Egg Roll Soup combines the deep, savory flavors of a traditional egg roll but in a comforting, warm soup form. The shredded cabbage and carrots lend a satisfying crunch, while the rich broth, flavored with hoisin and soy sauce, makes every bite feel like an indulgent treat.
This dish is easily customizable, allowing you to add more heat with sriracha or adjust the toppings based on your preferences. Whether you serve it with crispy wonton strips or fresh herbs, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food and Asian-inspired flavors.
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Crispy wonton strips for topping (optional)
Directions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with chopped green onions, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Egg Roll Soup: A Flavorful, Hearty, and Comforting Dish
Egg Roll Soup offers a delightful fusion of flavors, capturing the savory goodness of an egg roll without the crispy wrapper. This hearty soup brings together rich, aromatic ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and carrots, simmered in a savory chicken broth, creating a fulfilling meal perfect for any dinner occasion. It’s simple, yet satisfying, with a unique combination of spices, including a hint of heat from Sriracha and the warmth of toasted sesame oil. Egg Roll Soup offers a comforting, nourishing dish that feels indulgent yet remains light and balanced.
The Origins of Egg Roll Soup
Egg Roll Soup is inspired by the classic flavors found in the beloved egg roll, a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Traditionally, egg rolls are deep-fried appetizers, often filled with ground meat, cabbage, and other vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough wrapper. This soup takes the key ingredients of an egg roll and transforms them into a comforting broth-based dish. It’s a fantastic option for those who love egg rolls but prefer a lighter, healthier meal that’s quick to prepare.
While the origin of egg roll soup is somewhat unclear, its rise in popularity can be attributed to the growing interest in comfort foods with international flair. Dishes like these—those that offer a hearty yet lighter take on beloved foods—are perfect for today’s busy lifestyle. Egg Roll Soup, with its rich broth and satisfying ingredients, captures the heartiness of an egg roll while being easier to prepare and healthier to enjoy.
Key Ingredients That Make Egg Roll Soup Special
At the heart of Egg Roll Soup are the fresh ingredients that work together to create a comforting, flavorful dish.
- Ground Beef: The richness of ground beef is the perfect protein base for this soup, providing both flavor and texture. Although ground beef is the traditional choice, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins like tofu can be used for those seeking a lighter, vegetarian alternative.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage is essential in Egg Roll Soup, mimicking the filling of a classic egg roll. It gives the soup its signature flavor while adding a pleasant texture. The cabbage is tender yet retains some crunch, providing a nice balance to the soup’s broth.
- Carrots: Adding a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness, chopped carrots offer a beautiful contrast to the savory broth and vegetables. Their slight sweetness helps balance the other flavors in the soup, preventing it from feeling too rich or heavy.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide the foundation of flavor in the soup, contributing depth and complexity. Diced onions and minced garlic create a fragrant base when sautéed with the meat and vegetables.
- Ginger: Fresh minced ginger adds a zesty, peppery bite that complements the other flavors in the soup. It brings a fresh, slightly spicy element that enlivens the dish.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup is a rich, savory chicken broth, which ties all the ingredients together. It serves as the perfect vehicle for the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together.
- Seasonings and Oils: Liquid aminos— a soy sauce alternative— and toasted sesame oil provide the signature umami flavor, giving the soup that recognizable Asian-inspired taste. The addition of Sriracha adds spice, while the sesame oil lends a rich, nutty undertone to the broth.
Making Egg Roll Soup: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish
The process of making Egg Roll Soup is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The first step involves browning the ground beef, which provides a rich base flavor for the soup. Once the beef is browned, the vegetables are sautéed, adding layers of texture and flavor. The broth is then added, along with the seasonings and spices. As the soup simmers, the cabbage and carrots soften, allowing the flavors to develop.
The soup is finished with fresh scallions for a burst of color and freshness. Whether you’re serving it on its own or with a side of crispy wonton strips for added texture, Egg Roll Soup can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Customization and Variations
One of the best aspects of Egg Roll Soup is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can adjust the protein base by opting for turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef. Those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan version can use tofu or simply add more vegetables, making this soup suitable for a variety of diets.
Another customizable element is the level of spice. The amount of Sriracha can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. If you like it extra spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes or a touch of chili oil for an additional kick. For a milder flavor, reduce the Sriracha or omit it altogether.
If you want to add more texture to the soup, consider garnishing it with crispy fried wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds, or even chopped nuts for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, making this a versatile recipe that can be tailored to any occasion or preference.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with side dishes that enhance the experience. For a more filling meal, serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or rice noodles. The soup itself can be served with additional toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, or fried garlic for added flavor.
Crispy accompaniments, such as sesame crackers or fried wonton strips, are perfect for adding texture and contrast to the smooth, rich broth. A simple squeeze of lime juice before serving can brighten up the dish with a burst of citrus that balances the savory flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Egg Roll Soup is an excellent dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two. After cooking, allow the soup to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For longer storage, Egg Roll Soup can be frozen for up to three months. After allowing it to cool completely, transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Egg Roll Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the delicious elements of an egg roll into a comforting, hearty soup. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile recipe that can be customized to fit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With its rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is perfect for a light yet filling meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve at family gatherings, Egg Roll Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Egg Roll Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Egg Roll Soup combines the deep, savory flavors of a traditional egg roll but in a comforting, warm soup form. The shredded cabbage and carrots lend a satisfying crunch, while the rich broth, flavored with hoisin and soy sauce, makes every bite feel like an indulgent treat.
This dish is easily customizable, allowing you to add more heat with sriracha or adjust the toppings based on your preferences. Whether you serve it with crispy wonton strips or fresh herbs, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food and Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Crispy wonton strips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with chopped green onions, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes