01 -
Grab your biggest pot or a Dutch oven and heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground pork, breaking it up with a spoon. You're looking for it to get nicely browned and cooked through, no pink bits, please! This is where all that amazing flavor starts building for our Egg Roll Soup. Honestly, I sometimes get distracted by a podcast here and have to stir extra fast to avoid sticking. Don't be like me; keep an eye on it! Once it's done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a bowl, leaving any excess fat behind in the pot. We don't want a greasy soup, right?
02 -
Reduce the heat a touch, then add your minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pot with the leftover drippings. Sauté for just a minute, maybe two, until they're super fragrant. Oh, the smell! This is my favorite part, that warm, spicy aroma just fills the kitchen. Don't let them burn, though; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter affair, and I've been there, done that. Keep stirring, letting those flavors wake up.
03 -
Toss in your shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Give them a good stir, letting them soften slightly for about 3-5 minutes. They'll start to wilt down a bit, creating space for the broth. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the Egg Roll Soup really starts to look like a soup, all those vibrant colors blending together. So exciting!
04 -
Once the soup is simmering, return the browned pork to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure all those delicious ingredients are well combined. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking. I usually taste it here and adjust seasonings. Sometimes I add a pinch more ginger, just because I'm a ginger fiend.
05 -
Turn off the heat. Now, for the magic touch! Drizzle in the sesame oil. Give it one last gentle stir. The sesame oil adds that beautiful, nutty aroma that makes this Egg Roll Soup truly shine. I've accidentally added it too early before, and the flavor wasn't as pronounced. Timing is everything, my friends!
06 -
Ladle the hot Egg Roll Soup into bowls. I love to garnish mine with some fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Sometimes, if I'm feeling fancy, a drizzle of sriracha for a little kick. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like all the best parts of an egg roll, but in a comforting soup form. Enjoy your creation!