Egg drop soup, sometimes called egg flower soup, is a simple Chinese broth-based soup made with sliced eggs, chicken or vegetable broth, cornstarch, and green onions. The name comes from the wispy bits of cooked egg white that resemble flower petals floating in the broth. Egg drop soup is popular at Chinese restaurants and takeout joints, but it’s also easy to make at home. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this comforting soup in under 30 minutes.
But how long does leftover egg drop soup stay fresh? Can you safely store egg drop soup in the fridge and reheat it later in the week? Here’s a look at egg drop soup’s shelf life, proper storage methods, reheating instructions, and signs of spoilage to watch out for.
How Long Does Egg Drop Soup Last in the Fridge?
Freshly made egg drop soup will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To maximize its shelf life, store egg drop soup in an airtight container to prevent leftovers from absorbing fridge odors and drying out. Make sure to refrigerate the soup within 2 hours of cooking.
The eggs and broth in the soup keep it safe from bacteria for several days. However, over time, the quality will deteriorate and the soup will start to lose its fresh taste. For best flavor and texture, plan to eat leftover egg drop soup within 3 days. It may last up to 5 days, but the broth will start to taste flat and the egg strands can become rubbery.
How to Store Egg Drop Soup
Here are some tips for storing leftover egg drop soup:
- Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Make sure to portion the soup into shallow containers so it will chill quickly in the fridge.
- Always refrigerate egg drop soup within 2 hours after cooking.
- Store egg drop soup toward the back of the fridge where temperatures are colder.
- If freezing soup for longer storage, leave 1⁄2 inch of headspace in containers to allow for expansion.
- Avoid storing egg drop soup for more than 5 days in the fridge or it may spoil.
Can You Freeze Egg Drop Soup?
Yes, egg drop soup freezes well for long-term storage. To freeze, let the soup cool completely then transfer to airtight freezer-safe containers. Leave about 1⁄2 inch headspace at the top since liquids expand as they freeze. Securely seal and label containers with the date. Frozen egg drop soup will keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw, move frozen egg drop soup from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let it thaw slowly overnight before reheating. You can also thaw soup in the microwave, reheating it immediately once thawed. Avoid letting egg drop soup thaw at room temperature, which allows bacteria to multiply.
Tips for Freezing Egg Drop Soup
- Cool soup completely before freezing so it chills quickly.
- Portion into freezer bags or containers, leaving headspace for expansion.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal containers tightly.
- Label bags or containers with date and contents.
- Freeze egg drop soup for up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Egg Drop Soup
The best way to reheat leftover egg drop soup is on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir the soup frequently as it reheats and make sure it reaches 165°F throughout before eating.
To reheat on the stovetop, pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until hot. Or, reheat individual portions in a bowl or mug, cooking on 50% power and stirring every minute until steaming hot.
Microwaved soup may appear hot at the edges but be cool toward the center, so it’s important to stir thoroughly and check temperatures with an instant read thermometer. If egg strands in the soup clump or become rubbery when reheated, add a splash of broth or water to the soup to thin it out.
Tips for Reheating Egg Drop Soup
- Reheat egg drop soup to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
- Cook over medium-low heat on the stovetop or 50% power in the microwave.
- Add a splash of broth if soup seems thick after reheating.
- Avoid reheating more than once.
How Can You Tell if Egg Drop Soup Has Gone Bad?
Check egg drop soup for the following signs of spoilage before eating:
- Off odors: Fresh egg drop soup smells pleasantly of broth, eggs, and green onions. Foul spoiled smells indicate bacteria growth.
- Off colors: Look for odd gray, green, or purple discoloration.
- Texture changes: Soup should be smooth and creamy. Separation, chunkiness, mushiness, or sliminess signals spoilage.
- Mold: Check closely for fuzzy mold, especially near the surface.
- Weird bubbles: Tiny bubbles throughout are normal, but big bubbles or foaming could mean fermentation.
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t taste soup with any signs of spoilage.
Can You Eat Egg Drop Soup Past Its Expiration Date?
The expiration date printed on packaged egg drop soup refers to an unopened container stored at room temperature. Once opened, the clock starts ticking and bacterial growth can occur. Leftover refrigerated egg drop soup is safe to eat for 3 to 5 days past the use-by date, provided it has been handled and stored properly.
Trust your eyes and nose. If egg drop soup smells and looks fine with no signs of spoilage, it should be safe to enjoy a few days past the printed date as long as it has been continuously refrigerated. But never eat expired egg drop soup that is moldy, has an off smell or appearance, or has been left out too long at unsafe temperatures.
How to Tell if Opened Egg Drop Soup Has Expired
- Check for foul odors, mold, texture changes, or other signs of spoilage.
- Be suspicious of any soup older than 5-7 days past the use-by date.
- Avoid eating expired soup that has been stored incorrectly, like left on the counter overnight.
- When unsure if an older soup is still safe, throw it out.
Does Egg Drop Soup Go Bad If Left Out Overnight?
Egg drop soup left out overnight at room temperature can go bad. Bacteria grows rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Leaving cooked soup within this danger zone for more than 2 hours allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.
If you accidentally leave a bowl of egg drop soup on the counter overnight, it’s best to throw it away. The cooled soup enters the temperature danger zone where bacteria multiplies quickly. Consuming the contaminated soup could cause food poisoning or illness.
Rules for Egg Drop Soup Left Out Overnight
- Refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking.
- Never leave soup at room temperature more than 2 hours.
- Discard soup left out more than 2 hours – don’t risk eating it.
- Don’t taste soup to check if it’s safe after sitting overnight.
Conclusion
Egg drop soup will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if stored in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze soup for 2 to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to stir thoroughly and reheat Egg drop soup to 165°F. Check refrigerated soup for signs of spoilage like off smells, texture changes, or mold. Leftover soup should not be consumed more than 5 days past the expiration date printed on the package. Once opened, try to eat egg drop soup within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety. Discard egg drop soup left out overnight at room temperature to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.