Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Classic Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. This soup stands out with its vibrant tomatoes and silky egg ribbons swirling in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or as an appetizer for gatherings, this dish showcases the simplicity and comfort of Asian cuisine while being easy to prepare. Its rich taste and heartwarming aroma will make it a favorite at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously savory profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a light meal or serve it as part of a larger feast; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and eggs, it’s both wholesome and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this tasty Tomato Egg Drop Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot
• Ladle
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for even heating and preventing sticking while you sauté ingredients.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving, ensuring you get just the right amount of soup in each bowl.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and combining the cornstarch slurry without any mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency when beating eggs before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients

Classic Egg Drop Soup with tomato is a soup with savory Asian flavour. Beaten egg is added slowly to chicken broth doing swirling motion to create ribbon-like strands.

For the Soup Base

• 3 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoon Oil
• 1 tablespoon minced Garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon Ginger (thinly sliced)
• 2 large Ripe Tomatoes (chopped)
• 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock

For Seasoning

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

For Thickening

• 2 tablespoon Cornflour / Cornstarch

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup Chopped Green Onion

How to Make Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

To make a smooth thickener for your soup, mix two tablespoons of water with cornstarch in a small bowl until combined.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
* Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Incorporate Green Onions

Stir in half of the chopped green onions.
* Continue to sauté for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Step 5: Add Chicken Stock

Pour in the low sodium chicken stock.
* Bring to a boil before reducing the heat to get it simmering gently.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Mix in soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
* Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.

Step 7: Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously.
* The mixture will thicken gradually; let it simmer on low heat for one minute.

Step 8: Beat the Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat three eggs until smooth.

Step 9: Create Egg Ribbons

Lower the flame further.
* Drizzle beaten eggs into the pot slowly while stirring in a circular motion with a ladle. This will form delicate ribbons of egg throughout your soup.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Allow everything to simmer together for another minute, letting flavors meld beautifully.

Step 11: Serve!

Ladle your warm Tomato Egg Drop Soup into bowls.
* Top with remaining chopped green onions before serving hot!

How to Serve Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it creatively enhances the dining experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Cilantro – Add chopped cilantro for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s flavor.

Complementary Sauces

• Chili Oil – Drizzle chili oil for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their soup.
• Soy Sauce – Offer soy sauce on the side for those who prefer a saltier taste.

Accompanying Proteins

• Grilled Chicken – Serve alongside grilled chicken slices for added protein and heartiness.
• Tofu Cubes – For a vegetarian option, add soft or fried tofu cubes to enhance texture.

Side Salads

• Asian Cucumber Salad – A light salad with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil pairs well with the soup’s warmth.
• Seaweed Salad – The umami flavor of seaweed salad complements the savory notes of the soup.

How to Perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Making the perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh tomatoes and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Control Heat Carefully – Keep the flame low when adding eggs to prevent them from cooking too quickly and becoming scrambled.
• Stir Consistently – Stirring while adding eggs creates delicate ribbons that are visually appealing and enjoyable to eat.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go; adjust soy sauce, salt, or pepper based on your preference for a balanced flavor profile.
• Thicken Gradually – Allow the cornstarch slurry to thicken slowly for a silky texture without lumps.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Tomato Egg Drop Soup can create a fulfilling meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a crunchy contrast to the soup’s smoothness.
2. Steamed Buns – Soft steamed buns filled with vegetables or chicken are great for dipping into the soup.
3. Fried Rice – A plate of fried rice adds substance and complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
4. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles offer a refreshing side that balances out the warmth of the soup.
5. Vegetable Dumplings – Steamed or pan-fried dumplings provide a delicious bite-sized option alongside your soup.
6. Edamame Beans – Lightly salted edamame makes for a healthy finger food that pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tomato Egg Drop Soup can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using cold stock: Always use warm or hot chicken stock to ensure the soup heats evenly and cooks properly.
• Adding eggs too quickly: Drizzle the beaten eggs slowly while stirring to create delicate ribbons instead of clumps.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt or soy sauce as needed for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is crucial for thickening the soup; always mix it well before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Overcooking the tomatoes: Saute just until they’re soft; overcooked tomatoes can lose their flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tomato Egg Drop Soup that may help you as you prepare this delightful dish.

How do I make Tomato Egg Drop Soup thicker?

You can thicken Tomato Egg Drop Soup by adding more cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the simmering soup.

Can I add noodles to Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked noodles for a heartier meal. Just stir them in at the end of cooking.

What variations can I try with Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

Feel free to customize your soup by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or using different proteins like shredded chicken or tofu.

How long does Tomato Egg Drop Soup last?

In the refrigerator, Tomato Egg Drop Soup lasts up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its savory flavors on any occasion!