A super delicious homemade version of your favorite takeout Egg Drop Soup. Also known as "egg flower soup", it's served piping hot in just about every Chinese-American restaurant from NYC to LA, but it's also actually eaten in most homes in mainland China (and even Hong Kong too).
Thin, silky ribbons of whispy eggs swirled into a slightly thickened chicken broth make for an excellent main meal or starter for your next Chinese-inspired meal. Get crazy with add-ins like corn or shrimp and top it off with homemade crispy fried wontons for added crunch and flavor.
Jump to:
- What is Egg Drop Soup?
- Is Egg Drop Soup Healthy?
- Ingredients in Egg Drop Soup
- How to Make Egg Drop Soup (Measure, Whisk, Pour, and Swirl).
- Egg Drop Soup Step-by-Step Recipe Photos
- How to Customize Chinese Egg Drop Soup
- Light Vs. Dark Egg Drop Soup
- How to Make Low-Sodium Egg Drop Soup
- Looking For a Few More Dim Sum Dishes?
- Let's get started!
- 📖 Recipe
What is Egg Drop Soup?
Egg drop soup is a typical soup eaten in most Chinese households in Mainland China, but it's also served at just about every Chinese-American restaurant anywhere in the world. It's usually served as a starter before the rest of the meal. The soup base is made of chicken stock, and it's typically thickened with cornstarch.
However, it may also be thickened using arrowroot, tapioca, or mung bean starch (even xanthan gum is a thickener option for those eating a Keto low-carb diet).
For the soup base, many restaurants use what's called "chicken powder" or chicken bullion added to water, instead of actual chicken stock. I personally prefer to use homemade chicken stock because it's healthier and way better tasting. But if you're short on time, use any of these options.
In Southern China, egg drop soup usually has a thicker consistency, whereas in the Northern areas, it tends to be a little thinner and more "souplike". As with any dish, it really just depends from region to region and cook to cook.
But no matter which part of the country you're in, the seasonings used to flavor egg drop soup are pretty similar. White or black pepper, salt, scallions, ginger, and toasted sesame oil are most often used and complement those wispy ribbons of egg. Turmeric can also be added to help intensify the yellow color.
Is Egg Drop Soup Healthy?
Yes, egg drop soup is healthy, especially if you make it at home. Not only is it low in calories (about 65 calories per cup and only about 1.5 grams of fat), but it's also packed with protein, making it a filling and nutritious option for a low-calorie meal.
Plus, it has quite a bit of vitamin C. However, when you eat this soup at your favorite takeout joint, it's most likely loaded with water, sodium, and msg which can be an issue for those with blood pressure, heart, or water retention issues.
Making it at home allows you to control the sodium content and know exactly what you're eating. Keep reading for how to make a low-sodium healthy egg drop soup at home.
Ingredients in Egg Drop Soup
The ingredients used to make Chinese Egg Drop Soup can be found in just about any kitchen without a special trip to the grocery store. Skip takeout and make your own.
Get creative by adding extra ingredients and garnishes like crispy wonton strips, chicken, pork, shrimp, corn, tofu, peas, mushrooms, and even sliced tomatoes to turn this simple soup into a main meal.
- homemade chicken stock (or unsalted store-bought)
- eggs
- fresh ginger
- green onions (whites and greens separated and sliced thinly)
- cornstarch
- salt
- white pepper
- turmeric (optional, but helps intensify the color)*see photos below for comparison
- toasted sesame oil
- one recipe homemade crispy wontons, fried to golden brown (optional)
Find detailed measurements in the recipe card.
How to Make Egg Drop Soup (Measure, Whisk, Pour, and Swirl).
Making homemade egg drop soup is almost as easy as boiling water, making it a great recipe for kids to help out with.
- Make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, pepper, salt, and turmeric (if using), and add in 2 tablespoons cold chicken stock (or water) and mix until the cornstarch has dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare the broth. Heat chicken broth, ginger slice, and scallions (white part only) to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
- Add the slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering broth and mix well to combine. Allow the mixture to slightly thicken.
- Add the eggs. Using a fork placed at the tip of the container, slowly pour the eggs into the simmering soup through the tines of the fork (which slows them down and creates better ribbons). Allow the eggs to cook for about 30 seconds without disturbing them. Then, using chopsticks or a fork, gently stir the soup until the egg ribbons are the size you want. Garnish the soup with sliced scallions, crispy wonton strips, a drop or two of sesame oil, and cilantro, and enjoy!
Egg Drop Soup Step-by-Step Recipe Photos
How to Customize Chinese Egg Drop Soup
In China, I ate a lot of egg drop soup from little shops all around the city, and one of my favorites included fresh tomatoes. It had never occurred to me to add fresh tomatoes to egg drop soup, but it's really tasty.
And while I'm pretty sure most of them had MSG (or a little "chicken powder" which also has MSG in it), it was always fast and delicious. Here's a list of some of our favorite add-ins for egg drop soup.
- ½ cup corn (add corn at the beginning and feel free to purée some of it to make an intense corn-flavored egg drop soup)
- ½ to 1 cup chicken breast (if adding breast meat, add slices toward the end so it stays tender)
- ½ to 1 cup thinly sliced pork (add slices towards the end so the pork stays nice and tender)
- ½ to 1 cup shrimp (add shrimp towards the end and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just opaque and still tender)
- ½ to 1 cup cubed tofu (soft or firm tofu works well and you can even fry firm tofu to add a different texture)
- ½ cup fresh shitake, button, or wood ear mushrooms (add thinly sliced mushrooms towards the end)
- sliced or diced tomatoes (sauté sliced tomatoes in ½ teaspoon olive oil in the soup pot before adding the chicken stock. Cook the tomatoes for about 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing them to break down before adding the broth and continuing with the recipe.
- To make wispier, shorter strands of egg, whisk the chicken stock/broth as you pour a steady, slow stream of eggs into the simmering broth.
- To make a thicker egg drop soup, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- To make Keto egg drop soup, omit the cornstarch slurry and add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken the soup.
- To make a Paleo/Whole30 egg drop soup substitute arrowroot or tapioca starch for the cornstarch.
Light Vs. Dark Egg Drop Soup
Top row↓: (Made with a light homemade chicken stock + a pinch of turmeric)
Second row↓: (Made with a dark chicken stock + ⅛ teaspoon turmeric)
How to Make Low-Sodium Egg Drop Soup
For anyone on a low-sodium diet, you can still enjoy your favorite Chinese egg drop soup by making a couple of easy adjustments. And it tastes way better! Start by making or buying your own organic unsalted chicken stock.
And if you want to add crispy wonton strips, make your own from scratch and either reduce the salt called for in the recipe or leave it out altogether. Then adjust the seasoning to your specific dietary needs with any of these low-sodium heart-healthy options and suggestions below:
Make it 100% salt-free or reduce the ¼ teaspoon of Himalayan salt called for in the recipe to ⅛ teaspoon.
Do not use regular table salt (it contains a slightly higher % of sodium than other salts, including Himalayan, Celtic, or other sea salts, and Kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon Morton's table salt = 590mg
- ¼ teaspoon Maldon sea salt = 580mg
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt = 575mg
- ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt = 460mg
Replace the salt altogether and instead use soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos, which add a slight umami flavor and contain much less sodium per serving (see below). I've provided the sodium content per teaspoon since you may need to use a little more of these ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos = 90mg sodium
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce = 190mg sodium
- 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce = 291mg sodium
- 1 teaspoon salt = 2,325mg sodium (for comparison)
On average, Americans consume about 3,400 mg of sodium per day. However, the recommended daily allowance for adults is less than 2,300 mg per day-that's equal to just less than 1 teaspoon of table salt. And for kiddos under age 14, the RDI is even less.
Looking For a Few More Dim Sum Dishes?
If you're looking for a few other dishes to round out your takeout night in, below are a few of our favorites we think you may also enjoy.
Let's get started!
Print📖 Recipe
Easy Egg Drop Soup w/Crispy Fried Wontons
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings depending on the hunger level
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Gluten-Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low-Carb, Vegetarian
Description
Egg drop soup (aka Egg Flower Soup) is pure piping hot comfort in every bowl! Silky ribbons of whispy eggs swirled into a slightly thickened homemade chicken stock make an excellent main meal or starter for any Chinese-inspired meal. Get creative with add-ins and top it off with crispy fried wonton strips for a really quick and delicious meal anytime.
Ingredients
- 4 cups homemade chicken stock (sub unsalted storebought) (1 liter)
- 5 large eggs, beaten
- 1 slice of fresh ginger
- 3 green onions (whites and greens separated and sliced thinly)
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or bean starch)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper, or to taste
- up to ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (optional, but helps intensify the color)
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil or more to taste
- scallions
- homemade crispy wonton strips
- a drop or drizzle of sesame oil
- cilantro
- sautéed corn
- crispy fried shallots
- green peas
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl whisk together cornstarch, pepper, salt, and turmeric (if using) and add in 2 tablespoons cold chicken stock (or water) and mix until the cornstarch has dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare the broth. Heat chicken broth, ginger slice, and scallions (white part only) to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
- Add the slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering broth and mix well to combine. Allow the mixture to slightly thicken.
- Add the eggs. Using a fork placed at the tip of the container, slowly pour the eggs into the simmering soup through the tines of the fork (which slows them down and creates better ribbons). Allow the eggs to cook for about 30 seconds without disturbing them. Then using chopsticks or a fork, gently stir the soup until the egg ribbons are the size you want. Garnish the soup with sliced scallions, crispy wonton strips, a drop or two of sesame oil, and cilantro, and Enjoy!
Notes
- If you want wispier, shorter strands of egg, whisk the chicken stock/broth as you pour a steady slow stream of eggs into the simmering broth.
- If you want a thicker egg drop soup, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- If you want a lighter egg drop soup, use lighter chicken stock and less turmeric. The color of my homemade chicken stock varies depending on whether I use yellow onion peels or not (as you can see by the two different egg drop soups photographed in this post). For a darker egg drop soup, use a darker chicken stock and up to ⅛ teaspoon of turmeric.
- Make a tomato egg drop soup by sautéing sliced tomatoes in ½ teaspoon olive oil in the pot before adding the chicken stock/broth. Cook the tomatoes for about 5 minutes over medium heat and then add the broth and continue with the recipe.
- Make Keto egg drop soup by omitting the cornstarch slurry and adding ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken the soup instead. And of course, you will need to add white pepper, salt, and turmeric for flavor directly to the chicken stock.
- Make a Paleo/Whole30 egg drop soup by substituting arrowroot or tapioca starch for the cornstarch.
- Make a low-sodium healthy egg drop soup, by using any of the suggestions and substitutions in the post.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soups + Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 232mg
Staci says
Such a simple egg drop soup and it was perfectly thickened (or "wavy" as my kids called it)! I didn't have time to make the homemade wontons so I cut and fried some store bought wrappers and it was actually better than our usual takeout spot...now I'm wondering what's in the one they make. Next time, I'll add some diced chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.