Name: Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); 1 cup frozen corn; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more if needed; ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional, for a slightly spicy flavor); ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and peppery flavor); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (plus more for garnish, if desired); 2 tablespoons corn starch (or 3 tablespoons for extra-thick); ¼ cup water; 6 eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 60 reviews

If you crave a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that comes together in no time, look no further than this Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of silky eggs swirling through a fragrant, savory broth, offering a cozy hug in a bowl that anyone can whip up after a busy day. With fresh ginger, punchy green onions, and just the right touch of seasonings, this soup manages to feel both homey and special. Whether you’re new to making soup or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a soup in a white pot with a blue outside, sitting on a stove with a black grate and a white marbled surface underneath. In the first frame, there is a clear broth layer with yellow corn kernels and chopped green onions floating on top, along with some light brown bits. The second frame shows the corn and green onions still in the simmering broth, now with a thick yellow-orange sauce being poured from a white bowl, creating steam. The third frame captures a woman's hand stirring the mixture with a wooden spoon as more of the yellow-orange sauce is poured in, blending with the broth and corn. The last frame shows the soup turned into a thick yellow mixture with more chopped green onions added on top, and a woman's hand holding a silver measuring spoon adding a dark liquid to the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is all it takes to achieve that classic silky texture and deep flavor in this soup. Each component plays a vital role, enhancing the broth’s warmth, adding layers of aroma, or lending the perfect golden hue.

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful foundation that sets the tone for the soup.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced) or 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing and warmth that wakes up your palate.
3 green onions (thinly sliced, whites and greens separated): Whites bring mild oniony sweetness; greens add brightness as garnish.
1 cup frozen corn: Sweet bursts of texture and color to brighten the broth.
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 3 for extra-thick): Thickens the soup to silky perfection without heaviness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth with subtle garlic notes.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors; adjust as needed.
¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional): Delivers a mild spicy kick without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional): Brings a warm golden hue and gentle earthiness.
¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth thickening.
6 eggs: The star ingredient creating those signature silky ribbons in the soup.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (plus more for garnish if desired): Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that makes every spoonful irresistible.

How to Make Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Broth Base

Begin by pouring your chicken or vegetable broth into a medium saucepan. Bring it gently to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the minced fresh ginger, garlic powder, salt, and optional white pepper and turmeric. These spices meld beautifully while the soup simmers, building a fragrant and inviting foundation for your egg ribbons.

Step 2: Add the Corn and Green Onion Whites

Once the broth is simmering, toss in the frozen corn and the white parts of your green onions. These bring subtle sweetness and delicate flavor layers, and they add a lovely pop of color and texture. Let them cook gently for a few minutes, just until the corn is tender.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with the water until completely smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering broth while stirring constantly. This step is crucial to avoid clumps and ensures your soup achieves that beautiful silky consistency everyone loves.

Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons

Lightly beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly drizzle the eggs into the broth in a thin stream while stirring gently in one direction with a fork or chopsticks. This movement creates delicate, feathery ribbons of cooked egg floating through the soup—absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Green Onion Greens

Remove your soup from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil for that subtle nutty depth. Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onion tops over the surface for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Your Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe

A close-up view of a shiny metal ladle holding thick yellow soup with small green herb pieces and bits of corn, showing a smooth and slightly chunky texture. The soup fills the ladle fully and appears warm, with steam rising subtly. The ladle is held over a deep blue pot filled with the same yellow soup, set against a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate your soup to a whole new level. A drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil, a sprinkle of freshly cracked white pepper, or even a handful of chopped fresh cilantro bring brightness and complexity. Toasted sesame seeds or a few drops of chili oil add a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think steamed jasmine rice for extra comfort, crispy spring rolls for crunch, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the warm broth. They round out the meal beautifully without stealing the spotlight from your star soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn a humble soup into something special. Serve it in pretty ceramic bowls or clear glass cups so you can admire those elegant egg ribbons. Add a small plate with an herb sprig or thinly sliced chili beside the bowl for a professional touch. For casual dining, a rustic wooden bowl adds cozy charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture. The egg ribbons may slightly thicken but will still be delicious and comforting on a later day.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this soup due to the delicate texture of the eggs and cornstarch-thickened broth, which can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, expect some changes in texture and consider reheating gently with fresh eggs added after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or curdling. You can whisk in one or two fresh eggs while reheating to refresh those silky ribbons and bring back that freshly made feel. Add a little water or broth if the soup becomes too thick after chilling.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and skip the eggs or try adding silken tofu ribbons for a vegan alternative. The ginger, corn, and seasonings will keep it flavorful and comforting.

What can I substitute for fresh ginger?

If fresh ginger isn’t on hand, ground ginger works well—use about one-third the amount of fresh. Just note that fresh ginger offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor that adds a special kick to this soup.

How do I avoid clumps when adding cornstarch?

Always dissolve the cornstarch fully in cold water before adding it to the hot broth. Pour it in slowly while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, luscious texture without lumps.

Can I use regular black pepper instead of white pepper?

You can, but white pepper is preferred for its milder, earthier heat that blends seamlessly without altering the soup’s appearance. Black pepper might add specks and a sharper note.

Is it okay to add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in finely chopped mushrooms, shredded carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition. Just add them early enough to cook through without losing their crunch and vibrancy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe that wraps you up in warmth and simplicity. It’s a testament to how just a few ingredients and thoughtful steps can create a dish that feels like a big kitchen hug. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it becoming your go-to quick soup, perfect for any season or mood.

Homemade Egg Drop Soup (15 Minutes!) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need