Egg Drop Soup: Authentic 15-Minute Recipe | The Woks of Life (2024)

FAQs

Why is my egg drop soup so thick? ›

One note here: you should use as much or as little cornstarch as you need to get the consistency of the soup to YOUR liking – if you prefer a thinner, runnier soup, use less cornstarch. If you prefer a thicker Egg Drop Soup, use more!

The bright yellow color is achieved naturally in this recipe with turmeric. Restaurant-style egg drop soup often uses yellow food dye to achieve that color. You can get a brighter yellow color naturally by adding more turmeric, and using pasture-raised eggs (which have a brighter yellow yolk).

With the egg drop soup, you get cholesterol and saturated fat from the eggs in high-sodium chicken broth. The hot and sour soup has tofu and vegetables, but is loaded with sodium-rich soy sauce. Which is worse? At about 100 calories per cup, "calorically, they're okay," says Klatell.

In order to get those signature ribbons, you have to pour your whisked eggs very, very slowly (but consistently) into the soup in a thin stream while whisking continuously. Use a whisk, or get authentic and stir continuously and fairly speedily with chopsticks.

Yes, you can use flour to thicken egg drop soup. You will want to use about half the amount of flour, so about 1.5 tablespoons. You still whisk it together with the water, soy sauce, etc. Your soup will have a cloudiness to it rather than that clear glossy look that cornstarch give.

The main uses for cornstarch in Chinese cooking are: Marinating meats to create a velvety texture after stir-frying. Dredging foods prior to deep-frying to achieve a perfectly crispy result. Magically thickening soups, gravies, and stir-fry sauces.

Stir in your eggs slowly for beautifully large egg ribbons

Before you even begin to incorporate the eggs into the soup, crank down the heat of your broth. The force of a roaring hot liquid will break apart your delicate ribbons as they cook, creating tiny little wisps that aren't as palatable or visually stunning.

Egg drop soup is quite healthy. Egg drop soup calories and carbohydrates are low, which makes the dish good for people watching their weight. While the chicken broth and eggs are nutritious, this soup has the drawback of being high in sodium. However, you can reduce the saltiness by making the dish at home.

Occasionally, a soup recipe will call for beaten eggs as a thickening agent. Both whole eggs and yolks can be used. To avoid curdling the eggs, start by drizzling about ½ cup of the hot broth into the eggs, stirring vigorously while you pour. Then add the egg mixture to the soup and cook until thickened.

Hot and sour soup or egg drop soup

Both soups are low in calories — containing only 65–90 calories per 1-cup (240 mL) serving — and you can make them even healthier by avoiding the fried lo mein noodles that are often offered as a topping ( 2 , 3 ).

Is egg drop soup good for your stomach? ›

This soup has so many healing benefits and is a great option for when you're feeling a cold coming on, inflamed from eating too much junk food, to help alleviate sinus pressure, cramps and many other uncomfortable situations. The bone broth is also great for your gut health and helps with digestive issues.

How to Store Egg Drop Soup. Store your leftover egg drop soup for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Choosing the Healthiest Soup

Both egg drop and wonton soups are among the better options if you are trying to eat healthy at a Chinese restaurant. A cup of egg drop soup contains 65 calories and only 1.5 grams of fat, while a cup of wonton soup provides 71 calories but only 0.6 grams of fat.

Add more liquid: The simplest solution is to add more liquid, such as water, broth, or milk. Start by adding a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. Use a blender: If you have a blender, you can puree the soup in batches, adding more liquid as needed.

Why is my egg drop soup so thick? If prepared properly, egg drop soup should be thick with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. It shouldn't, however, be so thick that it's practically gelatinous. A soup that's too thick likely means you used too much cornstarch or the swirl-and-pour technique was done incorrectly.

In Cantonese imperial courts, egg drop soup was used as a way to showcase a chef's finesse: the fine swirl of eggs, when done right, was meant to mimic the gelatinous texture of a clear stock fortified with rooster and Jinhua ham.

The broth may have a little bit of body provided by the gelatin created by simmering bones and meat, but for the most part, your soup is thin. As the noodles begin to cook, the liquid in the soup will start to thicken slightly. This happens in two ways: first, it's a simple concentration of dissolved solids.