What To Serve With Egg Drop Soup (26+ BEST Side Dishes!)

A classic Chinese starter, regular feature on restaurant menus, and takeaway favourite, egg drop soup offers a unique combination of simplicity and comfort.

At its core, the soup consists of a wholesome chicken broth seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and spring onions.

It’s light and nourishing, and also completely delicious, so you might be keen to try making your own at home! 

This egg drop soup recipe is wonderfully authentic and super easy to make, and you can have it on your table in just 15 minutes. 

But what about the sides? 

Here’s the short and to-the-point answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with egg drop soup are noodles, steamed jasmine rice, steamed pork dumplings, shredded rotisserie chicken, spring rolls, prawn crackers, Asian slaw, and beansprout salad. 

Let’s dive into some more ideas and serving suggestions… 

Starch Complements

Pairing egg drop soup with the right starch can transform your meal from light fare to a more satisfying experience.

Noodles

Egg drop soup and noodles make a classic combination.

For a heartier meal, add thin rice noodles, which will soak up the flavourful broth.

If you’re after a more substantial texture, try wheat or egg noodles, as their bite pairs well with the silky texture of the soup.

Rice

White rice is a staple side dish that complements the simplicity of egg drop soup.

Steamed jasmine rice offers a fragrant backdrop, while brown rice provides a nutty flavour and additional nutrients.

You may serve the rice separately or spoon it directly into the soup to absorb the flavours.

(Love Chinese soups? Try what to serve with hot and sour soup too!) 

Dumplings

Dumplings are a delightful addition to egg drop soup and can vary widely in filling and dough type.

Steamed dumplings filled with pork and vegetables are a popular choice.

Alternatively, vegetarian dumplings, with a mixture of mushrooms, tofu, and greens, offer a lighter option.

Include a few dumplings directly in your bowl for an all-in-one meal.

Protein Pairings

Pairing egg drop soup with the right protein can turn a simple starter into a more substantial meal.

Chicken

You can add grilled chicken strips or shredded rotisserie chicken to your egg drop soup.

The lean nature of chicken complements the lightness of the soup without overshadowing its delicate flavour.

• Grilled Chicken Strips:
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of five-spice.
  • Grill until golden brown and slice thinly.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken:
  • Purchase a precooked rotisserie chicken from your local supermarket.
  • Shred the meat by hand and sprinkle into the soup.

Shrimp

Incorporating shrimp adds a seafood twist that is both satisfying and elegant.

• Fresh Shrimp:
  • Ensure the shrimp are cleaned and deveined.
  • Sauté quickly in a pan, then add to the soup.

Tip: Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on the cooking time.

(For soup based inspiration for dinnertime, take a look at what to serve with cheeseburger soup). 

Tofu

For a vegetarian protein option, tofu is a versatile choice that absorbs the flavours of the soup.

• Firm Tofu:
  • Dice into small cubes for easy spooning.
  • Briefly pan-fry for added texture before placing into the soup.

Adding tofu will not only offer a protein boost but also introduce a pleasant textural contrast to the silken threads of the egg.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetable dishes are a nutritious choice for what to serve with egg drop soup. 

Stir-Fried Vegetables

For a quick and flavoursome side, try stir-fried vegetables.

You can mix bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas with a splash of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for a delightful contrast to the delicate soup.

Bok Choy

Bok choy, a classic Chinese cabbage, is wonderfully crisp and can be lightly sautéed in garlic.

It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which makes it not only a nutritious but also a tasty addition to your meal.

• Heat a bit of oil in a pan.
• Add chopped garlic and bok choy.
• Sauté until the leaves are wilted and the stalks are tender.

Spring Onions

Garnish your soup with spring onions for a subtle zing and a pop of colour.

They can also be grilled whole for a smoky side dish.

• Trim spring onions.
• Brush with oil and place on a hot grill.
• Cook until they have a slight char.

Breads and Pastries

Pairing egg drop soup with the right breads and pastries can elevate your meal experience.

Consider these popular options for a harmonious blend of textures and flavours.

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a crunchy complement to the silky texture of egg drop soup.

For your convenience:

• Filling: Typically contains cabbage, carrots and sometimes meat or prawns.
• Serving tip: Serve freshly fried and sliced diagonally to dip into your soup.

Prawn Crackers

Prawn crackers add a unique seafood flavour that goes well with egg drop soup.

• Texture: They offer a crisp contrast.
• Note: Best enjoyed immediately to maintain their crunchiness.

Steamed Buns

Steamed buns are soft and pillowy, making them a comforting addition to your meal.

• Varieties: Choose from plain, or filled with barbecued pork, vegetables, or sweet bean paste.
• Usage: Perfect for soaking up the broth without overshadowing the delicate taste of the soup.

Salad Options

Pairing your egg drop soup with a refreshing salad can turn your meal into a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil complements the warm soup with its crisp and light taste.

Toss thinly sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt, sugar, and chilli flakes for a satisfying crunch.

• Ingredients: cucumber, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, sugar, chilli flakes
• Preparation: Thinly slice, mix with dressing, and allow to marinate briefly.

Asian Slaw: A zesty Asian slaw adds vibrant colours and diverse tastes to your palate.

Shred cabbage, carrots, and peppers, and dress them with a ginger lime vinaigrette for an enticing side dish.

• Ingredients: cabbage, carrots, pepper, ginger, lime juice, olive oil, honey
• Dressing: Whisk ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and honey; toss with vegetables.

Bean Sprout Salad: For a crunchy texture, opt for a bean sprout salad.

Quickly blanche bean sprouts, then toss them with soy sauce, a touch of sugar, and some finely chopped spring onions.

• Ingredients: bean sprouts, soy sauce, sugar, spring onions
• Preparation: Blanche bean sprouts, dress, and sprinkle with spring onions.

Beverage Suggestions

When enjoying egg drop soup, you have a variety of beverage options that can complement the flavours nicely.

Here are some top picks for drinks when it comes to what to serve with egg drop soup:

• Tea: A classic choice, tea pairs wonderfully with Chinese cuisine.
  • Green Tea: Its light and refreshing taste cleanses the palate.
  • Oolong Tea: A traditional Chinese tea that offers a balance between green and black tea.
• Wine: If you fancy a glass of wine, opt for ones that are light and crisp.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Offers a zesty acidity that goes well with the soup.
  • Riesling: A slightly sweet white wine can complement the mild flavours of the soup.
• Beer: For those who prefer a cold pint, a light beer can be a great match.
  • Pale Ale: The crisp and slightly bitter notes can refresh your taste buds.
  • Wheat Beer: Often has citrus notes that can pair well with Asian dishes.

Dessert Pairings

After enjoying the comforting warmth of egg drop soup, you might fancy a little something sweet to round off your meal.

Light and delicate desserts are your best choice to complement the soup’s subtle flavours.

Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet is a splendid option.

Its icy texture and natural sweetness will cleanse your palate without overwhelming it.

• Lemon Sorbet: Offers a zesty, clean flavour, excellent for after a rich meal.
• Mango Sorbet: Provides a touch of tropical sweetness, balancing the savoury soup.

Almond Cookies: These are a classic choice.

The crispness and slight nuttiness work together marvellously with the smooth texture of egg drop soup.

• Serve them plain or with a cup of jasmine tea for a truly cozy experience.

Fruit Platter: If you prefer something fresher, a simple platter of assorted fruits is a lovely way to finish.

• Opt for slices of kiwi, dragon fruit, or lychee. Their unique tastes and vibrant colours make for an attractive and palate-pleasing dessert.

Jasmine Tea Pudding: A subtly flavoured jasmine tea pudding can be a sophisticated ending to your meal.

• This can introduce a creamy texture and floral notes that resonate well with the Asian-inspired theme of your soup.

What’s your go-to choice for what to serve with egg drop soup? 

Leave a comment and share your ideas below! 

Before you go, take a look at what to serve with miso soup.