Egg Drop Soup is a popular Chinese dish that's light, comforting, and super easy to make. The silky texture of the egg ribbons in the flavorful broth is both soothing and satisfying. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for Egg Drop Soup that you can prepare in under 20 minutes:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the soup)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated or ground, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and ginger (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
2. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- If you'd like a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry (about 1 tablespoon of water). Add this to the simmering broth and stir until it thickens slightly.
3. Add the Eggs:
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the simmering broth while stirring gently in a circular motion. This will create the signature silky egg ribbons. You can also pour the eggs more quickly if you want larger egg pieces.
- Let the soup cook for another 1-2 minutes as the eggs cook through.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the eggs are fully cooked, remove the soup from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (you can add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt).
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can incorporate a little shredded cooked chicken or tofu if you want a heartier soup.
- If you prefer a smooth texture, strain the soup before serving.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes.
This Egg Drop Soup is quick, easy, and full of comforting flavors, making it perfect as a starter or a light meal!