Effortless Silky Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Velvety smooth tomato soup, enriched with delicate ribbons of egg.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Tomato and egg drop soup is a comforting classic found in many Chinese households. Simple yet satisfying, this soup is known for its bright flavors and silky texture. What sets this recipe apart is its ease of preparation and the focus on achieving that perfect, ethereal egg ribbon effect. It's a quick and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
- •Umami Richness - A deeply savory broth enhanced by soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil.
- •Velvet Egg Ribbons - The eggs create a luxurious, almost creamy texture that coats the palate.
- •Quick Weeknight Meal - Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- •Subtle Spice - White pepper and a touch of ginger add warmth without overpowering the dish.
- •Nourishing & Light - A balanced and wholesome soup that's both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 2 medium Ripe Tomatoes (diced)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
- 2 large Eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 2 Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (minced)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Heat a pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will affect the flavor of the soup.
~2 min
Tip: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for sautéing. - 2
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices. Cooking the tomatoes first helps to intensify their flavor and create a richer base for the soup.
~3 min
Tip: If using canned diced tomatoes, drain them before adding them to the pot. - 3
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Simmering the broth with the tomatoes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
~2 min
Tip: Adjust the amount of chicken broth to your preferred consistency. - 4
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This cornstarch slurry will thicken the soup, giving it a more luxurious texture. Ensure there are no lumps in the slurry before adding it to the soup.
~1 min
Tip: Make sure the water is cold when mixing with cornstarch to prevent clumping. - 5
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly. The soup should become slightly viscous, but not overly thick. Adjust the amount of slurry as needed to reach your desired consistency.
~1 min
Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the cornstarch from clumping. - 6
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin, steady stream, stirring gently with a fork or chopsticks as you pour. The key is to create thin, delicate ribbons of egg rather than scrambled eggs.
~2 min
Tip: Ensure the soup is not boiling vigorously when adding the eggs. - 7
Continue stirring gently for about 30 seconds, allowing the eggs to cook and form the characteristic ribbons. Avoid over-stirring, as this can break up the egg ribbons.
~1 min
Tip: The egg ribbons will cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. - 8
Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. These seasonings enhance the savory flavor of the soup and add a subtle depth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to your liking.
~1 min
Tip: Start with a small amount of soy sauce and sesame oil, then add more to taste. - 9
Garnish with sliced green onions. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color to the soup. Use the green parts of the onion for the best flavor and visual appeal.
~1 min
Tip: Reserve some green onions for an extra garnish just before serving. - 10
Serve immediately while hot. This soup is best enjoyed fresh. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth and silky texture.
0Tip: Serve with a side of steamed rice for a more substantial meal.
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The soup is done when the egg ribbons are fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Drain them well before adding to the pot. Fresh tomatoes will give a brighter flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Effortless Silky Tomato Egg Drop Soup as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!