Egg Roll Soup

If you love the flavors of egg rolls but are looking for a lighter, healthier, and easier-to-make version, then Egg Roll Soup is the perfect recipe for you. Packed with all the savory goodness of traditional egg roll fillings like ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and green onions, this soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful. With a rich, broth-based base infused with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, Egg Roll Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Unlike fried egg rolls, this soup delivers the same delicious taste in a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s naturally low-carb and customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Flavors of an Egg Roll: You get the savory, umami-packed taste of an egg roll without the hassle of frying.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy Alternative: Egg Roll Soup is naturally low in carbs and packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious option for dinner or lunch.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or spice levels to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time for a week of flavorful meals.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 1 lb ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (about half a medium head)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium to reduce salt)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Crispy wonton strips or fried egg roll wrappers
• Drizzle of sriracha

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

1. Add the ground pork (or your chosen protein) to the pot.
2. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Stir in the shredded carrots and cabbage, mixing well to coat the vegetables with the flavors from the pot.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Step 4: Build the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fish sauce (if using).
2. Stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
3. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce if needed.
2. For a richer flavor, add a drizzle of sesame oil or a splash of rice vinegar before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips.
2. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish!

Ingredient Background

Ground Pork

Ground pork is a classic choice for this recipe, as it’s traditionally used in egg roll fillings. However, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even beef for a leaner or more accessible option.

Cabbage

Cabbage is the star vegetable in egg roll soup, providing a hearty texture and subtle sweetness. Green cabbage is the most common choice, but Napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix can work in a pinch.

Ginger and Garlic

Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for capturing the bold, aromatic flavors found in Asian-inspired dishes. Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar

Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor to the broth, while rice vinegar provides a tangy balance. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

Technique Tips

1. Shred Vegetables Uniformly: Thinly slicing or shredding the cabbage and carrots ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
2. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The cabbage and carrots should be tender but still slightly crisp to maintain texture.
3. Balance the Saltiness: Taste the soup before adding extra salt, as soy sauce and fish sauce already contribute a lot of saltiness.
4. Boost Flavor with Fish Sauce: If you want an extra depth of umami, don’t skip the fish sauce—it enhances the overall flavor profile.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Soup Bowls with Egg Roll Wrappers: Bake or fry egg roll wrappers into crispy strips and serve them on top of the soup for crunch.
2. Rice Bowl Version: Pour the soup over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
3. Spring Roll Soup: Add fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil for a spring roll-inspired twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and vegetables are key to achieving the best flavor.
• Double the Recipe: This soup is perfect for meal prepping, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later.
• Customize the Protein: Swap out the ground meat for diced tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken for a delicious variation.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Egg Roll Soup: Add more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for a fiery kick.
2. Vegetarian Egg Roll Soup: Use vegetable broth and tofu or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly version.
3. Keto Egg Roll Soup: Keep the ingredients as-is but skip any crispy wonton toppings to make it keto-friendly.
4. Shrimp Egg Roll Soup: Add peeled, deveined shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing Instructions

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop over medium heat.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative to pork for a lower-fat option.
2. Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth, and skip the fish sauce if watching salt intake.
3. Add Extra Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient content.
4. Use Coconut Aminos: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free and soy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Pair the soup with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: Portion the soup into individual containers and garnish with fresh toppings just before serving.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring a large pot of Egg Roll Soup to your next gathering, along with crispy wonton strips for guests to sprinkle on top.

Special Equipment

1. Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: A wide, heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2. Microplane or Grater: Perfect for grating fresh ginger and garlic quickly.
3. Ladle: For easy serving and portioning of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground meat for tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

4. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering soup.

5. What other toppings can I add?

Try crispy onions, fried garlic, or a soft-boiled egg for extra texture and flavor.

6. Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes! Add sriracha, chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick.

7. How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Add the cabbage and carrots in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just cool it completely and store it in airtight containers before freezing.

Conclusion

Egg Roll Soup transforms the beloved flavors of a classic appetizer into a healthy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish. With its savory broth, tender ground meat, crisp vegetables, and bold aromatics, this soup delivers a taste of your favorite egg rolls in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

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