Chinese Restaurant Style- Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Perfect Chinese Restaurant Style Egg Drop Soup Recipe to Try

Comfort whispers through this delightful chinese restaurant style egg drop soup that dances between simplicity and elegance.

Memories of warm kitchens flood back with each silky spoonful.

Broth simmers gently, promising a bowl filled with tender egg ribbons and subtle seasoning.

Delicate strands of beaten eggs swirl through hot liquid, creating mesmerizing patterns.

Wellness meets flavor in this classic recipe that feels like a gentle culinary embrace.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something truly magical and soul-soothing.

You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together, inviting warmth and nourishment to your table.

Egg Drop Soup That’s Silky, Savory, And Restaurant-Worthy

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Effortlessly transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup in just 15 minutes.
  • Simple Technique Mastery: Learn the professional Chinese cooking method of creating delicate egg ribbons through a precise pouring technique that impresses without complex skills.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Whip up a delicious, warming soup using affordable pantry staples like chicken stock, eggs, and basic seasonings that cost pennies per serving.
  • Versatile Wellness Boost: Enjoy a light, protein-packed meal that works perfectly as a starter, quick lunch, or gentle recovery dish when feeling under the weather.

Chinese Restaurant Style Egg Drop Soup What You’ll Need

Main Protein:
  • Eggs: Soft, silky ribbons that give the soup its signature texture and rich flavor. Fresh eggs work best for the most delicate strands.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Stock, Water: Provides the foundational flavor and liquid for the soup. Low-sodium stock allows better seasoning control.
Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth, slightly thick consistency for the soup. Mixing separately prevents lumps in the final dish.
Seasoning:
  • Sesame Oil: Adds deep, nutty Asian-style flavor. Toasted varieties provide more intense taste.
  • Black Pepper: Brings gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to the soup.
  • Salt, Fish Sauce: Enhances overall savory profile. Use sparingly to balance flavors.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp contrast and bright color to the finished soup. Thinly sliced for best presentation.

Cooking Egg Drop Soup Like a Chinese Restaurant

Step 1: Whisk Eggs into Smoothness

Crack eggs into a small bowl and whisk them thoroughly until completely blended with a consistent yellow color.

Set the whisked eggs nearby for quick access during cooking.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken stock into a large pot and heat over medium-high temperature.

Allow the broth to reach a rolling boil with steady, bubbling surface.

Step 3: Create Soup Thickness

Prepare cornstarch mixture by combining:
  • Water
  • Cornstarch

Slowly stir the mixture into boiling broth, continuously whisking until the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.

Step 4: Generate Egg Ribbons

Gradually drizzle whisked eggs into the hot broth while gently stirring with a fork or spatula.

Move your utensil in slow, deliberate circular motions to create delicate, feathery egg strands.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Season the soup with:
  • Sesame oil
  • Ground black pepper
  • Salt (optional)

Taste and adjust seasonings according to preference.

Step 6: Finish and Present

Remove pot from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the surface.

Ladle the soup into serving bowls immediately while steaming hot.

Egg Drop Soup Techniques for Restaurant-Style Results

  • Beat eggs thoroughly to create smooth, uniform ribbons without lumps, ensuring a silky texture in the final soup.
  • Mix cornstarch slurry carefully to achieve the perfect thickness, preventing clumping and creating a smooth, velvety base.
  • Stream beaten eggs slowly while continuously stirring to create delicate, wispy egg strands that define authentic egg drop soup.
  • Maintain a gentle boil when adding eggs to prevent overcooking and preserve the tender, soft egg ribbons characteristic of Chinese restaurant-style soup.
  • Use sesame oil sparingly to enhance flavor without overpowering the delicate egg and broth combination, adjusting salt levels to personal taste.

Warm Up Egg Drop Soup Leftovers

  • Store leftover egg drop soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Warm soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent egg ribbons from breaking or becoming tough.
  • Add a splash of fresh chicken broth while reheating to restore the soup's silky consistency and prevent thickening.
  • Avoid freezing egg drop soup, as the delicate egg ribbons will break down and create an unpleasant texture when thawed.

Light Bites for Egg Drop Soup

  • Enhance Egg Drop Soup with Perfect Pairings
  • Crisp Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light, crunchy appetizers that complement the silky texture of the soup, providing a delightful contrast in mouthfeel and adding a crispy element to your meal.
  • Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white rice serves as an ideal sidekick, soaking up the delicate broth and creating a satisfying balance of flavors and textures in each spoonful.
  • Soy-Glazed Chicken Skewers: Tender, savory chicken with a slight char offers a protein-rich companion that elevates the lightness of the egg drop soup, creating a more substantial dining experience.
  • Chilled Green Tea: Refreshing and slightly grassy beverage that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls, cutting through the richness of the egg ribbons and providing a cool, soothing counterpoint to the warm soup.

Egg Drop Soup with Restaurant-Style Spins

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and add silken tofu for protein, creating a plant-based egg drop soup that maintains the classic texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch carefully sourced from gluten-free facilities and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Boost: Incorporate diced cooked chicken or small shrimp into the soup during the final stirring stage to enhance nutritional value and add extra protein for a more substantial meal.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, using fresh herbs like ginger and green onions to build depth of flavor without increasing sodium content.

FAQs

  • How do I achieve silky egg ribbons in egg drop soup?

The key is to pour beaten eggs slowly in a thin stream while gently stirring. This technique helps create delicate, soft egg strands that are characteristic of authentic Chinese egg drop soup.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth. The cornstarch and egg technique remains the same, maintaining the soup’s traditional texture and flavor.

  • Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup a smooth, slightly viscous consistency. It helps create the classic silky broth that holds the egg ribbons perfectly.

  • How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Always add eggs to boiling broth and stir gently. Keep the heat low and move the spatula or fork in a circular motion to create ribbons instead of solid egg chunks.

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Chinese Restaurant Style- Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Chinese Restaurant Style- Egg Drop Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky strands of egg dance through Chinese restaurant-style egg drop soup, creating a comforting classic that warms from within. Delicate whisked eggs swirl elegantly in savory chicken broth, promising a simple yet satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup green onions

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Optional Seasoning:

  • Salt or fish sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs thoroughly in a small bowl until well combined, creating a smooth, uniform texture.
  2. Pour chicken stock into a large pot, elevating heat to achieve a rolling boil.
  3. Create a cornstarch mixture by blending water and cornstarch until fully integrated, then gradually incorporate into the bubbling broth while continuously stirring.
  4. Allow the liquid to slightly thicken and stabilize, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the pot.
  5. Execute the signature egg ribbon technique by gently drizzling beaten eggs into the simmering broth using a slow, controlled stream while simultaneously stirring with a spatula in a circular motion.
  6. Infuse additional flavor complexity by introducing sesame oil and freshly ground black pepper, carefully tasting and adjusting seasoning with salt or fish sauce to enhance the overall profile.
  7. Terminate the cooking process by removing the pot from direct heat, preventing further egg solidification.
  8. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling finely sliced green onions across the surface, adding a fresh, vibrant garnish that complements the soup’s delicate texture.
  9. Transfer immediately to serving bowls, preserving the soup’s optimal temperature and silky consistency.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother, more delicate ribbons and prevent clumping when added to hot broth.
  • Whisk eggs thoroughly beforehand to create consistently fine, thin strands throughout the soup.
  • Pour eggs slowly in a circular motion while stirring gently to achieve the classic wispy, delicate egg texture.
  • Customize the soup by adding protein like shredded chicken or tofu for extra nutrition and heartiness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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