Craving the savory, umami-rich taste of a classic egg roll — but without the grease or crunch? This homemade Egg Roll Soup delivers all the comforting flavors you love in a warm, nourishing bowl. Packed with ground pork, crisp cabbage, carrots, and aromatic ginger-garlic seasoning, it’s like your favorite takeout… only better.
Quick to make, healthy, and bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavor, this soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground pork (or substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , finely grated
- 4 cups chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt , to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Drizzle of sriracha or chili oil
- Fresh cilantro
- Bean sprouts (for extra crunch)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat .
- Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).
- Drain off any excess fat if desired (especially if using higher-fat pork).
🍖 Tip: For added depth, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid steaming.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion , minced garlic , and grated ginger to the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté for 2–3 minutes , stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent and the kitchen smells fragrant.
✅ Freshness matters: Use real ginger and garlic — not jarred — for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
Step 3: Add Liquid & Vegetables
- Pour in the chicken stock , soy sauce , and rice vinegar .
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer .
- Once simmering, stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots .
- Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt — you can adjust later.
⏱️ Pro tip: Adding veggies after the broth simmers helps them stay crisp-tender, not mushy.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the cabbage has wilted slightly and the carrots are tender but still have a bit of bite.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top generously with:
- Chopped green onions
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for heat
- Optional: fresh cilantro or a handful of bean sprouts for crunch
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Egg Roll Soup
🔹 Use high-quality broth: Since this is a broth-based soup, the flavor hinges on your stock. Homemade or premium low-sodium chicken stock makes a noticeable difference.
🔹 Boost umami with sesame oil: If using lean meat (like chicken or turkey), add ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil at the end to enhance richness and authenticity.
🔹 Make it low-carb or keto-friendly: This soup is naturally low in carbs! No need to add rice — it’s satisfying as-is.
🔹 Add texture before serving: For that final “egg roll” crunch, toss in bean sprouts , water chestnuts, or even chopped peanuts just before serving.
🔹 Double the batch: This soup stores and reheats beautifully. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months .
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Packed with protein and veggies
✅ Gluten-free adaptable
✅ No frying required — healthier than takeout
✅ Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Soup captures everything we love about Chinese takeout — smoky, savory, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying — in a lighter, soul-warming format. It’s comfort food with integrity, perfect for chilly nights, busy schedules, or anyone craving bold flavor without the guilt.
So skip the delivery menu and make this cozy, crave-worthy soup at home. One spoonful, and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out.
Warm, wholesome, and full of crunch — just like an egg roll, minus the wrapper.
