Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese soup that is made by whisking eggs into a hot broth. It is a staple dish at Chinese restaurants and is enjoyed by many for its comforting flavor. But when watching your carbohydrate intake, you may wonder – does egg drop soup have a lot of carbs?
The Main Ingredients in Egg Drop Soup
The primary ingredients in basic egg drop soup are:
- Broth – This provides the base flavor. Chicken broth is most common, but vegetable or beef broth may also be used.
- Eggs – Eggs are whisked and drizzled into the hot broth to create thin, silky egg ribbons.
- Green onions – Sliced green onions are used to add flavor and texture.
- Salt and white pepper – These seasonings enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Cornstarch – A small amount of cornstarch helps thicken the broth.
As you can see, the main ingredients in egg drop soup are the broth, eggs, and some vegetables. There are no starchy ingredients like noodles, rice, or dumplings. This means that plain egg drop soup is naturally low in carbohydrates.
The Carb Count of Egg Drop Soup
Here is the typical carb count for 1 cup of homemade egg drop soup made with chicken broth:
| Ingredient | Amount | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | 1g |
| Eggs | 2 eggs | 1g |
| Green onions | 1 tbsp chopped | 0.5g |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp | 3g |
| Total | 5.5g |
As you can see from the breakdown, a 1 cup serving of homemade egg drop soup contains only about 5.5 grams of net carbs. This is considered low-carb.
Carbs in Egg Drop Soup at Restaurants
When dining out, you’ll want to be aware that egg drop soup at Chinese restaurants and takeout places may have added ingredients that increase the carb count. Here are some common additions:
- Noodles or rice – Some restaurants add noodles or rice to make the soup more filling. This significantly increases the carbs.
- Thickened broth – More cornstarch may be used to create a thicker, richer broth. This adds more carbs from the cornstarch.
- Sugar – Some recipes call for sugar to balance flavors. Too much sugar can make the carb count add up.
To keep restaurant egg drop soup low in carbs, order it plain without noodles or rice. Ask if you can get it without sugar. And beware of soups that have an overly thick, gloopy broth – that’s a sign more cornstarch has been used.
Carb Count Examples at Popular Chains
Here are the carb counts for egg drop soup at some popular North American Chinese restaurant chains:
| Restaurant | Serving Size | Total Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| Panda Express | 8 fl oz | 7g |
| PF Chang’s | 8 fl oz | 6g |
| Pei Wei | 8 fl oz | 10g |
As you can see, the carb count can vary substantially depending on the recipe. In general, a 1 cup serving of egg drop soup at a restaurant may contain 5-15g net carbs.
Tips for a Low-Carb Egg Drop Soup
Here are some tips for enjoying egg drop soup while reducing carbs:
- Order it plain without noodles, rice, or dumplings.
- Request no sugar or limit added sugar.
- Ask for a thinner, more brothy soup rather than thick and gloopy.
- Flavor it yourself with added soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, or chili oil instead of relying on sugar for flavor.
- Make it at home where you control the ingredients.
- Use vegetable broth or mushroom broth instead of starchy thickened chicken broth.
The Bottom Line
Plain egg drop soup made with chicken or vegetable broth is generally low in carbs, containing around 5 grams per serving. But at restaurants, added ingredients like noodles, thickening agents, and sugar can increase the carb count. Your best bet is to customize your order, request no sugars or starches be added, and flavor it yourself to keep egg drop soup low in carbs.