To begin, pour the chicken or vegetable broth into a pot and place it over medium heat. Allow the broth to come to a gentle simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring they are well incorporated.

Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.

While the broth is simmering, it's time to prepare the egg mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, and water until well combined. The cornstarch helps to give the egg ribbons a slightly thicker texture, similar to what you would find in a restaurant-style egg drop soup.

Once the broth has simmered and you've prepared the egg mixture, it's time to add the eggs to the pot. Using a fork or a whisk, stir the broth in a circular motion, creating a gentle whirlpool effect. This motion will help to distribute the eggs evenly throughout the soup, creating those signature silky ribbons.

While stirring the broth, slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot in a steady stream. The circular motion will help the eggs cook in thin ribbons. Continue stirring for about 1 minute, until the egg ribbons are cooked through and evenly dispersed in the soup.

At this point, your homemade egg drop soup is ready to be garnished and served. Ladle the soup into individual bowls, ensuring that each portion has a generous amount of egg ribbons. If desired, sprinkle sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds on top of the soup for added flavor and visual appeal.

Egg drop soup can be enjoyed as a starter or as a light meal on its own. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite Chinese dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.