Homemade Egg Drop Soup (Printable Version)

Silky egg ribbons in a fragrant broth with scallions and sesame, ready in 15 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Broth Base

01 - 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
02 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
03 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
06 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for a slightly thicker soup)
07 - 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)

→ Egg Mixture

08 - 3 large eggs

→ Garnish

09 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
10 - 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring the broth, soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and salt to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
02 - If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering broth and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
03 - Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well with a fork or whisk.
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Using a fork or chopsticks, stir the soup in a slow circular motion. While stirring, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream to create silky ribbons.
05 - Let the eggs set for about 30 seconds, then gently stir to break up large ribbons.
06 - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s the answer when you crave something soothing but don’t want to spend ages chopping and prepping.
  • Those silky egg ribbons are just as fun to make as they are to eat, and it never fails to feel special.
02 -
  • If the broth is bubbling too well, the eggs break apart into fluffy bits instead of delicate ribbons—keep it to a gentle simmer for the prettiest results.
  • Beating the eggs thoroughly makes a huge difference—whites or clumps will ruin the swirl if you rush.
03 -
  • Carefully swirling the broth in just one direction means you’ll get those classic, picturesque ribbons every time.
  • Just a drop or two of sesame oil added at the end intensifies the flavor in ways you’ll remember.
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