Chicken Egg Drop Soup Recipe – Culinary Chase
As I sit down with a steaming bowl of chicken egg drop soup, the blending of flavors brings me back to my childhood. I remember rainy days, warm kitchens, and the irresistible aroma wafting through the air. This dish has a unique ability to warm your heart.
Now, if you’ve never paired your soup with anything, let me suggest a few delightful options. This soup goes hand in hand with crusty bread, crunchy spring rolls, or even a light salad for a more balanced meal.
Trust me, the combination will leave you feeling satisfied without the heaviness often associated with richer dishes.
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Why This Recipe is Wonderful
Let’s face it—sometimes, hectic days can make cooking feel like a chore. This chicken egg drop soup is my go-to remedy. It’s not just easy; it’s packed with nutrients and flavor.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I love sharing recipes that are not only delicious but also healthy. This soup embodies that philosophy.
Picture this: you come home after a long day, and all you want is something comforting. You pull out some simple ingredients, and within about 20 minutes, you can be sitting down to a hot bowl of this delight.
It’s a dish that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills, yet the end result tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Plus, it’s perfect for any dietary preference.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather what we need. Here’s the list of ingredients, complete with measurements.
- 2 large eggs: The stars of this dish. They create that silky finish and provide protein.
- 1 egg yolk: Extra richness to elevate the texture.
- 4 cups chicken stock: This is the foundational element, giving the soup its comforting body.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives: These add a fresh kick and burst of color.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger: A subtle spice that warms up the palate.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Used for thickening the soup without creamy additives.
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce: This brings umami depth without overpowering the broth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that ties the flavors together.
With these ingredients on hand, you can create a dish that feels both nourishing and uplifting.
How to Make Chicken Egg Drop Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stock
To start, pour 4 cups of chicken stock into a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. I love starting with good-quality stock. Homemade is best if you have it, but store-bought works remarkably well too. Let the stock simmer gently as you move to the next step.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
While the stock warms up, take a small bowl and crack your 2 large eggs along with the additional egg yolk. Whisk them together until they are well combined and a bit frothy. This step is key; it creates those beautiful ribbons of egg when added to the soup.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Grab a small bowl. Combine the cornstarch and a small splash of water (about a teaspoon) to create a slurry. This will help prevent any lumps in your soup. Once your stock is hot but not boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture. This is where the magic happens. The stock will begin to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Infuse Flavor
Add the finely chopped chives, sea salt, and ground ginger to the pot. Stir gently and let everything simmer for about a minute. You’ll notice the aroma transforming, making it hard not to take a sip right away.
Step 5: Create the Egg Ribbons
Now for the fun part—slowly drizzle the whisked eggs into the pot. Use a fork or a whisk to keep stirring the soup while you do this. Watch in awe as the eggs form delicate ribbons. It’s like a culinary dance right in your pot.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the soy sauce and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients will elevate your broth, giving it a rich depth while balancing any heaviness. Take a moment now to give your soup a taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. If you love that salty flavor, a bit more soy sauce will do the trick.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and if you’re feeling adventurous, top it with more freshly chopped chives or even some sesame seeds if you have them. Considering all the steps, you’ve made a wondrous bowl of chicken egg drop soup.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken Stock: This is the foundation. The richer the stock, the better the soup. Feel free to experiment with homemade or low-sodium versions.
- Eggs: The fresher, the better. Fresh eggs yield richer, silkier ribbons. Trust me, there’s a noticeable difference!
- Chives: These little green wonders not only enhance flavor but also add a pop of color. If you can’t find chives, green onions work just fine.
- Cornstarch: This helps to give the soup that perfect consistency without adding cream. It’s a great way to keep things light while enjoying natural flavors.
- Soy Sauce: This ingredient enhances umami flavors and adds a touch of saltiness—just don’t overdo it; you want balance.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is key here. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it; the zing you want comes from real lemons.
Recipe Variations
Now, let’s talk about how to switch things up. This recipe is versatile. You can add cooked chicken for extra protein. If you prefer a whole new flavor profile, why not toss in some baby spinach or bok choy?
For spice lovers, consider adding a gentle splash of sriracha or a few drops of sesame oil right before serving. There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen.
Chicken Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 cups chicken stock divided
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce adds umami richness without overpowering the flavors
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice adds a bright, subtle tang to balance the richness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Stock
- To start, pour 4 cups of chicken stock into a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. I love starting with good-quality stock. Homemade is best if you have it, but store-bought works remarkably well too. Let the stock simmer gently as you move to the next step.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
- While the stock warms up, take a small bowl and crack your 2 large eggs along with the additional egg yolk. Whisk them together until they are well combined and a bit frothy. This step is key; it creates those beautiful ribbons of egg when added to the soup.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
- Grab a small bowl. Combine the cornstarch and a small splash of water (about a teaspoon) to create a slurry. This will help prevent any lumps in your soup. Once your stock is hot but not boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture. This is where the magic happens. The stock will begin to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Infuse Flavor
- Add the finely chopped chives, sea salt, and ground ginger to the pot. Stir gently and let everything simmer for about a minute. You’ll notice the aroma transforming, making it hard not to take a sip right away.
Step 5: Create the Egg Ribbons
- Now for the fun part—slowly drizzle the whisked eggs into the pot. Use a fork or a whisk to keep stirring the soup while you do this. Watch in awe as the eggs form delicate ribbons. It’s like a culinary dance right in your pot.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the soy sauce and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients will elevate your broth, giving it a rich depth while balancing any heaviness. Take a moment now to give your soup a taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. If you love that salty flavor, a bit more soy sauce will do the trick.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and if you’re feeling adventurous, top it with more freshly chopped chives or even some sesame seeds if you have them. Considering all the steps, you’ve made a wondrous bowl of chicken egg drop soup.
Notes
- Chicken Stock: This is the foundation. The richer the stock, the better the soup. Feel free to experiment with homemade or low-sodium versions.
- Eggs: The fresher, the better. Fresh eggs yield richer, silkier ribbons. Trust me, there’s a noticeable difference!
- Chives: These little green wonders not only enhance flavor but also add a pop of color. If you can’t find chives, green onions work just fine.
- Cornstarch: This helps to give the soup that perfect consistency without adding cream. It’s a great way to keep things light while enjoying natural flavors.
- Soy Sauce: This ingredient enhances umami flavors and adds a touch of saltiness—just don’t overdo it; you want balance.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is key here. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it; the zing you want comes from real lemons.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable stock is a fantastic option for a vegetarian version. Just note that it may change the flavor slightly; aim for a rich, flavorful vegetable stock to keep the depth.
2. How can I store leftovers?
This soup keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days in an airtight container. But beware, leftovers can lead to thicker soup. If that happens, just add a bit of water or extra stock when reheating.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing egg drop soup because the texture of the eggs can change. However, you could freeze the broth alone and add fresh eggs when you’re ready to serve.
4. What if I don’t like ginger?
If ginger isn’t your thing, you can omit it. Feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic or a bit of white pepper for a warm kick.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! You can make a big batch and portion it out for quick lunches. It’s a great option for those busy weeks. Just be aware that you might want to add the eggs fresh before serving for the best texture.
6. How can I add more veggies into this soup?
You can add any of your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms. Just remember to chop them smaller so they cook quickly and fit well into the soup.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken egg drop soup is a delightful journey that results in a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With easily accessible ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. Whether you’re serving it to loved ones or enjoying it during a quiet night in, I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.
Enjoy the simplicity and warmth this dish brings; it’s more than just a bowl of soup—it tells a story, connects generations, and warms hearts. Dive in, savor the flavors, and make it your own!