This Egg Roll Soup is everything you love about a classic egg roll savory pork, fresh cabbage, aromatic garlic and ginger but served hot in a rich, comforting broth. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave cozy takeout-inspired goodness.
Not only is this soup loaded with wholesome veggies and umami-rich broth, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can make it spicy or mild, top it with herbs or crispy wontons, or switch out the pork for a lighter protein. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent, but keeps things balanced and nourishing. A must-try for soup lovers!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground pork
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece ginger, grated
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1 cup shredded cabbage
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1 cup shredded carrots
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
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Crispy wonton strips (optional)
Directions:
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Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
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Add diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until onion is soft.
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Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
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Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and wonton strips.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Egg Roll Soup: A Comforting Take on a Takeout Favorite
There’s something undeniably satisfying about recreating your favorite takeout dishes at home but even more so when you can turn a beloved appetizer into a cozy, nourishing meal. That’s exactly what Egg Roll Soup accomplishes. This dish transforms the crispy, flavor-packed components of a traditional egg roll into a warm, one-bowl wonder that’s not only quick to prepare but endlessly adaptable. It’s everything you love about egg rolls without the frying or the wrapper.
Whether you’re aiming for low carb comfort food, looking to warm up on a chilly day, or simply craving a savory Asian-inspired soup, Egg Roll Soup is a must-try. With its rich broth, fragrant aromatics, hearty protein, and fresh vegetables, it offers depth of flavor and body that’s hard to beat. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this dish special from its flavor profile and cultural roots to health benefits, creative variations, and meal-prep versatility.
The Inspiration: From Crispy Appetizer to Nourishing Bowl
Egg rolls are a staple of Chinese American cuisine, beloved for their crispy exteriors and savory, steaming-hot fillings. They’re typically stuffed with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and a punch of seasonings, all rolled up in a wheat wrapper and deep-fried to golden perfection. Egg Roll Soup takes that familiar combination and reimagines it no wrapper, no frying just the essence of an egg roll, delivered in spoonfuls rather than bites.
This clever reinterpretation likely evolved out of the recent wave of low-carb, keto friendly recipe trends. People wanted to enjoy the familiar taste of egg rolls without the carbs or calories from the wrapper. Enter the deconstructed version: a soup that is as flavorful as it is comforting.
But Egg Roll Soup isn’t just a diet hack. It’s a genuinely delicious and wholesome meal that brings new life to a classic. The transformation also opens the door to creative spins and makes it suitable for more occasions from weekday lunches to family dinners and even casual dinner parties.
Flavor Profile: Umami, Aromatics, and a Hint of Heat
The core appeal of Egg Roll Soup lies in its bold and balanced flavor profile. Imagine the first sip: a warm broth infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, layered with umami from soy sauce and hoisin, and rounded off with tender bites of ground pork and crisp tender cabbage and carrots. The aromatics create a deeply fragrant base, and a touch of Sriracha or red pepper flakes can dial up the heat according to your preference.
What really elevates the soup is the interplay between richness and freshness. While the ground meat adds body and depth, ingredients like green onion, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds bring brightness and texture. Optional toppings like crispy wonton strips add crunch echoing the original egg roll’s iconic exterior.
The result is a well rounded, satisfying dish that feels indulgent but remains surprisingly light. It hits the comfort food sweet spot without weighing you down.
A Health-Conscious Comfort Food
Another reason Egg Roll Soup has gained traction is its wholesome, health conscious nature. Unlike the traditional deep fried egg roll, this version is typically cooked with minimal oil and packed with lean protein and vegetables. It fits neatly into a variety of dietary lifestyles:
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Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the wonton toppings and use low-carb soy sauce alternatives like coconut aminos.
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or certified gluten free soy sauce.
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Paleo-Friendly: Use ground turkey or chicken, avoid hoisin, and load up on extra veggies.
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Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free, no substitutions needed.
Cabbage and carrots are nutrient-dense, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like C and K. Meanwhile, the use of broth-based cooking and protein from ground meat or tofu provides lasting satiety. It’s a feel-good meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort.
Variations and Customizations
Egg Roll Soup is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize based on what you have on hand or what your dietary needs require.
Protein Swaps
While ground pork is traditional (and delicious), you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or tempeh, or even lentils for a fiber boost.
Spice It Up
Want it spicier? Add more Sriracha, red chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili crisp oil before serving. For a milder version, simply skip the spicy elements altogether.
Broth Boosts
Although chicken broth is the most common base, bone broth can be used for added nutrition and depth. Vegetable broth works well for a plant-based version.
Veggie Upgrades
Add mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, or snap peas to increase the nutrient profile. You can also toss in baby spinach or kale at the very end for a pop of green and added texture.
Toppings Galore
Top with fresh lime wedges, extra cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or even a soft boiled egg for richness. Wonton strips, crushed peanuts, or crispy shallots add extra crunch and flair.
Ideal for Meal Prep
One of the unsung heroes of Egg Roll Soup is its meal-prep friendliness. It stores beautifully in the fridge and even improves in flavor over time as the ingredients continue to meld.
The soup holds up well for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can portion it out for easy grab and go lunches or reheat for quick weeknight dinners. If you’re making a larger batch, it’s also freezer friendly just leave out any crispy toppings until ready to serve.
To keep textures optimal, some people like to store the broth separately from the solids and combine when reheating. This method works especially well if you’re including toppings like crispy wonton strips or fresh herbs that might otherwise wilt or lose their crunch.
Cultural Appreciation with a Modern Twist
It’s important to acknowledge the cultural inspiration behind dishes like Egg Roll Soup. While this soup is not an authentic dish from traditional Chinese cuisine, it pays homage to the Chinese-American food culture that gave us iconic creations like egg rolls and General Tso’s chicken. The recipe represents a fusion of East and West blending traditional ingredients with modern formats and cooking methods.
This evolution of culinary ideas is what keeps food vibrant, dynamic, and relevant. Egg Roll Soup is a beautiful example of how you can reinterpret a classic in a way that’s still respectful and delicious while meeting the needs of today’s busy, health-conscious home cooks.
Conclusion:
Egg Roll Soup is more than a clever spin on a popular appetizer it’s a full-fledged meal with flavor, flexibility, and function. It bridges the gap between indulgence and nutrition, offering a dish that’s just as satisfying as your favorite takeout, but far more nourishing and adaptable.
Whether you’re looking for something cozy, fast, healthy, or simply different, this soup fits the bill. It adapts to every season, every dietary need, and every taste preference. That’s the beauty of Egg Roll Soup it’s not just a recipe; it’s a template for comfort food at its finest.
So next time you’re craving something warm, savory, and familiar but want to keep things light and wholesome reach for this bowl of joy. Your tastebuds (and your future self with leftovers in the fridge) will thank you.