Craving a quick, comforting, and healthy meal? Look no further than this easy egg drop soup recipe! This classic dish is incredibly versatile, packed with flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a soothing bedtime snack, this egg drop soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly satisfying and perfect for showcasing homemade cooking at its finest. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Thinly Sliced Green Onions, for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked noodles (egg noodles or thin rice noodles)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Don't let it boil vigorously.
Step 2: Create the Egg Ribbons:
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the simmering broth, while continuously stirring with chopsticks or a fork in a circular motion. This creates those beautiful, delicate egg ribbons. Work quickly, as the eggs will cook almost instantly.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish:
Continue to simmer the soup gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to fully cook and the flavors to meld. Avoid boiling, which can make the eggs tough.
Step 4: Add Noodles (Optional):
If using noodles, add them to the soup during the last minute of cooking. Ensure they are heated through before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve:
Remove the soup from the heat and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious and healthy meal! This is a simple yet satisfying quick dinner idea.
Tips for the Best Egg Drop Soup:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Don't Overcook the Eggs: The key to perfect egg ribbons is to cook the eggs gently and quickly. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery eggs.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the soy sauce, rice vinegar, or ginger to your preference.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes like shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Variations:
- Spicy Egg Drop Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Egg Drop Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this a delicious vegetarian option.
- Mushroom Egg Drop Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the soup during the simmering stage for an earthy flavor.
- Shrimp Egg Drop Soup: Add cooked shrimp during the last minute of cooking for a protein boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is generally considered a healthy meal.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
This simple egg drop soup recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this easy recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any time of day! It’s one of the best recipes for those busy weeknights. Try it and see for yourself – it's a delicious dish that's surprisingly easy to make.