Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Classic Egg Drop Soup with tomato is a delightful dish that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. The Tomato Egg Drop Soup is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a festive gathering. Its savory flavors and smooth texture make it a standout choice among soups. This dish combines the richness of eggs with the freshness of tomatoes, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and ripe tomatoes provides a burst of savory flavor in every spoonful.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish; it pairs well with rice or noodles.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from eggs and vitamins from tomatoes, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
• Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or proteins according to your preference for extra nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot
• Ladle
• Whisk or fork
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot: A sturdy pot ensures even heating, crucial for properly simmering the soup without burning.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving portions of soup, ensuring each bowl is filled just right.
• Whisk or fork: Helps in beating eggs smoothly for that delicate ribbon effect when added to the broth.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Tomato Egg Drop Soup, gather the following ingredients:

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 Cornstarch Slurry

Mix two tablespoons of water with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. This will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Add Green Onions

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

Step 5: Pour in Chicken Stock

Pour in the low sodium chicken stock. Allow it to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.

Step 6: Season Your Soup

Add soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for about one minute until slightly thickened.

Step 8: Beat Eggs

In a bowl, beat three large eggs until well mixed.

Step 9: Create Egg Ribbons

Lower the heat further. While gently stirring the soup in a circular motion with a ladle, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. This will form beautiful thin ribbons of egg throughout your soup.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional minute so that everything is heated through.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle your warm Tomato Egg Drop Soup into bowls, top with remaining green onions, and enjoy!

How to Serve Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. With the right accompaniments, you can elevate this simple dish into a delightful meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro – Adds freshness and a pop of flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and nice color contrast.

Accompany with Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A classic pairing that complements the soup’s savory taste.
• Fried Rice – For a heartier option, serve it alongside vegetable or chicken fried rice.

Add Crunchy Elements

• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Wonton Chips – Serve alongside for a crunchy dipper.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread – Adds a delicious garlic flavor that pairs well with the soup.

How to Perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Perfecting Tomato Egg Drop Soup comes down to technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh tomatoes and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Control the Heat – Keep the flame low when adding eggs to prevent them from cooking too quickly.
• Stir Gently – When adding beaten eggs, a gentle swirling motion creates beautiful ribbons.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce according to your preference.
• Thicken Wisely – Ensure your cornstarch slurry is mixed well to avoid lumps in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Egg Drop Soup

To make your meal complete, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with Tomato Egg Drop Soup.

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp offer a delightful crunch.
2. Vegetable Dumplings – Steamed or pan-fried dumplings provide a savory bite that complements the soup.
3. Asian Noodle Salad – A light salad made with noodles and fresh veggies adds texture and freshness.
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful stir-fried greens provide nutrition and balance out the meal.
5. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles can be refreshing alongside hot soup.
6. Flatbread or Naan – Soft bread perfect for soaking up delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup, avoid these common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the garlic and ginger: These aromatics add depth to your soup. Always sauté them first to release their flavors.
• Not stirring while adding eggs: If you don’t stir continuously while drizzling in the beaten eggs, they will clump together instead of forming beautiful ribbons. Keep stirring in a circular motion!
• Using high-sodium broth: High-sodium chicken stock can overpower the soup. Opt for low sodium to control the saltiness better.
• Overcooking the tomatoes: Cooking tomatoes too long can lead to a mushy texture. Sauté just until softened for a fresher taste.
• Forgetting to adjust seasoning: Every kitchen has different ingredient strengths. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Tomato Egg Drop Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• This soup freezes well; use freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tomato Egg Drop Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Egg Drop Soup.

How do I make Tomato Egg Drop Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can gradually stir in more cornstarch slurry while simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to my Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for two months.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and ensure you use plant-based alternatives for any other ingredients as needed.

What should I serve with Tomato Egg Drop Soup?

This soup pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside spring rolls or dumplings.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that suits any occasion. Its simplicity makes it easy to customize with additional vegetables or spices. Try making this comforting dish today!