Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup, also known as egg drop soup, is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Chinese restaurant flavors. It’s not your typical chicken soup; instead, it offers a unique and heartwarming experience. This soup is perfect for colder days, providing comfort and a touch of sweetness, thanks to the addition of sweet corn. While it differs from the traditional chicken soup commonly enjoyed in Europe and the US, the sweet corn brings a delightful punch of flavor reminiscent of corn chowder recipes. If you happen to have creamed corn and cornstarch on hand, you can achieve similar results. The best part? This soup is incredibly quick to prepare, and you won’t need to do any chopping. Let’s explore this recipe in detail.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serving: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Minced ginger
- 1/2 cup Cilantro
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Corn flour
- 1 cup Corn kernels
- 1 cup Shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 cups Vegetable stock
- 1 cup Chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1/2 lb Mixed vegetables
- 1/2 tsp Chinese paprika
- 1 cup Water
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preparation:
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and set them aside.
Cooking:
- Take a pan and heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions to the hot oil and cook until they become soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until the mixture becomes aromatic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften.
- Sprinkle the Chinese five spice powder and Chinese paprika over the mixture, then add the corn flour and stir well to combine.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan when the tomatoes are done, followed by the vegetable broth.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken and corn kernels into the mixture, mixing carefully. Cover the pan and allow the soup to simmer.
- Once the soup has simmered for a few minutes, slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup continuously. This will create beautiful egg ribbons in the soup.
- Continue to mix the soup for an additional five minutes.
- Garnish the soup with cilantro.
- Your Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup is ready to be served.
TIPS:
Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup turns out perfect:
- Corn Variations: If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use canned or frozen corn kernels, and if creamed corn is accessible, it adds extra creaminess and sweetness.
- Egg Swirl: To achieve that classic “egg drop” effect, stir the soup gently while adding the beaten eggs. This creates beautiful ribbons of cooked egg throughout the soup.
- Vegetable Choice: Feel free to use your favorite mixed vegetables. Common choices include peas, carrots, and corn.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Chinese paprika and Chinese five spice powder to your taste preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful and heartwarming Chinese soup that rivals the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant. The combination of sweet corn, tender chicken, and aromatic spices will transport your taste buds to the Far East. Plus, with minimal chopping required, it’s a breeze to prepare this comforting soup at home. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a taste of China.




