Spicy Ginger Egg Drop Soup

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're craving a cozy bowl of comfort with a bit of a kick, this Spicy Ginger Egg Drop Soup is your answer. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that brings warmth with every sip, perfect for chilly evenings. The fresh ginger and red pepper flakes give it a zing that sets it apart from your usual egg drop soup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Packs a flavorful punch with ginger and red pepper flakes.
  • Light yet satisfying, making it a great starter or main dish.
  • A great way to use up leftover mushrooms or green onions.

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by bringing chicken broth to a gentle boil in a pot. Meanwhile, get your ginger ready by grating it, and then add it to the pot along with soy sauce, white pepper, and mushrooms. This combination sets the stage for a tasty broth.

Next, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Slowly stir the slurry into the broth, which will help thicken it slightly. This step is crucial as it gives the soup a bit more body.

Turn the heat down to a simmer, and begin to gradually pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup gently. This technique allows the eggs to form those beautiful, delicate ribbons that float throughout the soup.

Finally, add the sliced green onions, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together gently. Serve the soup hot, and if you like, garnish with a few extra green onion slices for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Use a fork to beat the eggs lightly, which helps them pour smoothly into the soup.
  • If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delightful on its own, but you can serve it alongside steamed dumplings or a light salad for a more complete meal. A side of crispy spring rolls can also add a nice contrast in texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and reheat it to add the eggs just before serving.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms, try adding thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for a different texture and taste.

Ingredients Explained

Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. Fresh ginger adds a bright, spicy warmth that complements the delicate taste of the beaten eggs. Soy sauce brings a depth of umami, while white pepper gives a subtle heat that is more aromatic than black pepper. As for the eggs, they create those beautiful, silky ribbons that define this classic dish. The cornstarch slurry gently thickens the broth, giving it a lovely consistency. Green onions add a fresh, crisp element, and the sesame oil provides a nutty finish. Mushrooms contribute a hearty texture, while red pepper flakes turn up the heat just enough to make things interesting.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle boil.
2. Add grated ginger, soy sauce, white pepper, and mushrooms.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
4. Slowly stir the slurry into the broth, cook until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat, then gradually pour in beaten eggs while stirring gently to form ribbons.
6. Add sliced green onions, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

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