Chinese Tomato Egg Soup Recipe: A Quick and Easy Recipe Guide

If you're looking for a comforting and healthy soup recipe, Chinese tomato egg soup is an excellent choice. This soup is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and requires simple ingredients. The soup is also versatile, as it can be modified to fit different dietary needs and preferences.

The background of Chinese tomato egg soup dates back to the 1920s in Shanghai, China. The soup is a popular dish in Chinese households and is often served as a light meal or as an appetizer. The soup is made by combining fresh ripe tomatoes, eggs, and a few other essential ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful soup that's perfect for any occasion.

To make Chinese tomato egg soup, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, eggs, scallions, chicken stock, and sesame oil. You can also add seafood to the soup to give it an extra kick of flavor. Shrimp or crab meat are excellent options that pair well with the soup's tangy tomato flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese tomato egg soup is a comforting and healthy soup recipe that requires simple ingredients.
• The soup can be modified to fit different dietary needs and preferences.
• Seafood, such as shrimp or crab meat, can be added to the soup to give it an extra kick of flavor.

Background of Chinese Tomato Egg Soup

Chinese Tomato Egg Soup, also known as Tomato Egg Drop Soup, is a popular and authentic Chinese soup that is easy to make and nutritious. This soup is a classic comfort food that is often served in homes and restaurants across China.

Cultural Significance

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is a popular soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This soup is a favourite among the Chinese people due to its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste. The soup is often served with steamed rice and is considered a complete meal.

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. They are also high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure. Eggs are a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. This soup is a nutritious and healthy meal that is perfect for those who are looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Seafood can also be added to this soup to make it even more nutritious. Shrimp or crab are great options for adding seafood to the soup. They are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart.

In conclusion, Chinese Tomato Egg Soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is easy to make and perfect for any meal of the day. It is a great way to add more vegetables and protein to your diet, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese tomato egg soup, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These ingredients are what give the soup its distinct flavour and texture, and they are what make it such a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. In this section, we will take a closer look at the essential ingredients that you will need to make this soup, including how to choose the right tomatoes, what type of eggs to use, and what seasonings and flavour enhancers to add.

Choosing the Right Tomatoes

One of the most important ingredients in Chinese tomato egg soup is, of course, the tomatoes. When choosing tomatoes for this recipe, it is important to select ripe tomatoes that are firm, but not too soft. You want to use tomatoes that are bright red in colour and have a sweet, slightly tangy flavour. Fresh tomatoes are the best option for this recipe, but canned tomatoes can also be used in a pinch.

Egg Selection

The eggs you use in your Chinese tomato egg soup can make a big difference in the final result. Large eggs are the best option for this recipe, as they will give you the right amount of egg to soup ratio. It is also important to use fresh eggs, as they will give you the best flavour and texture. If you want to add some extra protein to your soup, you can also add some tofu or seafood, such as shrimp or crab.

Seasonings and Flavour Enhancers

To give your Chinese tomato egg soup its distinct flavour, you will need to add some seasonings and flavour enhancers. Some of the most common seasonings used in this recipe include salt, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add some umami flavour to your soup by using vegetable stock or chicken stock. Other flavour enhancers that can be added to this soup include scallions, spring onion, and cilantro.

Overall, the key to making a delicious Chinese tomato egg soup is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours and textures of the main ingredients. By following these simple tips and using the right ingredients, you can create a soup that is both satisfying and flavourful.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, you need to prepare all the ingredients. For this recipe, you will need ripe tomatoes, eggs, scallions, sesame oil, chicken stock, water, light soy sauce, ground white pepper, salt, and cornstarch.

Start by peeling the skin off the tomatoes and cut them into thin slices. Chop the scallions and set them aside. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set them aside.

Cooking Process

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a soup pot or wok over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato slices and stir-fry for five minutes until they are softened and start to fall apart.

Add one cup of chicken stock and two cups of water to the pot. Then, add two teaspoons of light soy sauce, half a teaspoon of sesame oil, a quarter teaspoon of ground white pepper, and salt to taste.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for five minutes. In the meantime, create egg ribbons by slowly pouring the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently in one direction.

Finishing Touches

To thicken the soup, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a cornstarch slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the soup, stirring constantly until the soup thickens to your desired texture.

Garnish the soup with chopped scallions and serve hot.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add seafood to this recipe. Shrimp or crab meat would be a great addition to this soup. Simply add them to the pot at the same time as the tomatoes and let them cook until they are fully cooked through.

Serving and Presentation

Garnishing

Garnishing is an essential aspect of Chinese cuisine, and the same goes for the Chinese tomato egg soup. The soup is usually garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions. You can chop the cilantro or scallion finely and sprinkle it over the soup. The garnishing not only adds to the visual appeal of the dish but also enhances its flavour.

Accompaniments

The Chinese tomato egg soup is a light and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with accompaniments. You can serve the soup with steamed rice, noodles, or bread. The soup goes well with plain white rice as it helps to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes. You can also serve the soup with some stir-fried vegetables such as spinach or bok choy.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can add seafood to the soup to make it even more flavourful. You can use shrimp or crab meat to add a seafood twist to the soup. The seafood will give the soup a rich and savoury flavour that will satisfy your appetite.

To make the soup more appealing, you can serve it in a traditional Chinese soup bowl. The bowl should be deep enough to hold the soup and wide enough to allow for easy scooping. You can also add a few drops of neutral cooking oil on top of the soup to give it a glossy finish.

In summary, the Chinese tomato egg soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with accompaniments. The garnishing and accompaniments add to the visual appeal and flavour of the dish. You can also experiment with seafood to make the soup more flavourful.

Variations and Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you're a vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of Chinese tomato egg drop soup by simply omitting the eggs and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some tofu or mushrooms to the soup for extra protein and flavor.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Alternatives

If you're on a gluten-free or low-carb diet, you can use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to thicken the soup. Arrowroot is a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to cornstarch, and it works just as well. You can also use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice noodles to make the soup low-carb.

If you're on a paleo, whole30, or keto diet, you can still enjoy this easy recipe by making a few simple substitutions. Instead of using cornstarch or arrowroot, you can use coconut flour or almond flour to thicken the soup. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the soup for extra protein and flavor.

Seafood is a great addition to this soup, and it pairs well with the tomato and egg flavors. You can use shrimp, scallops, or any other seafood of your choice. Simply add the seafood towards the end of the cooking process and let it cook for a few minutes until it's cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make Chinese tomato egg soup with fresh tomatoes?

To make Chinese tomato egg soup with fresh tomatoes, start by chopping the tomatoes into small pieces and sautéing them in a pot with some oil. Then, add in some chicken or vegetable stock, along with some soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Once the soup comes to a boil, lower the heat and add in beaten eggs in a slow and steady stream while stirring the soup continuously. You can also add in some cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Finally, garnish with some chopped scallions and cilantro and serve hot.

What's the best way to create a vegetarian version of Chinese tomato egg soup?

To create a vegetarian version of Chinese tomato egg soup, simply substitute the chicken or vegetable stock with vegetable broth. You can also add in some mushrooms or tofu for added protein and flavor.

Can you suggest an easy method for preparing Chinese tomato egg soup?

Yes, an easy method for preparing Chinese tomato egg soup is to use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. This will save you time and effort in chopping and sautéing the tomatoes. Simply add the canned tomatoes into the pot along with the stock and other seasonings, and follow the same steps as mentioned earlier.

What's the secret to the perfect Chinese tomato egg soup?

The secret to the perfect Chinese tomato egg soup is to add the beaten eggs slowly and steadily into the soup while continuously stirring it. This will create the signature "egg flower" texture of the soup. Additionally, using fresh and ripe tomatoes will enhance the flavor of the soup.

How many calories are typically in tomato egg drop soup?

The number of calories in tomato egg drop soup can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. On average, a serving of tomato egg drop soup contains around 100-150 calories.

Is it possible to add dumplings to tomato egg drop soup, and if so, how?

Yes, it is possible to add dumplings to tomato egg drop soup. Simply prepare the dumplings separately and add them into the soup towards the end of the cooking process. You can use any type of dumplings, including seafood dumplings such as shrimp or crab dumplings, to add extra flavor and texture to the soup.