Quick Egg Drop Soup

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A quick and comforting egg drop soup featuring tender noodles and a savory Parmesan touch. Ideal for a light lunch or cozy dinner, this dish combines rich chicken broth with silky egg ribbons and cheese, appealing to those craving a warm, satisfying, and easy-to-make soup.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup noodles (pastina or alphabet)
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a pot.
  2. Sprinkle the noodles into the boiling broth slowly to prevent the boiling from stopping.
  3. Cook the noodles until tender.
  4. Reduce the heat below boiling point.
  5. Drop the beaten egg into the soup by teaspoons, stirring constantly.
  6. Do not allow the soup to return to a boil after adding the egg.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh ginger or garlic while the broth is heating. You can substitute the noodles with rice or omit them entirely for a lighter soup. If you want a touch of color, add some chopped green onions or peas just before serving. Be careful when adding the egg; stirring gently will create silky strands instead of clumps.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Hot Chinese Chicken Salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a starter before a hearty main course or alongside a light salad for a refreshing lunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to avoid curdling the egg. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth, you can add a little extra broth or water to regain the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Egg Drop Soup contains roughly 1145 calories, with 23g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2596mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

1145 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.6g 45% DV
Total Fat 16.1g 21% DV
Carbs 230.6g 84% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2596.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 1389.5mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 157.2mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 675.8mg 52% DV
Iron 6.1mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the soup's flavor while keeping it meat-free. Additionally, you can enhance the taste with a bit of soy sauce or miso for a deeper umami flavor.

What other proteins can I add to the soup?

To make it a heartier dish, you can also add cooked chicken from your favorite Chicken recipes.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup before adding the egg. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. Conversely, if the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

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).

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