The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Delicious and Easy Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato egg drop soup is incredibly comforting and nourishing. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the delicate texture of silken tofu, and the smooth egg ribbons all come together in one bowl. This recipe is my favorite, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick yet wholesome.

Ready to dive in? Let me show you how to make this delightful soup in under 30 minutes!

Tomato egg drop soup

The Main Ingredients for Tomato Egg Drop Soup

  • Tomato: This forms the base flavor and adds vibrant color to the soup. Always select ripe tomatoes to ensure their natural sweetness. Avoid using under-ripe tomatoes, which may require extra sugar to balance the soup’s flavor.
  • Egg: Creates silky, ribbon-like strands that slightly thicken the soup and enhance its visual appeal.
  • Tofu: Silken tofu’s delicate texture complements the lightness of the egg ribbons. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also use firm tofu.
  • Broth: Homemade chicken broth is ideal, but you can use store-bought broth or substitute it with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. If fresh stock isn’t available, a stock cube dissolved in warm water works well.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Tomato Egg Drop Soup

  1. Begin by dicing the tomato into small cubes. You can peel the skin off or leave it on, depending on your preference.
  2. Carefully cut the silken tofu into one-third-inch cubes to prevent breaking. Use a clean kitchen towel on your chopping board for easier handling.
  3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat until well combined. Slice the green onion and prepare the minced ginger and garlic cloves.
  4. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Optionally, add a small amount of tomato sauce for extra flavor.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a pot. Add the chicken or vegetable stock and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  7. Gently add the silken tofu to the soup and let it boil for a minute. If desired, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup to your liking.
  8. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin stream while gently stirring in one direction to create silky egg ribbons.
  9. Adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste. Optionally, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Tomato egg drop soup

Tips for Creating Perfect Egg Drops

  • Whisk the eggs thoroughly to ensure a smooth mixture that can be poured in a thin stream.
  • Ensure the soup is gently boiling over medium heat when adding the egg mixture to prevent overcooking.
  • Stir the soup gently in one direction to create a whirlpool effect, which helps distribute the eggs evenly.
  • Pour the egg mixture slowly while maintaining the whirlpool motion for the best texture.
  • Avoid pouring too quickly or stirring too vigorously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth ribbons.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 200g silken tofu, cut into small cubes
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1-2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. Dice the tomato into small cubes.
  2. Cut the silken tofu carefully into one-third-inch cubes.
  3. Crack the egg into a bowl and beat until homogenous.
  4. Slice the green onion and prepare the minced ginger and garlic cloves.
  5. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small pot over medium-high heat to sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes to the garlic and ginger mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.
  7. Transfer everything to a pot, add the chicken or vegetable stock, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Gently add the silken tofu and let it boil for a minute.
  9. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup as desired.
  10. Slowly pour the beaten eggs into a thin stream while stirring gently to create ribbons.
  11. Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste.
  12. Top with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Consider Some Creative Variations

  • Add chili oil or fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.
  • Incorporate fresh mushrooms like shiitake for an earthy flavor.
  • Add shrimp, scallops, or meat to boost protein content.
  • Reduce the liquid for a more concentrated broth, ideal for noodles.

How to Store and Reheat the Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for 1 to 2 months. Note that the texture of silken tofu and egg may change slightly after freezing.

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of stock if needed to restore consistency.

Serving Suggestions for the Soup

Tomato egg drop soup pairs wonderfully with various dishes for lunch or dinner. Consider serving it alongside rice, dumplings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the privacy policy for more information. Commissions may be earned from purchases made through links in this post.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.