Egg Drop Soup (Aka Bird Drop Soup)
A comforting, savory Chinese egg drop soup with tender eggs and optional mushrooms, perfect for a quick, warming appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth, water, sugar, salt, and pepper to a boil in a pot.
- Stir in cornstarch until fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the beaten eggs in a slow, steady stream while gently stirring the soup to create egg ribbons.
- Season with soy sauce to taste and add mushrooms if desired.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option. If you want to enhance the texture, add thinly sliced green onions or bamboo shoots. Adjust seasoning based on your taste, but be cautious with the salt since the broth may already contain it. Explore more Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the egg drop soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a dash of sesame oil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Stir-Fry Ala Jeane or Chicken Veg-Stir-Fry for a complete meal. For a light lunch, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables. This soup can also be a delicious starter for any Asian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg Drop Soup (Aka Bird Drop Soup) contains roughly 109 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 635mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed since vegetable broths can vary in saltiness.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked proteins such as shredded chicken or tofu. You can also include vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots to enhance its nutritional value and texture, creating a more filling dish.
Can I make this soup in advance?
While egg drop soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth and cornstarch mixture in advance. Simply combine and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, bring the broth back to a boil and add the eggs just before serving to maintain the texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).