There is something utterly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that feels both elegant and homey, and that is exactly what this Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe delivers. The silky ribbons of egg swirl gently in a bright, flavorful broth infused with ginger, garlic, and turmeric, while the crispy wonton strips provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully. It’s a dish that’s quick to make but feels special, perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends with simplicity and deliciousness all in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large black pot filled with smooth, golden-yellow egg drop soup with visible silky egg ribbons floating on the surface, a silver ladle holding a portion of the soup above the pot's center. Surrounding the pot on a white marbled surface are small white bowls: one with thinly sliced green onions, one with crispy fried noodles, and another empty stack of white bowls. Two dark wooden spoons and two small soy sauce bottles with yellow caps are also visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a bowl full of flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role: the cornstarch adds that lovely silkiness to the broth, while the ginger and garlic infuse it with warmth and depth. The wonton wrappers transform into crunchy delights that bring the dish to life.

Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the soup just enough to coat the spoon without being heavy.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and rich background flavor to the broth.
Garlic (minced): Builds savory layers and awakens the palate.
Freshly grated ginger: Provides a gentle zing and warmth that balances the richness.
Ground turmeric: Brings a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthiness.
Ground white pepper: Offers gentle heat without overpowering the soup.
Chicken stock: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together perfectly.
Rice wine vinegar: Adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the flavors.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Contributes savory umami without being too salty.
Eggs (lightly beaten): The star ingredient that creates delicate ribbons throughout the soup.
Green onion (thinly sliced): For freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Vegetable oil: For frying the wonton strips until irresistibly crispy.
Wonton wrappers: Cut into strips, they become crunchy croutons that add texture and fun.

How to Make Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe

Step 1: Fry the Crispy Wonton Strips

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil hot enough so the wonton strips crisp up quickly without absorbing too much oil. Fry the wonton strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, letting them turn a beautiful golden brown in one to two minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain – this step guarantees that satisfying crunch you’ll love.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a quarter cup of water until smooth. This mixture will be used later to thicken the soup slightly, giving it a luxurious texture without heaviness.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the toasted sesame oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, stirring until fragrant—about one minute. Then, sprinkle in the turmeric and white pepper. These spices create a bright, warm flavor profile that is full of character and aroma, setting the stage for the tasty broth you’re about to make.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld. This slow simmering is where the magic happens, creating a broth that’s both comforting and lively.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup and Season

Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The soup will start to thicken after about three minutes. At this stage, stir in the rice wine vinegar and reduced sodium soy sauce to add the finishing touches of tang and savory depth, perfectly balancing the broth.

Step 6: Add the Egg Ribbons

Reduce the heat to low, then gradually pour the lightly beaten eggs into the soup in a slow, steady stream. Stir gently with a fork to create beautiful, delicate egg ribbons. This takes about two minutes and is the hallmark of any great egg drop soup, giving it that distinctive, silky texture.

Step 7: Serve with Crispy Wontons

Once the eggs are set, ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crunchy wonton strips. Scatter thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Your Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this soup is a simple joy. The classic choice is freshly sliced green onions, which add a mild sharpness and vibrant green that brightens every spoonful. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a tiny drizzle of chili oil if you want a little extra flair and kick.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully light, making it a great starter or even a main course alongside simple sides. Consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens, or an Asian-style slaw for a complete and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the soup in individual ramekins, each with their own nest of crispy wontons on top. Or, add a soft-boiled egg halved on the side for extra richness. It’s also delightful to put a few wonton strips right into the bowls before ladling the soup so they start to soften but still keep some crunch, adding layers of texture with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the soup separate from the crispy wontons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps keep the wontons from becoming soggy, so you can enjoy that crunchy texture later.

Freezing

The soup itself freezes well if you omit the wontons beforehand. Pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat. Fried wontons don’t freeze well, so it’s best to prepare them fresh when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the egg ribbons from breaking apart. Avoid boiling as this can toughen the eggs. Reheat wonton strips separately in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth will create a lighter version and still taste delicious, especially if you want a vegetarian option (just skip the egg if truly strict vegetarian). The key is to use a flavorful broth to maintain depth.

How do I make the egg ribbons look perfect every time?

Pour the beaten eggs slowly and stir gently with a fork or chopsticks. Keep the soup at a low simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid breaking the ribbons and ensure they form soft, graceful strands.

Can I prepare the wonton strips ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry them and store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. For longer storage, keep them sealed in the fridge and briefly reheat in a hot oven before serving to refresh their crispness.

Is there a substitute for rice wine vinegar?

Rice wine vinegar has a mild and slightly sweet acidity. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use a bit less to avoid overpowering the soup’s delicate flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Of course! Thinly sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or even shredded carrots can be added during the simmering step for extra nutrition and texture without losing the soup’s classic character.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Drop Soup with Crispy Wontons Recipe perfectly balances ease and elegance to bring a little comfort and warmth to your table. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. I truly hope you give it a try and discover your own moments of joy in every silken, crunchy spoonful.