Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Classic Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with the silky texture of egg ribbons. This soup is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a warm starter for a gathering. The unique blend of savory chicken broth, fresh ingredients, and fragrant spices creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy days.
• Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and ginger delivers a burst of taste with every spoonful.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from tomatoes and protein from eggs, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
• Comforting: A warm bowl of this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed soup pot
• Ladle
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed soup pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing the soup from burning.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup without spills.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for beating eggs and mixing cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk or fork: Useful for whipping eggs quickly to achieve smooth ribbons in the soup.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Egg Drop Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Eggs and Broth

• 3 large Eggs
• 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock

Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon minced Garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon Ginger (thinly sliced)

Vegetables

• 2 large Ripe Tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Green Onion

Seasonings and Thickeners

• 2 tablespoon Oil
• 2 tablespoon light Soy Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon White pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust as per taste)
• 2 tablespoon Cornflour / Cornstarch

How to Make Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

To start making your Tomato Egg Drop Soup, mix two tablespoons of water with the cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

Add chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they soften and become mushy.

Step 4: Add Green Onions

Stir in half of the chopped green onion and sauté for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5: Add Chicken Stock

Pour in the low sodium chicken stock. Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Add soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Step 7: Thicken with Cornstarch

Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously with a ladle to prevent lumps from forming. Allow it to simmer for one minute until slightly thickened.

Step 8: Beat Eggs

While waiting, beat three eggs in a separate mixing bowl until fully combined.

Step 9: Create Egg Ribbons

Lower the flame on your stove. Gently drizzle the beaten eggs into the pot while stirring in a circular motion with your ladle. This will create delicate egg ribbons throughout your soup.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Let the soup simmer for one more minute to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle your delicious Tomato Egg Drop Soup into bowls. Top with remaining chopped green onions before serving! Enjoy your nourishing meal!

How to Serve Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having it as a starter or as a main course, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro gives the soup a bright flavor and complements the tomatoes perfectly.
• Basil Leaves: A few torn basil leaves can bring an aromatic touch and balance the savory notes.

Topped with Crunchy Elements

• Fried Shallots: Sprinkle some crispy fried shallots on top for added texture and crunch.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: These seeds add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the richness of the eggs.

Alongside Accompaniments

• Steamed Rice: Serve the soup with a bowl of steamed rice to make it a more filling meal.
• Noodles: Add cooked noodles to the soup for a heartier option, perfect for those who love a good noodle soup.

How to Perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Creating the perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for optimal results.

• Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes enhance the soup’s flavor significantly compared to canned options.
• Control Egg Temperature: Ensure your broth is simmering but not boiling when you add the eggs; this helps create delicate ribbons.
• Stir Constantly: While adding the beaten eggs, stir continuously to achieve those beautiful, thin egg strands.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your broth after adding soy sauce and salt to adjust seasoning according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Pairing side dishes with Tomato Egg Drop Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch that complements the soup’s smooth textures.
2. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or veggies offer a satisfying bite alongside the soup.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers and vinegar adds a cool contrast to the warmth of the soup.
4. Fried Rice: Seasoned fried rice makes for a hearty accompaniment that pairs well with every spoonful of soup.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing flavors.
6. Garlic Bread: A toasted slice of garlic bread provides something crunchy and savory, perfect for dipping into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tomato Egg Drop Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and eggs yield the best flavor. Always choose ripe tomatoes for a more vibrant taste.
• Adding eggs too quickly: If you pour the beaten eggs into the broth too fast, they will clump rather than form delicate ribbons. Drizzle slowly while stirring for the best texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Not using a cornstarch slurry can result in a runny soup. Mix it with water before adding to ensure proper thickening.
• Overcooking the soup: Cooking the soup for too long after adding eggs can make them rubbery. Once they’re added, simmer briefly to keep them tender.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Each batch may require different seasoning levels.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Tomato Egg Drop Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Egg Drop Soup:

How can I enhance my Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

You can add more vegetables like spinach or carrots for extra nutrition. Herbs such as cilantro or basil also enhance the flavor.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes! Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of Tomato Egg Drop Soup.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as alternatives to thicken your soup if cornstarch is unavailable.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just remember that reheating may change the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables and spices based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy evenings or quick meals!