If you’re looking for a hug in a bowl, this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe is it! Imagine plump, juicy wontons bobbing in a fragrant golden broth, laced with silky ribbons of egg and a hint of fresh ginger. It’s the kind of soup you crave on chilly nights or when you want something comforting but not heavy. Best of all, it comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. This soup is all about layers of flavor, delicate textures, and just the right amount of warmth—your new favorite way to enjoy a classic Chinese takeout staple at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe truly shine is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one brings something special to the bowl—whether it’s a boost of umami, a pop of freshness, or that unmistakable eggy swirl. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love using them:
- Wontons: These are the stars of the show, adding heartiness and a burst of flavor with every bite. Pork or shrimp both work beautifully—just use your favorite!
- Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup, a good-quality chicken broth makes everything taste richer and more comforting.
- Soy sauce: A dash of soy sauce deepens the flavor and gives the broth a savory lift.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds a gorgeous nutty aroma that lingers in every spoonful.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a subtle zing and warmth that balances the other flavors.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, they add both color and a crisp, fresh bite at the end.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs create those beautiful, silky ribbons that make this soup extra special.
- White pepper: This gentle spice gives the soup a mild heat and authentic taste—start with a little and add more to suit your palate.
- Cornstarch slurry (optional): If you like your soup a bit thicker, a quick cornstarch slurry will do the trick without changing the flavor.
- Fresh cilantro or extra green onions (for garnish): These optional toppings add a final pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Broth
Start by bringing your chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. This is where the magic begins, as the broth forms the cozy, flavorful base for the entire Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe. Be patient—it’s worth letting the broth heat up slowly so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Once the broth is simmering, stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and white pepper. This is your chance to build layers of flavor. The ginger will infuse the broth with warmth, while the soy sauce and sesame oil round out the taste with umami and a hint of that signature Chinese aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Wontons
Time for the star ingredient! Gently add your wontons to the simmering broth. If you’re using frozen wontons, let them cook for about 6–8 minutes; if they’re fresh, 3–5 minutes should do the trick. The wontons are ready when they float to the top and look translucent. Don’t overcrowd the pan—let them dance around so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Create the Egg Ribbons
This is the most satisfying part. With the broth gently simmering and moving in a circular motion (use a spoon to help), slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten eggs. Keep stirring as you pour so the eggs cook instantly into delicate, silky ribbons. It’s a simple technique, but it never fails to impress!
Step 5: Thicken the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, stir in the cornstarch slurry now. Mix the cornstarch with water first, then pour it into the pot and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until the broth gains a subtle, glossy thickness. This step is totally optional, but it gives the Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe a lovely, luxurious texture.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions and Serve
Add the sliced green onions, give everything a gentle stir, and take the pot off the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or extra green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and savor every spoonful!
How to Serve Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A good garnish does more than just look pretty—it wakes up the flavors in every bowl! For this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe, nothing beats a sprinkle of vibrant green onions or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. For extra crunch, you could even top with a few crispy fried shallots. A drizzle of chili oil is perfect if you want a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a range of Asian-inspired sides. Try serving it alongside steamed dumplings, a simple cucumber salad, or some sautéed greens like bok choy. A bowl of jasmine rice or scallion pancakes will round out your meal and soak up every last drop of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress family or guests? Serve the soup in individual bowls with a mini dipping spoon for the wontons, and let everyone add their own garnishes. If you’re hosting a dinner, consider a “build-your-own” soup bar with extra toppings like shredded chicken, mushrooms, or baby spinach, so everyone can customize their Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Let your soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wontons may absorb a bit of the broth as they rest, but the flavors will continue to develop and deepen, making the Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and wontons separately for the best texture. Pack the wontons in one freezer-safe container and the broth in another. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently and combine just before serving. This helps maintain the delicate texture of the wontons and prevents the eggs from becoming rubbery.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up. Stir gently to avoid breaking the wontons, and enjoy your Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe as if it were freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use homemade wontons?
Absolutely! Homemade wontons will make your Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe taste even more authentic and special. Just be sure to seal them tightly so they don’t fall apart while cooking.
What type Soup
A rich, clear chicken broth is traditional and provides the best flavor, but feel free to use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version. Always opt for low-sodium so you can control the saltiness yourself.
How do I get those beautiful egg ribbons?
The trick is to gently stir the simmering broth in a circular motion while slowly drizzling in the beaten eggs. This technique allows the eggs to cook instantly into delicate, silky strands that swirl through the soup.
Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Baby spinach, thinly sliced mushrooms, or even julienned carrots make wonderful additions. Add them just before the eggs so they stay tender and vibrant.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It depends on your wontons and soy sauce. Look for gluten-free wonton wrappers and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten, and you can still fully enjoy the Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the mix of flavors and textures in this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe—it’s endlessly soothing, deeply satisfying, and so simple to make at home. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a go-to comfort dish in your kitchen, too!
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Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Wonton Egg Drop Soup is a comforting and quick Asian-inspired recipe combining savory wontons with delicate egg ribbons in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a light meal or starter, it brings together simple ingredients for a heartwarming soup that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Wontons
- 10–12 frozen or fresh wontons (pork or shrimp)
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (or to taste)
Egg and Garnishes
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro or extra green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and white pepper, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Wontons: Gently stir in the frozen or fresh wontons and simmer according to the package instructions—typically 3–5 minutes for fresh and 6–8 minutes for frozen—until they are cooked through and tender.
- Create Egg Ribbons: Stir the broth gently in a circular motion to create a vortex and slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs while continuing to stir the soup gently. This technique forms silky egg ribbons throughout the broth.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the thinly sliced green onions, then remove the soup from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or extra green onions if desired.
Notes
- To make the soup heartier, add baby spinach or thinly sliced mushrooms before adding the eggs.
- For best flavor and texture, use homemade or high-quality store-bought wontons.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
