Name: Tomato Egg Drop Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 vine-ripe tomatoes, diced; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 tsp MSG (optional); 1 tsp white pepper; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (slurry); 3 eggs, whisked; 1 green onion, sliced thinly (garnish); Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

A light and comforting soup made with simmered tomatoes in chicken stock, enriched with sesame oil, delicate egg ribbons, and seasoned with white pepper—perfect served solo or over rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and soothing: tomatoes combine with savory broth for a balanced, gentle flavor
Silky texture: egg ribbons add soft, tender silkiness to each spoonful
Quick and easy: ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients
Customizable: serve over rice or garnish with green onion for extra freshness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 vine-ripe tomatoes, diced
4 cups chicken stock
1 tsp MSG (optional, for umami)
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp sesame oil
Cornstarch slurry: 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water
3 eggs, whisked
1 green onion, sliced thinly
Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Add the diced tomatoes to a pot set over medium heat. Cook & stir for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin breaking down.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in MSG (if using), white pepper, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly.
Whisk together the eggs in a bowl. Separately combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup and mix well to start thickening.
Turn off the heat. While the soup is still very hot, slowly stream in the whisked eggs. Let them set for a moment before gently stirring to form delicate egg ribbons. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the soup hot, optionally over cooked rice, and garnish each bowl with sliced green onion.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 2–4 bowls, depending on portion size
Prep Time: ~5 minutes (dicing tomatoes, whisking eggs, making slurry)
Cook Time: ~10 minutes (tomato simmer, thickening, adding eggs)
Total Time: ~15–20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and omit MSG if preferred.
Silkier egg texture: whisk eggs with a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of cornstarch before adding.
Spicy kick: add a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Tomato boost: use plum tomatoes or add a spoonful of tomato paste for deeper flavor.
Herb twist: garnish with fresh basil or cilantro for extra brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Egg texture may soften over time.
Freezing: not recommended due to egg texture change.
Reheating: gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of stock or water to loosen if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I Blend The Tomatoes First?

Yes—you can blend or crush tomatoes before cooking for a smoother base, if preferred.

Is MSG Necessary?

No—it enhances umami but can be omitted. Adjust salt to taste in that case.

Can I Add Corn for Chunkiness?

Yes—stir in frozen or canned corn when adding stock for more texture and sweetness.

What If My Eggs Formed Large Clumps?

Gently stir while pouring eggs in slowly; pulling the pot off heat before adding helps avoid oversized clumps.

Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead Of Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil adds savory depth—not sweetness. You could drizzle a little toasted sesame oil at the end or add a pinch of sugar for mild balance.

What’s A Serving Suggestion?

Serve with steamed rice or zodiac noodles and a side of light salad to make a complete meal.

Can I Use Regular Pepper Instead Of White?

Yes—black pepper works fine, though white pepper offers a more subtle, gentle heat.

How Do I Make It Thinner or Thicker?

Add more cornstarch slurry to thicken or more stock/water to thin it to your preference.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes—make the soup and leave it un-egged. Reheat and pour in whisked egg just before serving.

Can I Garnish With Other Flavor Boosters?

Yes—top with crispy garlic chips, chili oil, or a drizzle of soy sauce for extra complexity.

Conclusion

This Tomato Egg Drop Soup brings together savory umami, fresh tomato brightness, and silky egg ribbons in just minutes. Whether enjoyed over rice or with a simple garnish, it’s an easy, satisfying bowl that’s soothing, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Maggie