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Egg drop soup is one of my favorite Chinese delicacies! It’s so creamy, warming, and packed with mouthwatering flavor. The rich eggs are so full of protein too, making the soup energizing as well as delicious.
If you want to make this simple soup into a fancier meal, try pairing it with the perfect side dishes! When it comes to what to serve with egg drop soup, all of my go-to recipes are listed below.
So, what do you eat with egg drop soup? From scrumptious shrimp egg rolls to the world-famous Mapo tofu, there are so many amazing options. Let’s get cooking!
Proteins
Shrimp Egg Rolls
These shrimp rolls are amazing as an appetizer or as part of a spread! They’re surprisingly easy to make at home, and so much better than frozen or takeout.
The filling consists of shrimp, cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and seasonings, giving a tangy, rich, and satisfying flavor.
This recipe uses premade egg roll wrappers to keep things fast, and you’ll become a pro at rolling them in no time!
You can make these in an air fryer or bake them if you’re looking for a lighter cooking method with less cleanup and risk of hot oil.
However, for the optimal taste and crunch, I like to fry them in the traditional way.
They also freeze well for an easy weeknight dinner – just precook them to save yourself time down the line and to preserve their structural integrity.
Chicken Dumplings
What goes with egg drop soup on special occasions? These crispy and addicting dumplings are traditionally made for Chinese New Year and other celebrations, but you can enjoy them any other time as well!
They’re potsticker style, meaning you get a lovely crispy base and a soft side and middle with a nice bite.
The filling consists of ground chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (sherry is a good substitute if you can’t find any Shaoxing), ginger, green onions, carrots, corn, and seasonings.
It’s a delicious and intricate flavor that goes well with the hearty creaminess of egg drop soup!
Even if you haven’t made your own dumplings before, the pleated edges are a skill you’ll be able to pick up quickly – though it might take a few tries!
If you really can’t get the hang of it, it’s okay to just press the edges of the wrapper together in a half-moon shape instead. While they might not be quite as pretty, they are certain to taste just as good.
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
BBQ pork buns are such a delicious treat with their plush, springy, and doughy outsides and savory, saucy, and meaty middle!
They’re great to serve alongside soup as a Chinese twist on the Western style of serving soup with a bread roll.
This recipe takes a little more time than some of the others on this list, but the baos are easy to make in advance if you’re in a rush. Plus, it is so rewarding to make every element of a dish from scratch!
It can be a little tricky to tell when your char siu bao are ready, but a good tip is to look for the filling starting to burst out of the top of the buns. They are also close to double in size and have a firm but squishy texture.
General Tso’s Chicken
This American-style Chinese recipe is sure to bring back memories as the ultimate indulgence!
The sauce gives the chicken the perfect glossy stickiness, and the sweet and sour balance is sure to hit the spot.
It is so easy to create as well, and definitely restaurant quality! It only takes twenty-five minutes, and can even be made in an air fryer if you prefer.
I enjoy serving this dish alongside egg drop soup as it has strong, meaty, umami, and spicy flavors, which contrast really well with the milder soup.
If you’re not a fan of foods that are spicy, you can always cut down on the red chili flakes.
The recipe calls for a half teaspoon, but you can opt for a quarter for a medium spiced dish (or even less) if you prefer mild dishes.
Beef with Broccoli
This easy, nutritious, and super delicious dish is a classic for a reason!
I always serve beef and broccoli on top of white rice (seasoned is even better), but I think it gets so much better with another Chinese side such as egg drop soup!
This recipe is just as good (if not better) than takeout, and it is so much cheaper to boot. Plus, it takes less than half an hour to make from start to finish – so get cooking!
Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
If you’re after a protein main that’s a bit more decadent, try out this shrimp recipe. It is absolutely perfect for special occasions!
This recipe is an upgraded version of a takeout classic, so it’s sure to be both comforting and surprising.
While the title says lobster sauce, it’s a bit misleading; it is simply the sauce that is traditionally served on top of Chinese-style lobster, so you won’t need to break the bank for this recipe.
The meats in this dish are shrimp (frozen is fine, to save time and money) as well as some ground pork for added protein and flavor.
If I’m going all out for a Chinese meal, this is my go-to dish to serve – along with egg drop soup, of course!
Vegetables
Bok Choy in Ginger Sauce
Bok choy is such an underrated vegetable! I love serving it alongside simple salmon and rice, creamy pasta, and certainly as a side to the majority of my East Asian meals.
This recipe perfects the cooking of bok choy, making sure it is soft but still has a nice bite to it and isn’t soggy (the biggest killer of leafy greens!).
The ginger adds a lovely zestiness while canceling out some of the bitter flavors of the bok choy, while the sauce is packed full of flavor as well as adding a beautiful gloss.
Garlic Green Beans
When it comes to what to eat with egg drop soup, I also regularly serve green beans!
There’s just something about their fresh, snappy crunch that works amazingly alongside the silky broth – both in texture and flavor.
While I normally just make green beans with butter and maybe a little lemon zest, I find that the garlic and black pepper add a subtle spiciness that emphasizes the natural sweetness of the beans while beautifully complementing the natural sweetness of the beans.
Vegetable Moo Shu
This vibrant, colorful, and super healthy dish is naturally vegetarian, making it a great option to serve with egg drop soup if you’re looking for a meat-free meal!
For the vegetable medley, this recipe calls for carrots, celery, bell pepper (any color is okay, though I prefer red or yellow), shiitake mushrooms, leek, and garlic.
It also includes tofu for extra texture and protein, as well as amazing seasonings like hoisin, soy sauce, and sesame oil to name a few.
This dish is great alongside egg drop soup and other rich creamy dishes as it brightens up both the plate and the palate!
Noodle & Rice
Classic Pork Fried Rice
If you’re after a meat and carb side in one, this pork fried rice is a great option.
While it might seem like a bit much to double down on the egg-based dishes, I find it a great way to balance the eggs used (and to take care of any extras).
Plus, the pork is definitely the star of this dish, while the eggs just soak up and emphasize the rich flavors that waft through the rice!
Beef Lo Mein
If you’re craving noodles, you can’t go wrong with this lo mein recipe.
It tastes just like restaurant quality while having added freshness, customizability, and being a lot easier on the wallet.
It only takes thirty minutes to make as well! The par-cooked carrots and broccoli as well as the well-done garlic and onion add a crazy boost of flavor and color to finish.
Steamed Brown Rice
If you want a simpler carby side, it’s always okay to just make rice!
And while white rice is always amazing, I think brown rice gets a bad rap. Yes, it’s healthier – but that doesn’t mean it’s any less tasty.
I actually find it better than white for pairing with simple and rich meals like egg drop soup.
It has a more complex flavor, more protein and fiber, and you can even add it to your soup if you want a one-bowl meal!
This recipe is super simple and tells you exactly how to make the perfect brown rice in your rice cooker.
If you want to amp things up, using broth instead of water is an amazing and easy way to infuse your rice with loads of fragrant flavor!
Tofu Dishes
Mapo Tofu
This Sichuan-style recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare tofu.
Fair warning: if you’re looking to keep things vegetarian by choosing a tofu dish to serve with your egg drop soup, this recipe is not the one for you!
It utilizes beef (or pork if you prefer) to add even more protein and give a meaty flavor to the dish.
While it may seem a little extra, the meat (along with the Doubanjiang, fermented black beans, sesame oil, pepper flakes, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, scallions, and other seasonings in the sauce) packs this tofu with the most incredible aroma and taste.
Salt and Pepper Tofu
When I want a simple, veggie tofu recipe that’s just heaven when paired with a heartwarming bowl of egg drop soup, I can’t say no to salt and pepper tofu!
Firm tofu coated in salt and pepper and swimming in crispy pieces of garlic and chilis? Sign me up!
There are so many things to love about this side dish. It’s a classic in Chinese cuisine, so it’s right at home with egg drop soup. Crunchy, chewy, and offers so much contrast — you’ll be snacking on this duo in no time!
Soups
Wanting to go all out with the soups? These options go great with egg drop!
Hot and Sour Soup
Want to up the heat and place an American-style twist on a traditional Chinese classic? Go for a hot and sour soup along with the egg drop!
With sliced mushrooms and firm tofu in each spoonful of this tasty beef broth, trust me: it’s very hard not to fall in love from the very first bite.
It takes up only 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, so it’s a lovely choice for quick weeknight meals or cold fall and winter nights by the fire.
Wonton Soup
If we’re diving deep into soups, I can’t miss out on one of my all-time favorites: wonton soup!
Imagine your trusty bowl of egg drop soup but with delectable treats waiting for you with each spoonful! That’s precisely why the wonton and egg soup combo is one that’s to die for.
Because these wontons are made with mushrooms (pro tip: use shiitake), it’s the perfect way to get your kids loading up on healthy dishes.
I know wontons look intimidating, but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Once you’ve mastered the art, you’ll be dishing out bowls of wonton soup in no time!
Miso Soup
This Japanese staple might just allow you to understand why Asian cuisine is one of the best out there.
And if you’re thinking of egg drop soup to go with dinner, why not cook miso soup as well?
It’s salty and heartwarming, and perhaps the best part is it tastes just as great as a vegan option if you opt out of the fish sauce and use vegetable broth instead.
Throw in sizable chunks of tofu, and you can even get away with an egg or two! Miso soup is a classic I’m sure you’ll fall in love with.
Condiments
The condiments often make the meal! These are my favorites for serving with egg drop soup and other Chinese delicacies:
Pickled Vegetables
When I want a no-nonsense but incredibly satisfying partner to my egg soup, pickled vegetables are the way to go!
This simple and quick pickling method adds zest to a comfy soup, so expect flavorful fireworks on your taste buds.
Pickled vegetables usually use onions, radishes, and carrots, but feel free to experiment with whatever’s in season! You can even make multiple jars and pair them with savory meals for that perfect contrast.
I don’t know about you, but pickled vegetables are my equivalent to jars of candies. They’re just too hard to resist!
Sriracha
It’s Asian fusion like no other: egg drop soup with the spicy, unique kick of sriracha!
This hot sauce originates from Thailand and has developed a cult following the world over, so you’ve got to try it with your soup.
Sure, you can find ready-made sriracha in your nearest grocery store – but trust me, nothing beats homemade.
All you need are chili peppers, sugar, and white vinegar to taste literal heaven on earth. It’s THAT unbeatable.
A little pro tip: don’t get too excited with adding too much sriracha to your soup. It might make it too spicy to handle! Go slow at first, then feel free to experiment. Say goodbye to plain old egg drop soups!
Easy Chinese Hot Mustard
This sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for many of the dishes recommended on this list. It’s super easy and quick to make (five minutes of active cooking time).
This is because it only requires three ingredients: brown mustard powder, ice water, and rice (or rice wine) vinegar.
It might seem too good to be true, but don’t knock it until you try it – it’s seriously scrumptious!
What to Serve with Egg Drop Soup: 20 Dishes
Ingredients
Proteins
- Shrimp Egg Rolls
- Chicken Dumplings
- Char Siu Bao BBQ Pork Buns
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef with Broccoli
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Vegetables
- Bok Choy in Ginger Sauce
- Garlic Green Beans
- Vegetable Moo Shu
Noodle & Rice
- Classic Pork Fried Rice
- Beef Lo Mein
- Steamed Brown Rice
Tofu Dishes
- Mapo Tofu
- Salt and Pepper Tofu
Soups
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Wonton Soup
- Miso Soup
Condiments
- Pickled Vegetables
- Sriracha
- Easy Chinese Hot Mustard
Instructions
- Pick a side!
- Enjoy!