Egg Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

Egg Roll Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish inspired by the beloved Chinese egg roll. It combines all the classic ingredients of an egg roll—such as cabbage, pork, and a variety of savory seasonings—into a deliciously rich, broth-based soup. It’s a twist on the traditional appetizer, offering a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a flavorful starter for any Asian-themed meal.

The magic of this soup lies in the way it captures all the crispy, savory elements of an egg roll in a cozy bowl of broth. It’s light yet filling, with a deep umami flavor and just the right balance of vegetables, meats, and seasonings. If you’re a fan of egg rolls or Asian-inspired dishes, you’ll fall in love with Egg Roll Soup.

This recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re in need of a comforting dish on a cold day or a unique dinner idea, Egg Roll Soup is an excellent choice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious soup, so you can enjoy the savory taste of egg rolls without the frying!

Why You’ll Love Egg Roll Soup

• Crispy, Savory Flavor: The soup incorporates the flavor profile of traditional egg rolls, complete with savory pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings. It’s like eating an egg roll in a bowl!
• Comforting and Filling: With the combination of vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
• Easy and Quick to Make: Despite its rich flavor, Egg Roll Soup is easy to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort. It’s a great weeknight meal for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add more veggies, make it vegetarian, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Healthier Option: This soup offers a healthier, lighter version of egg rolls by skipping the frying, making it a great choice for those seeking a lower-calorie alternative to deep-fried egg rolls.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 18-20g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 4-6g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Egg Roll Soup:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or tofu for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness)
• Optional: Cooked noodles (such as ramen or rice noodles) for added texture

Special Equipment

While no special equipment is necessary, having the following kitchen tools will make the process much easier:

1. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is essential for simmering the soup and ensuring all ingredients are properly combined. A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution.
2. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife will help you easily slice and dice the vegetables and meat, while a cutting board provides a stable surface for prepping your ingredients.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Stirring the soup with a wooden spoon or spatula helps prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot while sautéing the ingredients.
4. Grater or Mandolin: If you want to julienne the carrots or shred the cabbage, a grater or mandolin slicer will make this task easier.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate seasonings and liquids, measuring cups and spoons will ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground pork (or alternative meat like chicken, turkey, or tofu) to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. This step adds a savory depth of flavor to the soup base.

Once the meat is cooked, remove any excess fat from the pot. If you’re using lean ground pork, you may not need to drain any fat.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, as garlic and ginger can cook quickly. This process infuses the oil with aromatic flavors, setting the base for the soup’s depth.

3. Add the Broth and Vegetables

Now, pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, stirring to combine. The cabbage will soften and begin to release its juices as it cooks, infusing the broth with a sweet, savory flavor.

Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. If you like your cabbage on the crunchier side, feel free to cook it for a shorter period of time.

4. Season the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender, add the soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Stir everything together and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If you like a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce at this stage for added depth and sweetness.

If you enjoy a little extra heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the soup. This will give the dish a bit of spice, similar to the kick often found in egg rolls.

5. Add Noodles (Optional)

If you’d like to make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked noodles to the pot. Ramen noodles, rice noodles, or even udon noodles work well in this dish. Just cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then add them to the soup in the final few minutes of cooking. Stir to combine and allow the noodles to absorb some of the soup’s flavor.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. For a little extra crunch and flavor, consider topping with crispy fried onions or crushed wonton chips, which mirror the crispy texture of an egg roll.

Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of an egg roll in a bowl!

Tips for Perfect Egg Roll Soup

• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to dried or powdered forms. They’re key to the authenticity of the soup’s taste.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup. You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas for additional texture and flavor. The more colorful the vegetables, the better the presentation!
• Make It Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ground meat and substitute with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms, edamame, or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Spice It Up: If you like a spicier soup, don’t hesitate to add more chili flakes, a chopped chili pepper, or even a dash of sriracha to the broth.
• Make It Ahead: Egg Roll Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop over time. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Freezing the Soup: If you’d like to make this soup in advance for a later date, it freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add extra broth or water to thin the soup, as it may thicken during freezing.

Variations of Egg Roll Soup

• Egg Roll Soup with Shrimp: Add shrimp to the soup for a seafood twist. Simply sauté the shrimp with the pork (or in a separate pan) and add them to the soup during the final few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Egg Roll Soup: Increase the heat level by adding more chili garlic sauce, hot sauce, or extra red pepper flakes. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or other hot pepper for a more intense spice.
• Egg Roll Soup with Rice: For a heartier version, add some cooked rice to the soup. This will make the soup more filling and help balance the flavors.

Storage and Shelf Life

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As with many soups, it may taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

If you want to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add more broth or water, as the soup may thicken.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Egg Roll Soup

• Steamed Dumplings: Pair this soup with steamed dumplings, filled with either pork, chicken, or vegetables. It complements the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.
• Asian Slaw: A crisp, refreshing Asian slaw with sesame dressing can balance the richness of the soup and provide a crunchy texture to contrast with the softness of the soup.
• Spring Rolls: For a complete meal, pair your soup with fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, rice noodles, and veggies. The lightness of the spring rolls complements the richness of the soup.
• Fried Rice: A side of fried rice will make this meal even more filling, providing a savory, slightly crispy contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

Wine Pairing

To pair with Egg Roll Soup, choose a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. Both wines will complement the savory, umami flavors of the soup without overwhelming the delicate broth. Alternatively, a light beer, such as a pilsner or pale ale, would also pair well.

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Conclusion

Egg Roll Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of a classic egg roll into a flavorful soup. With its savory pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, this soup offers a unique twist on a beloved favorite. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, whether as a main dish, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or a family dinner, Egg Roll Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.