Egg drop soup, also known as egg flower soup, is a popular Chinese broth-based soup made by slowly drizzling beaten eggs into hot chicken or veggie broth. The eggs cook into thin, wispy strands or “ribbons” in the broth, giving the soup its signature look. But how long does this tasty soup stay fresh and safe to eat after it’s made?
How Long Does Homemade Egg Drop Soup Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, homemade egg drop soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and shelf life, store the soup in a covered airtight container. Make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating, within 2 hours after cooking. Putting hot soup straight into the fridge can raise the temperature inside and promote bacteria growth.
Signs that homemade egg drop soup has gone bad include:
- Sour smell
- Mold growth
- Strange colors or textures
- Sliminess
If you notice any of these, it’s best to throw the soup away. Don’t taste test soup that you suspect has spoiled.
Proper Storage
To extend the fridge life of homemade egg drop soup:
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers to quicken cooling.
- Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use airtight containers and ensure lids are sealed properly.
- Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this reduces air circulation.
- Store soup towards the back of the fridge, where temperature is most consistent.
- Keep fridge below 40°F.
Does Egg Drop Soup Freeze Well?
Yes, egg drop soup freezes excellently for long-term storage. To freeze:
- Cool soup completely before freezing.
- Transfer to airtight freezer containers, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Label containers with name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
For best quality, use frozen egg drop soup within 3 months. Portion into meal-sized containers so you can thaw only what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can You Freeze Egg Drop Soup with Tofu?
Tofu tends to get watery when frozen and thawed. For best results, avoid freezing egg drop soup with tofu. Either leave the tofu out of portions intended for freezing, or add it fresh when reheating the thawed soup.
How Long Does Store-Bought Egg Drop Soup Last?
Store-bought, prepackaged egg drop soup will generally last 5-7 days past the sell-by date if unopened. You can maximize the shelf life by keeping the can or carton refrigerated after opening. An opened package or container of egg drop soup will stay fresh for about 4-5 more days in the fridge.
Pantry Storage Tips
For unopened, shelf-stable egg drop soup:
- Check package for a use-by date and follow it.
- Store in a cool, dry place under 75°F like inside a pantry.
- Avoid areas with direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Keep package/can lightly sealed and dry.
Refrigerator Storage Tips
Once opened, refrigerate pre-made egg drop soup to extend the shelf life:
- Transfer soup to a sealed container if opened.
- Refrigerate promptly after opening.
- Keep fridge below 40°F.
- Use opened egg drop soup within 4-5 days.
- Discard if you notice any sour smells or textures.
How to Tell if Egg Drop Soup Has Gone Bad
Here are signs that your egg drop soup has spoiled and should be thrown out:
Smell
Fresh egg drop soup smells pleasant, mild, and slightly eggy. Discard soup that develops a sour, unpleasant, or rotten odor.
Texture
Good egg drop soup should be smooth and creamy in texture. If it becomes slimy, gritty, or excessively thick, toss it.
Appearance
Expect a pale yellow color and thin egg wisps. Darkening to an orange hue, separation, fuzzy growth, or thick egg clumps signals spoilage.
Taste
Fresh soup tastes light, warm, and comforting. Rancid or odd flavors mean it’s time to say goodbye.
When in Doubt, Toss It Out!
Don’t risk getting sick from eating spoiled egg drop soup – stick to the recommended storage times. If you notice any signs of spoilage, don’t taste! Instead, discard immediately.
How to Store Egg Drop Soup
Proper storage is key for maximizing how long egg drop soup stays fresh. Here are some storage tips:
Short-Term Fridge Storage
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in airtight containers.
- Use shallow containers to quicken cooling.
- Keep soup towards back of fridge.
- Use within 3-4 days.
Long-Term Freezer Storage
- Cool soup completely before freezing.
- Portion into airtight freezer containers.
- Leave 1-inch headspace.
- Label with name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Pantry Storage of Shelf-Stable Soup
- Check package for use-by date.
- Store unopened soup in a cool, dry place.
- Keep away from heat and sunlight.
- Keep package lightly sealed.
Fridge Storage Once Opened
- Transfer opened soup to a sealed container.
- Refrigerate promptly after opening.
- Use within 4-5 days.
- Discard if any signs of spoilage.
How Long Does Egg Drop Soup Last at Room Temperature?
Egg drop soup should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Like many perishable foods, egg drop soup has a short window between when it’s cooked and when bacteria can multiply quickly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. If left out too long at room temp, the soup can become unsafe to eat.
To keep egg drop soup safe:
- Never leave soup out for more than 2 hours after cooking.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours – the sooner the better.
- Divide into shallow containers to cool quickly before refrigerating.
- When reheating, bring soup to a full boil again before eating.
- Throw away soup left out overnight.
The 2 hour rule also applies for taking soup to a potluck or bringing home leftovers. Again, getting the soup into a fridge soon after cooking can help prevent bacteria growth and foodborne illness.
How Many Days Does Egg Drop Soup Last After Opening?
For both homemade and store-bought egg drop soup, an opened container will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life after opening:
- Transfer soup to an airtight container if the original package isn’t resealable.
- Make sure to refrigerate promptly after opening.
- Keep the temperature set below 40°F.
- Use opened egg drop soup within 4-5 days.
- Check for signs of spoilage and throw away if any develop.
Proper refrigeration is important for keeping egg drop soup safe to eat after the original package, carton or can is opened. Follow the 4-5 day timeline for enjoying the soup at its freshest.
Can You Reheat Egg Drop Soup?
Yes, leftover egg drop soup can safely be reheated and enjoyed again. Use one of these proper reheating methods:
Stovetop
For best results, reheat egg drop soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and heat through until steaming hot, about 5 minutes.
Microwave
Microwave leftovers in 30 second intervals until hot, stirring between each. This prevents overheating. Take care as soup can easily boil over in the microwave.
Simmer
For a smooth, creamy texture, return soup to a simmer on the stovetop, then reduce heat and let simmer 5 minutes before serving.
Avoid simply warming soup as this allows bacteria to survive. Only reheat small portions to limit reheating cycles. Refrigerate again promptly and use within 3-4 days.
Conclusion
With proper refrigeration and reheating, homemade egg drop soup keeps for 3-4 days, while an opened package or container of store-bought soup lasts about 4-5 days. For long term storage, freeze egg drop soup for up to 3 months. Remember the 2 hour rule – soup left out too long at room temperature can become hazardous. Follow these tips for enjoying egg drop soup safely within the recommended timeframe.
