Egg Roll Soup

The Egg Roll Soup is the ultimate mash-up of your favorite Chinese takeout and a warm, healthy soup. With savory ground pork, aromatic garlic and ginger, and plenty of fresh cabbage and carrots, it delivers all the flavor of a traditional egg roll in a cozy, brothy bowl. This one-pot meal is low-carb, dairy-free, and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or Whole30 diets. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for weekend meal prep. Whether you’re dodging takeout or just love comfort food with an Asian twist, this soup is a delicious and satisfying go-to.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded

• 2 large carrots, julienned or shredded

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

• Sriracha or chili oil for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and cook ground pork until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a wooden spoon.

2. Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.

3. Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to a simmer, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Modern Take on a Classic Favorite

Egg Roll Soup is the deconstructed, health-forward cousin of the beloved Chinese egg roll. It takes everything we love the seasoned meat, crisp vegetables, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a hint of soy and transforms it into a warming, brothy bowl of comfort. Without the deep-fried wrapper, this version is lighter, quicker, and easier to adapt to modern dietary needs, making it a favorite among home cooks, food bloggers, and nutrition-conscious eaters alike.

What makes Egg Roll Soup truly special is its ability to bridge cultures and cravings in one simple dish. You get the robust, umami-rich flavor that Chinese takeout is known for, balanced with the kind of nourishing goodness that comes from a homemade soup. It’s the perfect answer to chilly nights, meal prep Sundays, and weeknight dinners when time is short but flavor still matters.

The Origins: Inspired by a Takeout Classic

While the traditional egg roll has its roots in American Chinese cuisine, this soup adaptation is a relatively new concept that has grown rapidly in popularity thanks to social media and clean-eating food trends. Egg rolls are typically filled with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and seasonings, then wrapped in a thin flour wrapper and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Though undeniably delicious, they’re not exactly known for being light or easy to make at home.

Enter Egg Roll Soup a dish that honors the traditional filling while ditching the wrapper and oil. By simmering these ingredients together in a flavorful broth, home cooks can achieve the same satisfying taste without the fuss or added fat. It’s this genius twist that has led to the recipe’s viral status and widespread appeal.

Why People Love Egg Roll Soup

This recipe has found its way into the hearts and bowls of people from all walks of life. Here’s why it continues to top the charts as a favorite comfort food:

1. It’s Incredibly Versatile

Egg Roll Soup is a flexible, forgiving recipe that works with whatever you have on hand. While ground pork is the most traditional protein, it can easily be substituted with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The vegetables, too, are adaptable think Napa cabbage, bok choy, or even kale.

You can make it spicy or keep it mild. Go traditional with soy sauce, or opt for coconut aminos for a paleo-friendly spin. It can be thick and stew-like or brothy and light, depending on your mood.

2. Great for Meal Prep and Batch Cooking

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals, families, and meal-prep warriors. It also freezes well, so you can double the batch and stash some away for a lazy day when cooking feels like a chore.

What’s more, the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious than the day you made them.

3. A Healthy, Low-Carb Alternative

Without the wrapper or deep-frying, Egg Roll Soup is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fiber especially if you’re loading it with vegetables. It’s Whole30- and paleo-compatible with a few small tweaks, and it’s also easily made gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

The broth itself helps with hydration, while the ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. This makes the soup a go-to during cold and flu season, or anytime you’re feeling a bit run down and want something nourishing and restorative.

Customizations and Flavor Additions

The simplicity of Egg Roll Soup is its strength, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up and add layers of flavor. Here are a few ideas to try:

Add Crunch

• Top each bowl with crispy wonton strips or crushed sesame rice crackers if you’re not keeping it low-carb.

• Toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds also add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft veggies.

Spice it Up

• Add a dash of sriracha or a swirl of chili oil for heat.

• A spoonful of gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste) can add a spicy-sweet depth.

More Veggies

• Mushrooms, bean sprouts, and bell peppers all work well and provide even more nutrients.

• Zucchini noodles can add texture and stretch the soup further while keeping it light.

Egg Drop Style

• Whisk an egg and drizzle it into the simmering broth while stirring to create silky egg ribbons like a hybrid between egg roll soup and classic egg drop soup.

How to Serve Egg Roll Soup

This soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, especially when made with a protein like pork or chicken. However, it also pairs well with simple sides if you want to round out the table. Try:

• Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice

• A crisp Asian-style slaw

• A side of edamame or pickled vegetables

• Scallion pancakes or dumplings (if not avoiding carbs)

Don’t forget garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh scallions, a splash of rice vinegar, or even a squeeze of lime juice right before serving can brighten the dish and bring all the flavors together.

Cultural Respect Meets Culinary Creativity

While Egg Roll Soup is a Western twist on a Chinese-American classic, it’s important to acknowledge the dish’s cultural inspiration. This isn’t a traditional Chinese soup, but it borrows its core elements umami-rich aromatics, soy-based seasoning, and tender-crisp veggies from Asian culinary traditions.

The beauty of recipes like this is that they serve as gateways to global cuisine, encouraging people to try new flavors and ingredients while putting their own spin on familiar favorites.

A Soup That Fits Every Lifestyle

Whether you’re keto, paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, or just trying to eat more vegetables, Egg Roll Soup checks the boxes. Its balance of protein, fiber, and flavor makes it a satisfying and wholesome choice no matter your dietary goals. Plus, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, which makes it just as suitable for a Tuesday night as it is for Sunday meal prep.

Families love it because kids will eat it without a fuss, and food lovers appreciate how it satisfies comfort food cravings without compromising on health.

Conclusion:

Egg Roll Soup is much more than just a food trend it’s a lasting favorite that blends convenience, nutrition, and bold flavor into a single pot. With its roots in takeout culture and its heart in home cooking, it represents the kind of innovative thinking that turns everyday meals into something memorable.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this soup will find a place in your regular rotation. It’s flexible, forgiving, and filled with cozy goodness proof that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that simplify, not complicate.