Classic Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Egg Drop Soup, known as “Dan Hua Tang” in Mandarin, is a quintessential Chinese dish that has won the hearts of many for its simplicity and comfort. This traditional soup is not only a favorite starter at Chinese restaurants but also a quick and easy meal you can whip up at home. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the perfect bowl of Egg Drop Soup. Let’s dive into the detailed steps and tips to achieve that restaurant-quality flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a classic Egg Drop Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Broth

Start by preparing the base of your soup—the broth. You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference.

1. Heat the Broth:
   In a medium saucepan, pour 4 cups of broth. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the broth to a boil. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Making the Cornstarch Slurry

The cornstarch slurry is crucial for giving the soup its slightly thickened texture.

1. Make the Slurry:
   In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture until it is completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Beating the Eggs

The eggs are the star of this dish, forming the iconic silky ribbons.

1. Beat the Eggs:
   In another small bowl, crack open 2 large eggs and beat them well. Make sure the eggs are fully blended for a consistent texture when added to the soup.

Step 4: Adding the Soy Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry

This step adds both flavor and the perfect consistency to your soup.

1. Add Soy Sauce:
   Once the broth is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. This will infuse the soup with a subtle umami flavor.
2. Add the Slurry:
   Stir the cornstarch slurry once more before adding it to the boiling broth. Pour it in slowly while continuously stirring the broth. Allow the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Creating the Egg Ribbons

This is the most visually exciting part of making Egg Drop Soup—creating those beautiful egg ribbons.

1. Create Egg Ribbons:
   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream while gently stirring the broth in a circular motion with a fork or chopsticks. The gentle stirring helps form the delicate egg ribbons.

Step 6: Seasoning and Serving

Now it’s time to season and serve your soup.

1. Season the Soup:
   Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper if you prefer a bit of heat. Season with salt to taste.
2. Garnish:
   Stir in the finely chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant flavor to your soup.
3. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your classic Egg Drop Soup with a side of steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal.