There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the chill of the evening sets in. The rich aroma of ground pork mingling with garlic and ginger in the air brings back memories of my favorite Asian takeout spots, but this time, I’m creating a delightful twist right in my own kitchen. Meet my Egg Roll Soup—a simple yet delicious dish that harmonizes the flavors of traditional egg rolls with the warmth of a hearty soup.
After a long day, I find myself craving something satisfying yet light, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With just a quick sauté and simmer, you can have a vibrant, flavorful bowl ready to serve. Imagine the soft cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a hint of spice from a drizzle of Sriracha, all swimming in a nourishing broth. It’s versatile enough to enjoy alone or as an inviting starter at your next gathering. Gather your ingredients, and let’s turn those weeknight soup blues into culinary gold!
Why is Egg Roll Soup so irresistible?
Warmth and Comfort: This Egg Roll Soup brings together the cozy essence of a classic soup with the delightful flavors of your favorite takeout. Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Health-Conscious Option: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, it’s both nourishing and light. Customizable Delight: Add your favorite toppings, like Sriracha or sesame seeds, to suit your taste. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will adore this familiar flavor twist!
Egg Roll Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground pork – provides hearty protein and rich flavor that mimics traditional egg rolls.
- Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning, tailor to your taste preference.
- 2 tbsp coconut oil – adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced – offers a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the dish with a robust flavor and irresistible aroma.
- 1 small thumb ginger, peeled and grated – adds warmth and a zesty kick to your Egg Roll Soup.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded – provides crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 green cabbage, sliced into strips – the star vegetable that mimics the fillings of an egg roll.
- 6 cups chicken broth – forms the flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos – a soy sauce alternative for a lower-sodium, savory kick.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – adds a hint of acidity that brightens the soup.
- 2 tbsp green onion, chopped – to sprinkle on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Optional: Sriracha to taste – for those who love an extra spicy kick to their Egg Roll Soup!
How to Make Egg Roll Soup
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Brown the Pork: In a large pot, brown the ground pork over medium heat, sprinkling a bit of salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and drain excess fat.
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt the coconut oil in the same pot on medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing for about 4 minutes until they become fragrant and softened.
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Add Carrots and Cabbage: Stir in the shredded carrots and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then add the sliced cabbage, stirring for a few minutes to let it just begin to soften.
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Combine with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth along with the browned pork and coconut aminos. Stir everything together, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
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Finish with Vinegar: Once ready, add the rice vinegar and give it a good stir to combine all the flavors harmoniously.
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Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top the soup with chopped green onion right before serving for that fresh touch!
Optional: Drizzle with Sriracha for an extra punch of heat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Egg Roll Soup Variations
Feel free to mix things up and personalize your Egg Roll Soup to suit your tastes!
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Lean Protein: Substitute ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. It still delivers on flavor without the extra fat.
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Vegetarian: Replace the meat with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist that’s just as satisfying. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture for a perfect texture!
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Extra Veggies: Add in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for added color and nutritional value. The more, the merrier when it comes to fresh veggies!
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Rice Noodles: For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked rice noodles just before serving. They’ll soak up the flavors while lending a satisfying chewiness.
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Spicy Kick: Increase Sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the pot during cooking for those who crave heat. A few extra drops can make a world of difference!
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Broth Swap: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian base, ensuring a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.
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Sesame Essence: Drizzle sesame oil over the finished soup for a nutty, aromatic finish. It’s a little touch that enhances the overall experience!
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Coconut Milk: Stir in a can of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy texture. This gives the soup a rich, comforting feel reminiscent of Thai flavors!
Expert Tips for Egg Roll Soup
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and aromatics like ginger and garlic to elevate the flavors of your Egg Roll Soup.
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Mind the Heat: Avoid overcooking the cabbage; you want it wilted but still slightly crunchy for texture.
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Adjust Flavor: Taste your broth before serving; you might want to add a bit more coconut aminos or rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
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Store Leftovers Safely: If you have any leftover soup, let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
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Spice it Up: If you love heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or more Sriracha for a deliciously spicy kick in your Egg Roll Soup!
Make Ahead Options
These Egg Roll Soup preparations are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can slice your veggies and cook the ground pork up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them separately to maintain freshness. Once prepped, store the sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, and sautéed aromatics in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy this heartwarming dish, combine everything with broth and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Adding rice vinegar right before serving keeps the flavors bright. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Egg Roll Soup ready in no time, just like takeout but homemade!
How to Store and Freeze Egg Roll Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Egg Roll Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Serving Tip: Once reheated, consider fresh garnishes like green onions or a dash of Sriracha to revive the dish’s flavors!
What to Serve with Egg Roll Soup?
It’s time to elevate your meal experience with complementary dishes that will enhance the delightful flavors of your egg roll soup.
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Savory Fried Rice: A classic addition, this dish adds a hearty element, soaking up broth while providing a satisfying bite.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Perfect for a crunchy contrast, these rolls echo the flavors of egg rolls and make a delightful appetizer.
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Garlic Noodles: Soft and flavorful, they enhance the meal with a hint of garlic while balancing the soup’s richness.
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Asian Slaw: Fresh and crisp, this slaw offers a refreshing crunch that complements the soup’s warm, savory notes.
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Steamed Dumplings: For adding another layer of comfort, dumplings, filled with your favorite meat or veggies, are a delightful pairing.
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Chili Sesame Oil Drizzled Broccolini: This easy side adds vibrant color and a subtle spiciness that plays beautifully with the soup.
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Mango Sticky Rice: To finish on a sweet note, this dessert offers a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the warm soup.
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Iced Green Tea: A light drink to balance the meal, its refreshing flavor cleanses the palate and enhances the dining experience.
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Homemade Fortune Cookies: Fun and interactive, these sweet treats make a charming end to your meal, adding a touch of nostalgia.
Let your egg roll soup shine by pairing it with these delightful options!
Egg Roll Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of ground pork should I use for the Egg Roll Soup?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using ground pork that’s around 80-85% lean. This way, you get a good balance of flavor and moisture without excessive fat. If you prefer a lighter option, you can even substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
How do I store leftovers of the Egg Roll Soup?
Very! Store your leftover Egg Roll Soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery.
Can I freeze the Egg Roll Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze your Egg Roll Soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible—this helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my soup is too salty?
If you find your Egg Roll Soup a bit too salty, don’t worry! You can balance it out by adding more broth or water, which will dilute the saltiness. Another option is to add additional veggies—like more shredded cabbage or carrots—to help absorb some of the salt. Let it simmer for a little longer after adding to enhance the flavors.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind with this recipe?
Certainly! If you have meal prep for pets in mind, it’s wise to keep onions and garlic away as they aren’t suitable for them. For allergies or dietary restrictions, you can switch ingredients: use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for gluten-free needs or opt for vegetable broth and replace the pork with tofu or other meats for a vegetarian spin.
How do I know when the cabbage is done in the Egg Roll Soup?
To achieve the perfect cabbage texture, you want it just wilted but still with a bit of crunch. Cook it until it turns a vibrant green and slightly softens, usually around 3-5 minutes after adding it to the pot. This ensures you capture that beloved texture reminiscent of fresh egg rolls!
Savory Egg Roll Soup: A Cozy Twist on Takeout Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, brown the ground pork over medium heat, sprinkling a bit of salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and drain excess fat.
- Melt the coconut oil in the same pot on medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing for about 4 minutes until they become fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the shredded carrots and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then add the sliced cabbage, stirring for a few minutes to let it just begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth along with the browned pork and coconut aminos. Stir everything together, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
- Once ready, add the rice vinegar and give it a good stir to combine all the flavors harmoniously.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top the soup with chopped green onion right before serving for that fresh touch!
- Optional: Drizzle with Sriracha for an extra punch of heat!