Delicious & Easy Tomato Egg Drop Soup: A Comforting 15-Minute Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and satisfaction, and this Tomato Egg Drop Soup delivers just that. Featuring silky egg ribbons swirling gracefully in a rich, savory tomato broth, infused with subtle hints of ginger, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something light yet fulfilling, or simply need a quick meal solution, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate easy comfort food, perfect for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, renowned for its incredible simplicity, affordability, and delightful flavors derived from basic ingredients. It’s often hailed as a go-to dish for busy weeknights or when you’re seeking a soul-soothing meal without a lot of fuss.

Many are surprised by how incredibly tasty such a straightforward soup can be. While classic egg drop soup is fantastic on its own, the addition of ripe, juicy tomatoes elevates this version to a new level. The tomatoes introduce a natural sweetness and tangy depth that complements the savory broth beautifully, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. It’s this extra dimension that makes the tomato version a personal favorite for many, mimicking the authentic taste found in your favorite Chinese restaurants and takeaways.

While you could certainly prepare a basic version with just tomatoes, broth, egg, and a dash of seasoning, unlocking the true potential of this soup lies in building a well-flavored broth. A robust and aromatic broth is the foundation that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with savory goodness and a hint of warmth from aromatic spices.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Tomato Egg Drop Soup

You won’t need any exotic ingredients for this recipe; most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any local grocery store. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into creating this delicious tomato and egg drop soup. For precise measurements and the full recipe, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card further down the page.

• Tomatoes: The star of the show! Opt for red, ripe, and juicy tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and acidity are crucial for the soup’s balanced flavor. As they cook down, they soften beautifully, releasing their delicious juices and enriching the broth.
• Egg: Just one large egg, lightly beaten. This will create those signature delicate, silky ribbons that give egg drop soup its characteristic texture.
• Oil: A neutral-tasting oil such as sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil is ideal. It provides a base for sautéing the aromatics without imparting its own strong flavor.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for infusing the soup with a warm, subtly pungent, and incredibly appetizing aroma and taste. Don’t skip them for that authentic Chinese flavor.
• Chicken Stock: This forms the foundational liquid of your soup. Using a good quality chicken stock is paramount for a flavorful outcome. Whether you prefer homemade stock or a store-bought variety, ensure it has a rich taste. Chicken bouillon cubes or granules can also be used as a convenient alternative. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute with a high-quality vegetable broth. Avoid plain water, as it will significantly dilute the depth of flavor.
• Cornstarch: Mixed with a small amount of water to create a slurry, cornstarch is used to lightly thicken the soup. This creates a slightly viscous texture that helps suspend the egg ribbons and enhances the mouthfeel, giving the soup a satisfying body without being overly heavy.
• Light Soy Sauce: A touch of light soy sauce adds a crucial umami depth and a hint of savory saltiness, while also contributing a lovely subtle color to the broth. Be mindful of its salt content, especially if your stock is already salty.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This isn’t the clear, plain sesame oil used for cooking. Toasted sesame oil is dark brown, intensely aromatic, and nutty. A few drops added at the very end will round out all the flavors beautifully, providing an unmistakable aroma.
• Salt and Ground White Pepper: Essential for seasoning. White pepper offers a gentle warmth and a less intrusive flavor profile compared to black pepper, blending seamlessly into the delicate broth. Adjust salt to your personal preference.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped, green onions serve as a vibrant and fresh garnish, adding a mild oniony bite and a beautiful splash of color just before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully comforting and flavorful bowl of Tomato Egg Drop Soup in minutes. Precision and timing are key to achieving those beautiful, silky egg ribbons.

1. Aromatics First: Begin by heating one tablespoon of neutral oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the julienned fresh ginger and the smashed garlic clove. Allow them to sizzle gently for about 30 seconds to a minute. This brief sautéing process is crucial for releasing their fragrant essential oils, infusing the cooking oil with a delightful aroma that will permeate the entire soup. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Sauté the Tomatoes: Next, add your chopped red tomatoes and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The heat and salt will help the tomatoes break down, becoming soft and mushy, releasing their juices and creating a rich, flavorful base for the broth.
3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Thicken the Soup: In a small separate bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually stir this cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup. Continue to cook for another minute or so, stirring constantly, until the soup has slightly thickened to your desired consistency. It should have a light body, not be overly gooey.

5. Create Egg Ribbons: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. This is a critical step for perfect egg ribbons. Slowly, in a thin, continuous stream, pour the lightly beaten egg into the simmering soup. As you pour, gently stir the soup in one direction with a spoon or chopsticks. The hot broth will cook the egg instantly, forming beautiful, delicate, and silky ribbons rather than large clumps. Avoid vigorous stirring, as this can break up the ribbons.
6. Final Flavoring and Garnish: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the light soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground white pepper, and most of the chopped green onions. The heat from the soup will be enough to warm these additions.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, a dash of white pepper, or even a tiny splash of soy sauce to suit your preference. Remember, it’s always easier to add more than to take away.
8. Serve Hot: Ladle the hot soup into bowls immediately. Garnish with the remaining fresh green onions for a pop of color and extra fresh flavor. Serve and enjoy this comforting meal!

Creative Variations and Delicious Add-ins

While this Tomato Egg Drop Soup is fantastic on its own, it also serves as an excellent base for various additions and creative variations. Don’t hesitate to experiment and customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to switch things up and add even more flavor and substance:

• Vegetables Galore: Boost the nutrient content and texture by tossing in some quick-cooking vegetables. Spinach, napa cabbage, or bok choy can be added in the last few minutes of cooking. A handful of frozen corn or peas are also excellent additions for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Mushroom Magic: Sautéed mushrooms can add an incredible earthy depth to the soup. Try sliced shiitake, enoki, button, or oyster mushrooms. Add them along with the ginger and garlic to cook them thoroughly, or sauté them separately and stir them in at the end.
• Hearty Wontons: For a more substantial meal, drop in a few pre-cooked wontons or dumplings into the simmering soup. Ensure they are heated through before serving.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this light soup into a heartier meal by adding shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced pork, or even cubes of firm tofu. Add cooked protein along with the cornstarch slurry to warm through.
• Oceanic Umami with Dried Seaweed: A small amount of dried seaweed, like nori or wakame, torn into pieces and stirred in just before serving, can deepen the savory, umami flavor of the broth.
• Noodles or Rice for a Full Meal: To make this soup even more filling, turn it into a complete meal by adding cooked noodles (such as thin rice vermicelli, instant ramen noodles, or even udon) or a scoop of cooked rice. Add them to individual bowls and pour the hot soup over to warm them.

Expert Tips for the Best Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of Tomato Egg Drop Soup is simple with these expert tips:

• Choose Peak Tomatoes: Always use ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor. They will break down more easily and contribute a natural sweetness and umami that is vital for the soup’s character. Unripe tomatoes can make the soup too tart.
• Salt Helps Tomatoes Shine: Adding a little salt to the chopped tomatoes when you first sauté them helps to draw out their moisture and break them down faster, intensifying their flavor. However, be mindful of the salt content in your chicken stock or bouillon cubes, and adjust the final seasoning accordingly to prevent over-salting.
• Master the Egg Ribbons: The key to beautiful, silky egg ribbons is to pour the lightly beaten egg slowly and continuously into the simmering soup while gently stirring in one direction. Ensure the heat is reduced to low. This allows the egg to cook in thin strands rather than clumping together, creating that signature delicate texture.
• Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Allow the ginger and garlic to sizzle for a few seconds in the hot oil. This crucial step extracts their full flavor, creating a fragrant base that significantly enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is wonderfully versatile. It can be enjoyed as a light and comforting meal on its own, especially for lunch or a quick dinner. For a more substantial offering, pair it with a side of steamed rice, some crispy spring rolls, a fresh green salad, or even a simple stir-fry. Its light yet flavorful profile makes it a perfect appetizer to a larger Chinese meal, or a delightful accompaniment to dishes like Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry.

More Quick and Easy Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this soup, you might love these other quick and easy recipes:

• Quick Asian Style Chicken and Cabbage Soup
• 10 Minute Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry
• Ramen Scrambled Eggs
• Easy Garlic Bread Recipe in Air Fryer
• Easy Egg Fried Rice (Chinese Style Takeout Recipe)

Tried This Recipe? Share Your Experience!

If you’ve tried this delightful Tomato Egg Drop Soup recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. Your feedback is invaluable, not only to us but also to other readers who are considering making this comforting dish.

Recipe Card

Tomato Egg Drop Soup (Quick & Easy)

Tomato egg drop soup is comfort food at its best. Silky egg ribbons swirl in a savory, tomato-rich broth, with subtle hints of ginger that make it even more appetizing. Whether you’re under weather or just need something quick, this comes together in 15 minutes, making it perfect for a light comforting anytime meal.

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Course:
Soup

Cuisine:
Asian, Chinese

Keyword:
tomato egg drop soup

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes

Servings:
2

Calories:

Author:
Geetanjali

Ingredients

• 1 large red ripe tomato cut into chunks
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ inch ginger thinly julienned
• 1 garlic clove smashed
• 1 ⅔ cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water for slurry
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• Salt as needed
• 1-2 green onions chopped

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger and smashed garlic clove. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir it into the soup and let it cook for a minute or so until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the egg while stirring the soup in one direction to create silky egg ribbons.
6. Stir in the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, white pepper, and chopped green onions. Turn off the heat.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot.

Notes

Use ripe red tomatoes for the best flavor and natural umami.

Add salt to tomatoes: A little salt helps the tomatoes break down faster and brings out their flavor. But go easy if you’re using salted chicken stock or bouillon. Adjust to taste.

Slowly pour the beaten egg into the hot soup in a thin stream while gently stirring in one direction to create silky egg ribbons.

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.