Dinner

Classic Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Name: Classic Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 1 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional); 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp cold water; Salt and white pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Optional: a pinch of turmeric for golden color

ByJulian Dempsey October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

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Introduction

Classic homemade egg drop soup is a comforting and simple dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. With silky egg ribbons floating in flavorful broth, it’s both light and satisfying. This recipe is easy to make with a few basic ingredients and offers room for tasty variations.

A white bowl filled with bright yellow egg drop soup, showing soft, silky ribbons of cooked egg floating on the surface. The soup has a smooth, slightly translucent broth with a warm golden color. On top, there are small chopped green onions scattered evenly, adding a fresh green contrast. A white spoon rests in the bowl, partially submerged in the soup, with some green onions on it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a few green onion pieces scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
½ tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil
Salt and white pepper to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: a pinch of turmeric for golden color

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using) to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth to slightly thicken it.
Step 3: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle the eggs into the simmering soup while gently stirring in one direction to form delicate egg ribbons.
Step 4: Turn off the heat once the egg strands have formed. Season the soup with salt and white pepper according to your taste.
Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a pinch of turmeric for a beautiful golden color and subtle flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Try adding finely diced tofu or cooked mushrooms for extra texture.
Stir gently in one direction when adding eggs to create long, beautiful ribbons.

Storage

Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs, which can become rubbery.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with golden-yellow egg drop soup showing soft, flowing egg ribbons floating in the broth. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top, adding contrast and color. A white ceramic spoon gently rests inside the bowl, slightly dipped into the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few chopped scallions scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use beaten eggs directly without cornstarch?

Yes, you can. Cornstarch is mainly used to thicken the broth slightly, but the eggs alone will still form the signature ribbons.

How do I prevent the egg strands from clumping together?

Pour the beaten eggs slowly into the simmering soup while stirring gently and steadily in one direction to create separate, delicate strands.