Egg roll soup is one of those delightful dishes that combines the crispy, savory comfort of an egg roll with the warmth and heartiness of a soup. It’s perfect for those days when you crave the flavor of an egg roll but want something lighter or easier to eat, or maybe even just a warm bowl of something cozy on a cold day.
Egg roll soup brings all the best elements of the classic Chinese takeout favorite into a bowl of broth. Imagine the satisfying crunch of egg roll fillings, the deep, savory flavor of soy sauce, and the comforting richness of a good soup base. It’s like enjoying the essence of an egg roll in liquid form-without the need to deep fry or wrap anything!
Whether you’re an experienced chef or just someone looking for a deliciously easy dish to impress friends or family, this egg roll soup recipe is both fun to make and even more fun to eat. You can get creative with it, too, adding your personal touch while staying true to the hearty, savory flavors that make this soup so irresistible.
Egg Roll Soup Recipe
Here’s a hearty, flavorful recipe for making egg roll soup. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and delivers the same comforting taste you love from an egg roll-without all the frying. Let’s dive right into the details:
Ingredients Needed
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Ground Pork (or chicken, beef, or turkey) – 1 lb
- This is the protein base of the soup. Ground pork is a popular choice because it has a good balance of fat and flavor, but you can swap it out based on personal preference.
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Shredded Cabbage – 3 cups
- The cabbage is one of the key ingredients that mimics the filling of an egg roll. It adds texture, flavor, and bulk to the soup.
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Shredded Carrots – 1 cup
- Adds a subtle sweetness and color to the soup. These also bring some crunch, similar to what you find in the classic egg roll filling.
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Ginger (fresh or ground) – 1 tablespoon (fresh preferred)
- Ginger adds a bright, zesty kick to the soup. Fresh ginger is ideal here as it infuses the broth with a more aromatic essence.
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Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
- A must-have in almost every Asian-inspired dish. It adds depth and a savory punch.
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Soy Sauce – 3 tablespoons
- The saltiness and umami from soy sauce really elevate the broth and give it that distinct egg roll flavor.
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Chicken Broth – 4 cups
- This is the liquid base of your soup, providing a rich and comforting foundation for all the ingredients to meld together.
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Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Adds an essential nutty aroma and flavor to the soup. It’s a signature ingredient in many Asian soups and stir-fries.
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Rice Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Adds a mild tang to balance out the richness of the broth.
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Green Onions (scallions) – 2 stalks, chopped
- For garnishing, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor.
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Optional Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro
- Chili Flakes or Sriracha for heat
- Wonton strips for crunch
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Aromatics
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a little sesame oil, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, but not burnt.
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Brown The Meat
- Add your ground pork to the pot. Break it up with a spoon, cooking it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
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Add Vegetables
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Let these cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
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Pour In The Broth
- Add the chicken broth and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes so all the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
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Season And Adjust
- Taste your soup and adjust with extra soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar if needed. You can also add more ginger if you like a stronger flavor.
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Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh chopped green onions. For extra flair, you can add cilantro, chili flakes, or crispy wonton strips for texture.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Pork: The reason ground pork is often the star of this dish is that it’s fatty enough to provide flavor without being greasy. It also pairs well with the soy sauce and other seasonings.
- Cabbage & Carrots: These vegetables are the cornerstone of an egg roll filling, providing the crunchy texture and mild flavors that keep the soup refreshing but filling.
- Sesame Oil: This oil is key for creating a depth of flavor. It adds warmth and richness, and it’s the subtle ’underlying note’ that makes your egg roll soup taste so authentic.
- Rice Vinegar: The tangy kick from rice vinegar is a game-changer. It cuts through the richness of the broth, adding a delicate balance.
Expert Tips
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Ground Chicken for a Lighter Option: If you prefer a leaner soup, ground chicken works just as well as pork.
- Customize the Broth: If you like a bit of heat, add chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the aromatics.
- Make It Ahead: This soup stores really well. In fact, the flavors meld together even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground meat for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra mushrooms to boost the ’umami’ flavor.
- Spicy Egg Roll Soup: If you’re a fan of spice, add a spoonful of Sriracha or a dash of chili paste to the broth. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.
- Low-Carb Version: Instead of cabbage, try using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to keep it low-carb while still maintaining that “noodle” texture.
- Add Noodles: If you want to make the soup more filling, feel free to add in cooked ramen or udon noodles for a heartier meal.
Final Words
Egg roll soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so satisfying-while still being a bit lighter than the traditional egg roll. The best part is how customizable it is. You can tailor it to your dietary preferences, spice tolerance, or ingredient availability. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or as a starter for a special meal, this soup brings all the warm, familiar flavors you love in a new, exciting way.