If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of silky egg ribbons and delicate wontons swimming in a fragrant chicken broth that’s seasoned just right. With a touch of turmeric for a beautiful golden hue and a hint of sesame oil for that irresistible aroma, this soup isn’t just nourishing—it’s simply addictive. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something soothing on a chilly day, this recipe truly shines and will soon become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup so unforgettable. From the rich chicken stock that forms the base to the tender wontons and delicate eggs, every element is essential to bring this dish to life.
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth: The heart of the soup, providing deep, savory flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon MSG (optional): Adds umami boost for that extra savory punch, but totally optional.
- â…› teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory notes with a subtle sweetness.
- â…› teaspoon white pepper: Offers a gentle heat and distinctive aroma that complements the broth.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional): A pinch to infuse a rich, golden color that makes the soup look as good as it tastes.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil: A splash for unmistakable nutty fragrance and depth.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the broth into a silky, luscious consistency.
- â…“ cup water: For creating the cornstarch slurry to naturally thicken the soup.
- 3 large eggs (lightly beaten): To create the classic, cloud-like egg ribbons floating through the broth.
- 1 scallion (chopped): Fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a subtle crunch and vibrant pop of green.
- 18 frozen wontons: The star addition—soft, chewy pockets of delicious filling that turn this soup into a meal.
How to Make Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Broth Base
Start by bringing the chicken stock to a gentle boil in a large pot. Season it carefully with salt, white pepper, sugar, and optionally MSG. This is where the groundwork for your soup’s flavor is laid, so take a moment to taste and adjust if needed. Adding turmeric now will give the broth that beautiful golden color, making it visually inviting.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
While the broth heats, create a slurry by whisking the cornstarch into the water until completely smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering broth, stirring constantly. You’ll immediately notice the broth beginning to take on a silky, slightly thickened texture that beautifully suspends the delicate ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Wontons
Gently add your frozen wontons directly into the broth. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they float to the surface and are tender but still intact. The wontons are what elevate this soup from simple to spectacular with their savory filling and soft wrappers.
Step 4: Add the Egg Drop
Reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the pot in a thin stream, stirring gently with a fork or chopsticks as you do. This technique creates those signature silky ribbons of egg that weave through the soup, adding both texture and protein.
Step 5: Finish and Flavor
Swirl in the sesame oil, which brings a warm, nutty fragrance and rounds out the taste. Lastly, sprinkle the chopped scallions atop the soup for that fresh burst of color and mild oniony flavor. Give everything one last gentle stir and your soup is ready to delight!
How to Serve Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions are an obvious go-to for topping this soup, but don’t be shy about adding a few thin slices of fresh chili for some heat or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. A drizzle of soy sauce on the side also lets each diner customize their bowl to their liking, bringing in subtle salty notes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides. Think simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up the broth or a crunchy Asian slaw to complement the softness of the wontons and eggs. For those hungry for something heartier, potstickers or spring rolls elevate the meal to a full flavor adventure.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Try serving the soup in colorful bowls that accentuate the rich golden broth and scattered green scallions. For a modern twist, place individual servings in glass cups or mini soup tureens for an elegant starter. Adding vibrant edible flowers or microgreens as garnish can also take the visual appeal up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wontons will continue to soak up broth, so the soup might thicken—just stir in a little water or broth when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is best avoided if possible because the wontons can become mushy and the eggs may change texture. However, if you must freeze, separate the broth from cooked wontons and eggs, freeze the broth alone, and reheat with freshly cooked wontons and eggs later for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. To revive the original texture, you can quickly cook a few fresh or frozen wontons and whisk in a fresh egg before serving. This keeps everything fresh and delicious on day two.
FAQs
Can I make wontons from scratch for this soup?
Absolutely! Homemade wontons add a special touch and allow you to customize fillings. While store-bought frozen wontons are convenient and tasty, making your own allows you to tailor flavors and ensure freshness.
Is MSG necessary in this Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe?
MSG is completely optional. It enhances umami and deepens flavor, but if you prefer to avoid it, simply omit it — the soup will still be delicious thanks to the broth and seasonings.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
You can, especially for a vegetarian version. Just note that the flavor profile will change slightly. Consider adding mushrooms or soy sauce to enhance the umami to compensate for the lack of chicken broth.
How do I prevent the eggs from clumping during the egg drop step?
Drizzle the beaten eggs slowly into the broth while stirring gently and consistently. Using chopsticks or a fork to gently swirl as you pour helps create thin, silky egg ribbons rather than clumps.
What if I can’t find frozen wontons?
Look for fresh or frozen dumplings, potstickers, or even small ravioli as a substitute—they all bring a similar texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time according to size and thickness to avoid over or undercooking.
Final Thoughts
This Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe is genuinely a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for those days when you want a quick, nourishing meal without fuss but with plenty of flavor. Roll up your sleeves, give this a go, and I promise it will become a cherished recipe you keep coming back to, time and again.
Print
Wonton Egg Drop Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Wonton Egg Drop Soup combines delicate frozen wontons with a flavorful egg drop broth, enriched with savory chicken stock and a hint of turmeric for a vibrant golden color. It’s an easy-to-make comforting soup perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon MSG (optional, adjust to taste)
- â…› teaspoon sugar
- â…› teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for a rich golden color)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
Thickener
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- â…“ cup water
Egg and Garnishes
- 3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 scallion (chopped)
- 18 frozen wontons (3 wontons per serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken stock or broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add salt, MSG (if using), sugar, white pepper, and turmeric to enhance the flavor and color. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with â…“ cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for a few minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add the wontons: Carefully add the frozen wontons into the simmering soup. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the wontons float to the surface and are heated through.
- Create the egg drop: Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the simmering soup in a thin stream while gently stirring the soup with a fork or chopsticks to create delicate egg ribbons throughout the broth.
- Finish the soup: Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
- MSG is optional; omit if you prefer a natural flavor or have sensitivities.
- Adjust turmeric quantity based on desired color intensity.
- Use good quality chicken stock for richer flavor.
- Frozen wontons can vary in cooking time, check packaging directions if available.
- This soup can be served as a starter or a light main dish.
