If you love the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls but want a lighter and quicker version, then Egg Roll Soup is the perfect solution. This flavorful, comforting soup is packed with all the delicious ingredients found in a traditional egg roll, but in a warm, brothy form that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. In this SEO article, we’ll guide you through how to make this scrumptious dish, which is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
What is Egg Roll Soup?
Egg Roll Soup is a deconstructed version of the classic Chinese egg roll. It combines a flavorful broth with ground pork or chicken, cabbage, carrots, and a variety of savory seasonings that mimic the filling of an egg roll. It’s a healthy, low-carb option for those who love Asian-inspired flavors without the deep-frying. The best part? You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, Egg Roll Soup is a perfect weeknight meal.
- Healthy Comfort Food: It’s a light soup packed with fresh veggies and lean protein.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days of easy meals.
- Low Carb & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and can be adapted for keto diets.
Ingredients for Egg Roll Soup
To make Egg Roll Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Meat: Ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef work well in this recipe.
- Cabbage: Thinly sliced green cabbage or napa cabbage provides the signature egg roll texture.
- Carrots: Julienne or shredded carrots add a pop of color and crunch.
- Onions: Yellow onions or green onions are commonly used for flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a delicious aroma to the broth.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger enhances the depth of the soup’s flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a balanced taste.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil gives the soup that authentic, nutty flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup; you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and helps balance the richness of the broth.
- Spices: Red pepper flakes or chili paste for a little heat, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Toppings: Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg for added richness.
How to Make Egg Roll Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground meat of your choice. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Then, stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Make the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Soup:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, vinegar, or spices to suit your taste. If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a soft-boiled egg. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Egg Roll Soup
- Add Mushrooms: For extra umami, you can add sliced mushrooms to the soup.
- Make It Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh in place of ground meat and vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or snow peas for added variety and nutrition.
- Top with Crispy Wontons: For a crunch factor, serve the soup with crispy wonton strips or fried wontons on top.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed rice, noodles, or even some egg rolls for an extra indulgent meal. This soup also pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh spring rolls for a well-rounded Asian-inspired dinner.
Why You Should Try Egg Roll Soup
Egg Roll Soup offers all the flavors of your favorite appetizer in a hearty and satisfying soup form. It’s easy to make, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you’re craving something comforting but light. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or simply want a delicious bowl of soup, Egg Roll Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Serving and Storage Tips for Egg Roll Soup
Egg Roll Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways and is great for leftovers. Here are some serving and storage tips to ensure you get the best out of this delicious soup:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor:
- Elevate your Egg Roll Soup by adding garnishes such as:
- Chopped green onions for a fresh, sharp taste.
- Sesame seeds for a little crunch and visual appeal.
- Crispy wonton strips or fried wontons for added texture.
- Soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness, just like a ramen bowl.
- Serve with Sides:
- Egg Roll Soup is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with complementary dishes for a more rounded meal:
- Steamed rice or fried rice works well to make the meal more filling.
- Spring rolls or dumplings can make great side dishes to complete the meal.
- A simple salad with Asian-inspired dressing can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Adjust the Broth Consistency:
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and water. This can help thicken the soup slightly, similar to the texture of a more traditional egg roll filling.
- Alternatively, if you like a more broth-based soup, just serve it as is without thickening.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating:
- Store any leftover Egg Roll Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will stay fresh and flavorful, but be mindful that the cabbage may soften over time.
- Freezing:
- If you want to make a large batch and freeze it, Egg Roll Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Note: If you freeze the soup, the texture of the cabbage may change slightly after reheating. To maintain the best texture, you may want to freeze just the broth and vegetables separately from any meat, which can be added after reheating.
- Reheating:
- Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to stir the soup halfway through heating for even temperature distribution.
- Freezing Tips for Leftovers:
- If you plan to freeze, avoid adding crispy toppings or garnishes (such as sesame seeds or wonton strips) before freezing, as they may lose their texture once frozen and reheated. Add them fresh when you serve the soup after reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep in Advance: You can chop all the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out the broth and seasonings ahead of time. This will reduce prep time and allow you to make the soup even faster on a busy day.
- Cook the Meat in Advance: If you’re using ground pork or chicken, you can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply add it back to the pot with the broth and vegetables.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Egg Roll Soup not only on the day it’s made but also as a tasty leftover option, making it an even more convenient dish for busy weeks ahead.
1. Can I make Egg Roll Soup ahead of time?
Yes! Egg Roll Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also prep the ingredients, such as chopping vegetables and cooking the ground meat, and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the ingredients and heat through. The soup also freezes well for up to 3 months, although the texture of the cabbage may soften a bit after reheating.
2. Can I use other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While ground pork is most commonly used for Egg Roll Soup, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even ground tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. The soup’s flavor will still be delicious with any of these variations.
3. Is Egg Roll Soup gluten-free?
Yes, Egg Roll Soup can be made gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check the labels of other ingredients like broth to ensure they’re gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the proper substitutions are made.
4. How can I adjust the spice level of Egg Roll Soup?
To adjust the spice level of Egg Roll Soup, simply add more or less red pepper flakes or chili paste based on your preference. If you like a milder soup, start with a small amount of chili paste and gradually increase it to your desired heat. You can also skip the spicy ingredients entirely for a non-spicy version.
PrintEgg Roll Soup
This Egg Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by the classic egg roll filling. Packed with savory ground pork, crunchy vegetables, and an aromatic broth, it’s a low-carb and satisfying meal perfect for any time of year.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for a thicker soup)
Optional Toppings:
- Crispy wonton strips
- Sesame seeds
- Additional green onions
Instructions
1. Cook the Pork:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the onion is softened.
3. Add Broth and Vegetables:
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
- Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Soup:
- Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- If using, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup slightly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy wonton strips, sesame seeds, and extra green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Protein Variations: Substitute ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for more variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.