Egg drop soup is a beloved comfort food that often graces tables across many cultures, particularly in Chinese cuisine. It’s a dish that’s both simple and hearty, yet full of flavor. Now, imagine taking this classic soup and giving it a fun, creamy twist. Enter Creamed Corn Egg Drop Soup – a velvety, comforting version of the traditional egg drop soup, where sweet corn is added to elevate the flavors and texture.
In this recipe, the combination of silky egg ribbons, sweet creamed corn, and a flavorful broth creates a unique and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a starter for a more elaborate meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it as part of a special occasion, this soup offers both simplicity and elegance. Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy, comforting bowl of goodness.
Creamed Corn Egg Drop Soup Recipe
This recipe gives you the perfect balance of sweetness from the corn, richness from the cream, and the light, savory flavor of the egg. It’s a great dish to prepare when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
- Creamed Corn (1 can, 15 oz): The star of the show, offering a creamy, slightly sweet base for the soup.
- Eggs (2 large): These will form the silky, ribbon-like strands that are iconic in egg drop soup.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups): The foundation of your soup’s flavor, helping to bring all the ingredients together.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and umami, balancing the sweetness of the corn.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used to thicken the broth, giving the soup that creamy texture.
- Salt (to taste): Season the soup to your preference.
- White Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): This gives the soup a subtle heat that enhances the flavors.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a fresh, aromatic note to the soup.
- Sesame Oil (1/2 teaspoon): A little drizzle of sesame oil adds a fragrant, nutty layer of flavor.
- Green Onions (for garnish): Chopped for a fresh, crisp finishing touch.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Broth
In a medium-sized pot, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the broth starts to heat up, stir in the soy sauce, white pepper, and grated ginger. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Add The Creamed Corn
Open the can of creamed corn and pour it into the simmering broth. Stir well to combine, ensuring the corn is evenly distributed. Let this mixture continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the corn to infuse its sweet flavor into the broth.
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Thicken The Soup
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. The broth should start to thicken, giving the soup a creamy consistency.
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Egg Drop
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Once the broth has thickened to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot broth, stirring gently in a circular motion. This will create delicate, silky ribbons of egg throughout the soup.
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Finishing Touches
Drizzle in a little sesame oil and give the soup one last stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce if necessary.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast. Serve immediately while hot.
Ingredient Insights
- Creamed Corn: Not only does creamed corn bring a touch of sweetness to the soup, but it also adds a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the delicate egg ribbons. If you prefer a more savory profile, you can use regular corn and mash it a little to maintain the creamy texture without the sweetness.
- Eggs: The eggs are key to creating the signature silky texture of egg drop soup. The trick is to add them slowly into the hot broth and stir gently so they don’t cook too fast and scramble. The result should be tender, smooth ribbons that float gracefully in the soup.
- Soy Sauce: Just a small amount of soy sauce provides the soup with a subtle umami flavor, which balances the sweetness of the corn and complements the broth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute with tamari.
- Sesame Oil: This is a finishing touch that really enhances the overall depth of flavor. A few drops go a long way in creating a rich, nutty fragrance that lifts the entire dish.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the broth, giving the soup a creamy and satisfying texture. If you prefer a lighter consistency, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the Thickness: Depending on your texture preference, you can add more or less cornstarch to the soup. If you prefer a thinner, brothy soup, reduce the amount of cornstarch, or skip it. For a more luxurious, creamy version, increase the cornstarch or let the soup reduce longer.
- Control the Egg Texture: If you want the egg ribbons to be very fine, you can drizzle the eggs more slowly or beat them more thoroughly. For larger, more substantial egg ribbons, pour the eggs in a bit faster.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat in your soup, consider adding a small amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes when you add the soy sauce. The heat pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn.
- Serving Ideas: For a more filling meal, serve this soup with some steamed rice on the side or top it with a few crispy wontons for extra texture.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup completely vegetarian-friendly. You can also skip the sesame oil or use a plant-based version.
- Chicken or Tofu Addition: For added protein, try adding shredded cooked chicken or cubes of tofu to the soup. Add them during the simmering phase to warm them up without overcooking.
- Mushroom Lovers: Slice up some mushrooms and add them into the soup during the simmering stage. Mushrooms will bring an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Sweet Corn and Pea Soup: Mix in some frozen peas along with the corn for an extra pop of color and sweetness. The peas pair wonderfully with the creamy base.
Final Words
This creamed corn egg drop soup is the perfect blend of simplicity and richness. It’s comforting without being too heavy, and the delicate egg ribbons combined with the sweet creamed corn create a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or serving it at a dinner party, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.