Ultimate Easy Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables
Savor the warmth and comfort of restaurant-style Egg Drop Soup, effortlessly made at home! This delightful dish features fluffy strands of beaten egg gently swirled into a flavorful chicken broth, complemented by your favorite frozen vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with rice wine, ground ginger, and a hint of white pepper, this soup is both refreshing and satisfying. Serve it as a light appetizer to accompany your favorite Asian meal or make it a main course for a cozy dinner. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, this recipe ensures that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy their favorite ingredients. Experience the taste of your local Chinese restaurant right in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
6 cups (low sodium, divided)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (mixed with broth)
Rice wine
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
White pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Scallions
4-6 (chopped (white ends and green tips, optional))
Vegetables of choice
to taste (peas, carrots, corn, mushrooms, etc.)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of chicken broth with cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to activate the thickening properties.
2
In a large saucepan, pour the remaining chicken broth along with rice wine, ground ginger, white pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Add the chopped scallions and any frozen vegetables of your choice to the pot, allowing them to simmer for an additional 4 minutes until softened. Note that you can add specific vegetables to individual bowls if preferred.
5
Scoop out 1/2 cup of the hot soup and mix it with the cornstarch mixture prepared earlier. Stir until smooth and well combined.
6
Pour the cornstarch mixture back into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to ensure even thickening, about 2 minutes.
7
Using a fork, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup while gently stirring. Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to achieve fluffy strands.
8
Once the eggs are fully cooked, give the soup a final stir, and serve hot. Top each bowl with crispy chow mein noodles for added texture, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Easy Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables?
It is a restaurant-style comfort dish featuring fluffy egg strands swirled into a savory chicken broth with customizable vegetables.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 beaten eggs to create the signature ribbons.
What kind of broth is recommended?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to allow for better control of the soup's saltiness.
How much chicken broth do I need in total?
You will need a total of 6 cups of chicken broth, which is divided during the preparation process.
What is the thickening agent for this soup?
Cornstarch is used as the thickening agent, mixed with a small portion of broth to create a slurry.
Which seasonings provide the soup's flavor?
The soup is seasoned with rice wine, ground ginger, white pepper, and a teaspoon of granulated sugar.
What type of vegetables can be added?
You can use any vegetables of your choice, such as peas, carrots, corn, or mushrooms.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are specifically suggested for this recipe for convenience and quick cooking.
How long should the base broth simmer?
The base broth mixture should simmer for approximately 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When do I add the scallions?
Add the chopped scallions to the pot along with the frozen vegetables.
How do you create the fluffy egg strands?
Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup using a fork while gently stirring the liquid.
How long do the eggs take to cook?
Once drizzled in, the eggs should cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve the proper texture.
Is there sugar in this egg drop soup?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar is included to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What is the purpose of the rice wine?
Rice wine adds an authentic depth of flavor common in Chinese restaurant-style soups.
How do I prevent the cornstarch from clumping?
Mix it with 3/4 cup of broth first, then temper it by adding 1/2 cup of hot soup before pouring it into the main pot.
Can I substitute white pepper?
While white pepper is traditional for its clean look and specific heat, you could use black pepper in a pinch.
What parts of the scallion should I use?
You can use 4-6 chopped scallions, including both the white ends and the green tips.
Is this recipe fast to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick meal that uses simple techniques like tempering and drizzling for fast results.
What toppings are recommended?
The recipe suggests topping each bowl with crispy chow mein noodles for added texture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on 6 cups of broth and other ingredients, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I make this soup without vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable and the vegetables can be omitted for a classic version.
What temperature should I use to boil the broth?
The broth should be brought to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat before reducing to a simmer.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
The vegetables should simmer for about 4 minutes until they are softened.
Why do I need to temper the cornstarch mixture?
Tempering ensures the mixture integrates smoothly into the hot soup without creating lumps.
Is ground ginger better than fresh ginger for this?
The recipe calls for ground ginger for ease and consistent flavor distribution throughout the broth.
Can I add the vegetables to individual bowls?
Yes, the instructions note that you can add specific vegetables to individual bowls if preferred.
How long do I stir after adding the cornstarch?
Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to ensure even thickening of the soup.
Should the soup be served hot?
Yes, the soup is best served immediately while hot.
Can I add protein like chicken to this soup?
While the recipe focuses on vegetables, it is customizable enough to include cooked chicken if desired.
What is the role of white pepper in this dish?
White pepper provides a distinct earthy heat and allows the soup to maintain a clear, pale appearance.