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Easy Egg Drop Soup - Comforting, Fast, and Flavorful

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups; low-sodium preferred)
  • Eggs (3 large)
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
  • Water (2 tablespoons, to mix with cornstarch)
  • Soy sauce or tamari (1–2 tablespoons, to taste)
  • Sesame oil (1 teaspoon)
  • Ground white pepper (or black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Ginger (1/2 teaspoon grated fresh, or 1/4 teaspoon ground)
  • Green onions (2–3, thinly sliced)
  • Salt (as needed)
  • Optional add-ins: frozen peas, corn, mushrooms, spinach, thin tofu, cooked chicken

Method
 

  1. Prep the eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat well with a fork or whisk until fully combined. Set aside. This ensures smooth ribbons instead of chunky curds.
  2. Make a slurry: In a small cup, mix cornstarch with cold water until no lumps remain. Keep it close—you’ll add it soon.
  3. Heat the broth: Add broth to a medium pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger. Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce now, before the eggs go in.
  4. Thicken slightly: Give the slurry a quick stir and pour it into the simmering broth while stirring the pot. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until the soup lightly thickens. You’re looking for a silky, not heavy, texture.
  5. Create the egg ribbons: Turn the heat down to low so the broth is gently moving, not boiling hard. With one hand, pour the beaten eggs in a very thin stream. With the other hand, gently stir the soup in one consistent direction (a slow swirl). The eggs will set into delicate strands within seconds.
  6. Finish with aromatics: Stir in sesame oil and white pepper. Add sliced green onions and any quick-cooking add-ins like spinach or thawed peas. Simmer 30–60 seconds more, just to warm through.
  7. Final taste check: Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, pepper, or a pinch of salt. Serve hot, topped with extra green onions if you like.