Description
Classic Egg Drop Soup is a simple and comforting Chinese appetizer made by gently swirling beaten eggs into hot chicken broth, creating delicate egg ribbons. Enhanced with white pepper, sesame oil, and thickened slightly with cornstarch, this quick 15-minute soup is garnished with fresh green onions, offering a flavorful, warming start to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt to taste
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat Broth: Heat the chicken broth in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it gently simmers, ensuring it is hot enough to cook the eggs but not boiling vigorously.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, creating a slurry that will be used to thicken the soup.
- Beat Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the ground white pepper and sesame oil until well combined, blending the flavors and seasoning evenly.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Slowly pour the egg mixture into the simmering broth in a steady stream while stirring gently in a circular motion to form delicate, silky egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Blanch Green Onions: Blanch the sliced green onions in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then drain and set aside to preserve their fresh color and mild flavor for garnish.
- Thicken Soup: Stir the cornstarch slurry again and add it to the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens slightly, achieving a velvety texture.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt as needed to balance and enhance the overall flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the blanched green onions, and serve hot to enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Use a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent the eggs from toughening.
- Adjust the cornstarch quantity slightly if you prefer a thinner or thicker consistency.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian friendly.
- For additional flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or a few drops of chili oil before serving.
- Serve immediately, as the egg ribbons tend to break down if left to sit too long.
