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You’ll fall in love with my mom’s Paleo Egg Drop Soup fast! With fluffy egg flowers, the most delicious savory broth, and healthy lean protein, this version is not only delicious but also super easy to make. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrition and healthy goodness.
For chicken lovers, don’t forget to check out my Keto Egg Drop Soup. It’s another fan favorite on the blog and will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Table of Contents
What is egg drop soup
Egg drop soup, also known as egg flower soup, is a Chinese soup made from beaten eggs in chicken broth. The texture of the soup is silky, smooth, and utterly comforting. Depending on the ingredients added, it can offer a wide range of flavors, from a hint of tartness and sourness to a very light and savory taste. It’s a simple yet comforting dish.
Ingredients for protein egg drop soup
Let’s take a look at the egg drop soup main ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. Here’s what makes our soup so special:
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- Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Green onions: Provide a mild, onion-like taste, with the green parts adding freshness as garnish.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Offer a meaty texture and earthy flavor, boosting the soup’s umami profile. Can use either fresh or rehydrated shiitake mushrooms.
- Avocado Oil: Used for sautéing; it’s a healthy fat that adds a subtle, buttery richness.
- Ground Pork or Chicken: The main protein source, making the soup more filling and nutritious.
- Coarse Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing the soup to life.
- Chicken Stock or Bone Broth: The base of the soup, offering depth and a rich, savory background. You can use store-bought or see my Instant Pot Chinese chicken soup for a homemade version.
- Coconut Aminos: Adds a slightly sweet and salty umami flavor, perfect for Paleo diets. For people who aren’t sensitive to soy, can also use light soy sauce.
- Cumin Powder: Introduces a warm, earthy note that complements the meat and mushrooms.
- Eggs: Create the iconic “ribbons” in egg drop soup, adding texture and protein.
- Turmeric Powder: Provides a hint of earthiness and a vibrant color, along with health benefits.
- Tapioca Starch: Optional; used to thicken the soup for a silkier texture. Can also use arrowroot starch.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
Substitutions and variations
- Bone broth choices: You can also explore flavors like egg drop soup with beef broth, Chinese chicken bone broth, or Instant Pot bone broth egg drop soup for a deeper, richer taste.
- Vegetarian: For a plant-based twist, try egg drop soup with tofu, adding a delightful texture and plant-based protein.
- Topping choices: Spruce up your soup with a variety of toppings like cilantro, parsley, jalapeno peppers, garlic chili sauce, or shacha sauce for extra flavor layers.
- Add noodles: Elevate your dish by adding egg drop soup with noodles. Check out our comprehensive guide on types of Chinese noodles for more noodle inspiration.
- Starch choices: Looking for cornstarch substitute for egg drop soup? Consider using arrowroot starch or potato starch as alternatives. For an extra healthy twist, simply add more eggs to the soup. The eggs themselves act as a natural thickening agent, offering both nutrition and the perfect consistency.
Remember to check out the section on “how to make a great pot of easy egg drop soup without bone broth” for expert tips on elevating your soup game.
How to make paleo eggdrop soup
Now that we’ve gathered all our flavorful ingredients, let’s dive into the heart of cooking this delightful easy egg flower soup. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting and healthy dish to life. It’s easier than you might think, and the result is worth it!
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely mince ginger, dice scallions (keeping white and green parts separate), and slice shiitake mushrooms.
- Sauté Meat and Scallions: In a medium-sized soup pot over medium heat, add avocado oil, ground meat, and white scallion parts. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 minutes, breaking the meat into fine pieces until no longer pink.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pot, sautéing for 2 more minutes until they soften.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken stock and coconut aminos. Stir in cumin powder. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs in a small bowl with turmeric in a separate bowl. If using, mix tapioca starch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Add Eggs to Soup: Over simmering soup, use chopsticks or a fork to guide the slow drizzle of beaten eggs, forming ribbons. Let sit briefly, then gently stir to separate egg ribbons.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): Stir the starch slurry again and add to the soup, stirring for a minute.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Turn off the heat, garnish with green scallion parts and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Tips for making healthy egg drop soup
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade egg drop soup to soothe and comfort, especially when you’re under the weather. Here are some tips to make your egg drop soup not only delicious but also healthy and nourishing, perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter diet without missing out on nutrition:
- Use Bone Broth: Opt for your favorite store-bought bone broth or make it at home from scratch. Bone broth elevates the nutritional value of the soup far beyond what plain water can offer and enhances the overall taste.
- Eggs as a Thickener: Traditionally, egg drop soup in Asia is served light, without heavy thickeners. For a healthier twist, skip starch-based thickeners and whisk in additional eggs. This approach naturally thickens the soup while keeping the carb count low.
- Add a Protein of Your Choice: To make the soup more fulfilling, incorporate a protein that suits your dietary preference. Adding shredded chicken, pork, tofu, mushrooms, or ground meat as in our recipe, not only boosts the protein content but also makes the soup more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
How to make egg drop soup without chicken broth
While egg drop soup with bone broth is a fantastic and straightforward choice for a hearty soup, don’t worry if you’re out of it. Here’s how you can still create a pot of mouthwatering egg drop soup without chicken broth, using some simple yet effective tips:
- Use Aromatics: Begin by sautéing aromatics like ginger, spring onions, shallots, or onions. This step is crucial as it infuses the oil with fragrance and lays the foundation for the soup’s flavor.
- Pick a Protein: Add your choice of uncooked ground chicken, pork, or beef – just a small amount to enrich the soup. For a vegetarian twist, chopped tomatoes (as in my Chinese tomato egg drop soup) or shiitake mushrooms are great alternatives.
- Simmer the Broth: Combine water with the aromatics and protein, then let it simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the flavor of your soup with coconut aminos or soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and a hint of toasted sesame oil for that perfect balance.
- Bouillon Boost: If you have it, add a sprinkle of chicken or shiitake mushroom bouillon powder or cubes. This is an Asian kitchen secret for quickly adding depth and rich flavor to the broth without needing bone broth. Check out my homemade chicken bouillon recipe for guidance.
How to make ahead, store, and reheat
Preparing egg drop soup with protein ahead of time is a breeze, and it’s just as yummy the next day! Here are some tips to help you to make it in advance or even freeze it.
- Make-Ahead: Whip up this soup in a snap, and don’t hesitate to cook a larger batch. It’s perfect for enjoying later, and the flavors often deepen beautifully overnight.
- Storage: Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze egg drop soup..For thawing, simply leave it in the fridge overnight before you plan to reheat it.
- Reheat: Warm the soup in the microwave if it’s been refrigerated, or gently reheat it on the stovetop. While the egg ribbons might change texture slightly, the soup’s flavor remains as delightful as ever. If you like, whisk in extra eggs after bringing the soup to a gentle boil to thicken it more.
What to serve with egg flower soup
Pairing our healthy Egg Drop Soup with the right side dishes can turn it into a full, satisfying meal. Here are some tasty suggestions, categorized for your convenience:
- Pair with Extra Protein: Complement the soup with a hearty Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry or the savory goodness of Paleo Beef and Broccoli. For chicken lovers, Paleo Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful choice, and Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Green Beans offers a flavorful protein-packed punch.
- Serve with Vegetables: Add a green touch to your meal with Bok Choy Stir Fry or Sauteed Baby Bok Choy with Shiitake for an earthy flavor. Another excellent choice is Din Tai Fung Green Beans prepared in the air fryer, offering a crisp, delicious side.
- Add Noodles/Rice: For a more filling meal, include Rice Paper Noodles for a light yet satisfying texture. Air Fryer Fried Rice brings a delightful twist to a classic, and Shirataki Rice is an excellent low-carb option that pairs wonderfully with the soup.
Expert tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms for the most vibrant flavors.
- Protein Choice: Cook your choice of protein thoroughly before adding the broth for safety and taste.
- Broth Quality: High-quality chicken stock or bone broth is ideal for a rich and flavorful soup base.
- Soup Broth Temperature for Egg Ribbons: Ensure the broth is at a gentle, hot simmer—not boiling—when adding the eggs. This temperature is key to forming perfect egg ribbons and achieving the right texture.
- Egg Drizzling Technique: Slowly drizzle the eggs from a height for perfect egg ribbons.
- Stirring: Let the eggs set for a few seconds after adding to the soup before gently stirring.
- What to Do Without Bone Broth: If you don’t have bone broth, you can use a good quality store-bought or homemade chicken stock. Enhance it with sautéed aromatics like ginger and onions, and consider adding a bouillon cube for extra depth.
- Starch or No Starch: Deciding to use starch depends on your texture preference. For a traditional, lighter soup, skip the starch. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, use a small amount of tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch. Remember, adding extra whisked eggs can also naturally thicken the soup.
FAQs
Egg drop soup is traditionally made with chicken broth and whisked eggs. It’s often seasoned with scallions, salt, and white pepper to taste, creating a flavorful and comforting dish
A substitute for MSG in egg drop soup is to use umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, nutritional yeast, or chicken or mushroom bouillon for added depth of flavor without MSG.
Chinese American takeout egg drop soup is thicker due to the generous addition of starch (slurry) to the broth, creating a distinct consistency compared to the traditional Asian version, where starch is typically used sparingly.
Yes, egg drop soup is often considered soothing for an upset stomach. Its mild flavor and easy-to-digest ingredients, like eggs and broth, can provide comfort and nourishment.
More Chinese egg drop soup recipes you might like
If you love Chinese egg drop soups, you’ll also adore these regional variations. Each of these soups is beloved across Asia, with every household having its unique take on these classics.
- Tomato Egg Drop Soup: A tangy twist on the classic with the richness of tomatoes and silky egg ribbons. Vegetarian-friendly.
- Chinese Chicken Corn Egg Drop Soup: A hearty soup packed with chicken, sweet corn, and delicate egg swirls.
- Wonton Egg Drop Soup: The perfect fusion of gluten free wontons wrappers and the beloved egg drop soup, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Paleo egg drop soup recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 0.2 oz ginger finely minced, 1.5 tsp
- 2 bulb scallions diced and separate white and green parts
- 4 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms sliced, 5 large caps
- 0.5 tbsp avocado oil
- ⅓ – ½ lb ground pork or ground chicken
- ¼-½ tsp coarse sea salt or to taste
- 3.5 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos or 0.5 tbsp light soy sauce to taste
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- 3 large eggs whisked
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp tapioca starch optional
- Drizzle Toasted Sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ginger, spring onions, and slice the shiitake.
- Preheat a medium-sized soup pot over medium-heat until it feels warm. Add the oil, ground meat, and white scallion parts, and season with ¼ tsp salt. Use a wooden spoon to saute and break up the meat into fine pieces until the meat is no longer pink, 3 minutes.
- Add the shiitake and keep sauteing until the mushrooms turn softer, 2 minutes.
- Add the stock, coconut aminos, cumin powder. Give it a stir then cover the pot to bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, 4-5 minutes.
- In the meantime, whisked the eggs with turmeric in a separate small bowl. Prepare a slurry by mixing starch with 2 tbsp cold water in a separate bowl, if adding.
- Once the soup comes to a boil, lower heat to medium-low for a gentle simmering. Put chopsticks (or a fork) against one end of the bowl. Slowly drizzle eggs from a high up into the soup in a circling motion.
- Let the eggs sit for a few seconds in the soup pot without stirring, and then gently whisk the eggs and broth to separate the eggs into fine ribbons.
- While the soup is still in hot simmering, stir the slurry one more time then pour it into the pot. Stir the soup for 1 minute then turn off the heat.
- Taste and adjust with seasonings or more salt to taste. Garnish with green parts of scallions and sesame oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- The soup is light yet flavorful. Healthy with added protein and is heartwarming and soothing. Great for the whole family to enjoy.
- The added starch slurry is optional.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made a dish and loved it? Please remember to rate the recipe and leave a comment in the section below! It helps my blog grow organically, allowing me to continue sharing free and awesome content with you. Thank you!
We already love Egg Drop Soup, but this recipe made it into a meal! I found this recipe on the website, but was pleasantly surprised to find it in your cookbook too! We will add more ginger next time–it takes the combination of flavors up a notch higher to bite into a minced piece!
Thank you so much.
This already looked so good and then I watched your video and now I have to make it!
I love this hearty paleo version of egg drop soup. The adding of the chicken to the soup makes it extra satisfying 🙂
So simple and delicious! I love how comforting it is.
This soup was great! I think the cumin added a little something extra.
Absolutely agree!
I make this a lot with frozen meatballs from Ikea
Can this also be keto friendly?
Hi Susannah, yes this egg drop soup is also keto friendly. :))
One of my most-fave weeknight meals and super easy/quick to make. My husband loves it and it’s an easy one to double the recipe if you want leftovers!
Thank you, Jennie! It’s perfect for quick weeknight meal. :))
Wonderful comforting soup, and so easy to make. Thank you!
Thank you, Joanna!
My husband and I loved this soup! I added a pepper just because we generally add spice to everything. It was delicious and super easy to make. Loved the tip on how to drop the eggs in! Will make again for sure.
Thank you so much, Haylea. I appreciate it !