while gently stirring in a circle with a fork or chopstick.
- Whisk the slurry of cornstarch and cold broth together in a small bowl, then stir into simmering broth.
- Let soup rest 30 seconds off heat.
- Top with sliced scallions and optional mix-ins before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 5g (2% DV)
- Protein: 6g (12% DV)
- Fat: 5g (8% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
- Cholesterol: 95mg (32% DV)
- Sodium: 610mg (26% DV)
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe Tips
- Use a fork or chopstick to stir in a circular motion for beautiful egg ribbons.
- Add corn or tofu for more substance, or baby spinach for greens.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based garnishes.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with shrimp fried rice or crispy egg rolls for a full Chinese takeout meal at home
- Serve as a starter before lo mein, orange chicken, or Szechuan stir-fry
- Add a side of Asian cucumber salad or steamed dumplings
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
