Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Nothing beats a warm bowl of Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe when you want something both comforting and quick to whip up. I remember the first time I tried making this at home—it was so simple, yet the silky egg ribbons in the savory broth felt restaurant-quality. It’s perfect for those busy evenings or when you need a light but satisfying starter.
What I love most is how adaptable this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe is. You can have it ready in under 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers so much flavor and texture. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re looking for a gluten-free, easy-to-digest meal, this soup always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe plays its part in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. I always recommend fresh scallions for that pop of brightness and high-quality chicken stock because it forms the flavorful base.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs whisked just right create those delicate silky strands that define egg drop soup.
- Chicken stock: I use low-sodium homemade or store-bought for a rich, deep broth without too much salt.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the soup slightly, giving it that smooth, velvety texture you want.
- Ground ginger: Adds subtle warmth and a light zing that complements the broth beautifully.
- Garlic salt: Helps season the soup with a gentle garlic undertone; you can adjust the saltiness to taste.
- Black pepper: A pinch brightens and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Scallions: Sliced fresh scallions bring a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
Variations
I like to switch things up with this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. It’s a great base to customize, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.
- Add some heat: A dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes gives the soup a spicy twist that wakes up your taste buds—I personally love this when I’m craving something bold.
- Use vegetable broth: For a vegetarian-friendly version, swap the chicken stock with a good quality vegetable broth—it still tastes fantastic.
- Include tofu or mushrooms: Adding soft tofu cubes or shiitake mushrooms makes the soup heartier, perfect for a fuller meal.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure your cornstarch isn’t cross-contaminated if needed.
How to Make Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season and Heat the Broth
Start by mixing 3 ½ cups of chicken stock, ground ginger, garlic salt, and black pepper in a saucepan on medium-high heat. I like to let the broth come to a gentle boil gently so the spices can meld without burning. This step builds the foundation for your soup’s savory depth, so keep an eye on it but don’t rush.
Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture
While the broth is heating, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining ½ cup of chicken stock. This slurry will thicken the soup just the right amount. Set this aside—you’ll add it to the broth once it starts boiling. Pro tip: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a small bowl, lightly whisk two eggs until the yolk and whites are combined. I find that not overbeating keeps those beautiful ribbons delicate and tender once cooked. Keep your whisk handy because timing here is key!
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Once your broth reaches a rolling boil, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it, then add the sliced scallions. Keep the broth boiling as you stir it gently in one direction with a non-slotted spoon. This stirring motion helps the eggs create those signature silky strands.
Step 5: Create the Egg Ribbons
Slowly pour the whisked eggs into the boiling broth while continuously stirring. The eggs will cook immediately, forming those lovely ribbons that give this soup its name. If you pour too fast or stop stirring, you might end up with clumps instead of smooth strands—take your time here, I promise it’s worth it.
How to Serve Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish my bowl of Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe with some extra sliced scallions on top for freshness and a mild crunch. Sometimes, I add a few drops of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of white pepper for extra aroma and warmth—it instantly lifts the flavors without overpowering the soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad. When I want to make a quick Asian-inspired meal, I often serve it alongside potstickers or spring rolls—the combination feels balanced and satisfying without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe in rustic, small bowls with a drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives. It makes a simple soup feel more elegant and special—your guests will think you spent way longer on it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember the longer it sits, the more the eggs can firm up and change texture a bit. For the freshest taste, enjoy it the day you make it.
Freezing
Freezing this soup isn’t ideal because the eggs tend to separate or get rubbery when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, I recommend freezing just the broth and adding fresh eggs when reheating for best texture.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the soup gently over low heat and stir occasionally. If the eggs look a little firm, whisk one fresh egg and drizzle it in while stirring to refresh the texture. This quick trick brings back that silky charm that makes this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
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Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock in this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works beautifully if you prefer a vegetarian version or just want a lighter flavor. Just make sure it’s a good quality broth to keep the soup rich and flavorful.
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How do I get smooth egg ribbons instead of clumps?
The key is to stir the broth continuously in one direction while slowly pouring in the beaten eggs. Pour too fast or stop stirring, and you’ll end up with egg clumps. Patience and a steady hand make all the difference!
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Is cornstarch necessary in this Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe?
Cornstarch helps thicken the soup slightly, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel. While you can skip it, the soup might feel thinner and less rich.
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How long does Homemade Egg Drop Soup keep in the fridge?
Up to 2 days stored in an airtight container. After that, the eggs can start to change texture and the flavors may dull.
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Can I add other vegetables or protein to this soup?
Definitely! Soft tofu cubes, mushrooms, or even shredded cooked chicken can be added to make the soup heartier. Just add them before pouring in the eggs so they have time to heat through.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe has become my go-to whenever I crave something simple but deeply satisfying. It’s accessible, customizable, and comes together in a flash—all things I value in a recipe. I encourage you to give it a try and maybe put your own spin on it. Once you master this cozy classic, it might just become one of your kitchen staples too.
Print
Homemade Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Homemade Egg Drop Soup recipe is a quick and comforting dish made with a flavorful chicken broth, delicate ribbons of cooked egg, and a touch of ginger and garlic. Perfect as a light appetizer or a soothing meal on its own, this soup combines simple ingredients for a deliciously satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. garlic salt
- ⅛ tsp. black pepper
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken stock (from the total 4 cups)
Egg Mixture
- 2 Eggs
Garnish
- 3 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 3 ½ cups of chicken stock with ground ginger, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir occasionally as it heats up.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, stir together the remaining ½ cup chicken stock with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth, then set aside to be added later.
- Whisk Eggs: Crack 2 eggs into a small bowl and whisk thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
- Thicken the Soup: Once the seasoned chicken stock reaches a boil, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to ensure the broth thickens without lumps. Add the sliced scallions at this stage.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Bring the broth to a rolling boil. Using a non-slotted spoon, stir the soup gently in one direction to create a circular motion. While continuously stirring, slowly drizzle the whisked eggs into the broth. The eggs will cook instantly, forming delicate ribbons.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with additional sliced scallions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting egg drop soup.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best texture in the egg ribbons.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by modifying the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- You can add a dash of white pepper or a few drops of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Stirring in one direction when adding eggs helps create more uniform egg ribbons.
Keywords: egg drop soup, homemade egg drop soup, chicken broth soup, easy Chinese soup, quick soup recipe
