Description
This classic Egg Drop Soup is a comforting and flavorful Chinese appetizer made with a delicate chicken broth base, enriched with turmeric for color, and swirled with tender egg ribbons. Ready in just 15 minutes, this soup balances savory spices and a velvety texture perfect for a quick, heartwarming meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken stock (about 1 liter, organic or homemade preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or 5 drops yellow food coloring, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional, adjust to preference)
Thickening Agent
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Egg Mixture
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
Garnish
- 1 scallion, chopped
Instructions
- Simmer the Broth: Bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer in a medium soup pot over medium heat. Stir in the sesame oil, salt, sugar, white pepper, and MSG if using. Add turmeric or yellow food coloring to achieve a warm, rich color. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare and Add Cornstarch Slurry: Mix the cornstarch with water thoroughly to avoid lumps. Slowly drizzle the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Continue stirring until the soup thickens to your desired consistency, adding more slurry in small batches if needed.
- Create Egg Swirls: Using a ladle, stir the soup gently in a circular motion. Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the swirling broth to form delicate egg ribbons or ‘flowers.’ The speed of stirring controls the size of the egg strands.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the finished soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped scallions. Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- The addition of turmeric provides color and subtle flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Use fresh eggs for a more tender texture in the egg swirls.
- MSG is optional and can be omitted if avoiding additives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
