Recipe

Better-Than-Takeout Egg Drop Soup

Silky egg ribbons, savory broth, and that glossy restaurant texture in 15 minutes. This cozy classic is fast, flexible, and wildly comforting.

By Matt Campbell

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4.9

A steaming bowl of egg drop soup with silky egg ribbons and sliced scallions on a wooden table

Jump to Recipe

Egg drop soup is one of those takeout staples that feels like it should be harder than it is. But it is basically: flavorful broth + a cornstarch slurry + eggs poured with confidence. That is it. No secret kitchen handshake required.

This version hits all the things we love about the restaurant bowl: light but satisfying, savory in a clean way, and filled with those soft egg ribbons that make you feel like you just got your life together. It is also the kind of dinner you can make while the rice cooker is still thinking about its choices.

A small saucepan of simmering golden broth with a whisk resting on the rim

Why It Works

Glossy, restaurant-style texture: A quick cornstarch slurry gives the broth that gentle body so the egg ribbons float instead of disappearing.
Big flavor, low effort: Chicken stock plus soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper builds instant depth.
Silky egg ribbons every time: The trick is a gentle simmer and a slow drizzle while stirring in one direction.
Flexible on purpose: Add corn, tofu, spinach, mushrooms, or leftover shredded chicken. The soup will not judge you.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Cool the soup, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The egg stays tender, but the ribbons will break up a bit over time. Still delicious.

Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot. Avoid a hard boil, which can toughen the egg and make the broth cloudy.

Freezer: I do not recommend freezing egg drop soup. The eggs can turn spongy and the texture gets weird in a way that feels like a betrayal.

Common Questions

Why is my egg drop soup watery?

You likely need a bit more slurry or a longer simmer after adding it. Make sure the soup is at a gentle simmer when you whisk in the cornstarch slurry, then simmer 1 to 2 minutes to thicken before adding eggs.

How do I get those long egg ribbons?

Use a gentle simmer, stir the soup in one direction to create a slow whirlpool, then drizzle the beaten eggs in a thin stream from a few inches above the pot. If the soup is boiling hard, the eggs will shatter into tiny bits.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Use vegetable stock and keep the same method. Add mushrooms for extra savoriness. A pinch of white pepper and a few drops of sesame oil go a long way. (If you need it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.)

Is turmeric traditional?

Not necessarily, but it is a popular home cook move for that warm golden color. You can skip it, or use a tiny pinch so it does not taste like you accidentally made wellness soup.

Can I add protein or veggies?

Absolutely. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed tofu, sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, frozen corn, or leftover rice. Let sturdier add-ins (mushrooms, corn) simmer in the broth before the eggs. Add delicate greens at the end so they stay bright.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Medium saucepan or soup pot
Whisk
Small bowl (for slurry)
Measuring spoons and cups
Fork or chopsticks (optional, for extra ribbon control)
Ladle

I started making egg drop soup on nights when I wanted takeout comfort but not the whole production of ordering, waiting, and realizing I forgot to add the wontons. The first time I nailed the ribbons, I stood over the pot like I had just performed a magic trick. Now it is my go-to when the fridge is mostly vibes and a lonely bunch of scallions. Ten minutes later, it tastes like I planned my life.