If you’ve ever loved the crisp, savory flavors of an egg roll but wanted something quicker, lighter, and easier to eat, then the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brilliantly captures all the tasty goodness of a classic egg roll without the hassle of wrappers or deep frying—just a delightful mix of seasoned ground beef, crunchy coleslaw mix, and bright green onions, all tossed together in a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests who can’t believe how delicious “deconstructed” egg rolls can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of straightforward ingredients that harmonize perfectly to deliver amazing flavor and satisfying texture. Each element is essential—lean ground beef adds hearty protein, coleslaw mix brings fresh crunch and color, and the combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates that savory depth you crave.
- Lean ground beef: Opt for 90% lean for the best balance of flavor without excess grease.
- Ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly zesty note that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Provides a rich and mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Soy sauce: This is your salty, umami powerhouse that ties everything together in a savory glaze.
- Prepared coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot): Offers crisp texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish with a mild onion bite.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by crumbling the lean ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks so the texture stays nice and crumbly. Once cooked, make sure to drain off any excess fat. This step creates a flavorful, juicy base without too much grease weighing down the dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Soy Sauce
Next, stir in your ground ginger and garlic powder, letting those spices toast lightly with the beef to bloom their flavors. Pour in half of the soy sauce now—this will soak into the meat, delivering that classic savory touch that will make your taste buds sit up and take notice.
Step 3: Toss in the Coleslaw Mix
Time to add the star of the show—the prepared coleslaw mix of cabbage and carrot. Stir it into the beef mixture thoroughly, coating each strand in those delicious cooking juices. The cabbage and carrot provide essential crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Keep cooking the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring often so nothing sticks. As the coleslaw softens, add the remaining soy sauce to build up flavor layers and ensure every bite bursts with deliciousness. Cooking it just right keeps a bit of crunch while melding the flavors wonderfully.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions
Once your mixture has reached your desired tenderness, take it off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a burst of fresh color and a mild zing. If you want a little extra punch, feel free to drizzle on some more soy sauce for that final flavor boost.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of serving this dish often comes down to the garnishes. Fresh chopped green onions add a lovely crunch and pop of color that makes the bowl feel complete. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a dash of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous and want to add another layer of texture or heat.
Side Dishes
Since the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is packed with protein and veggies, pairing it with simple, light side dishes works best. Consider steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, cucumber salad for refreshing contrast, or even crispy spring rolls for crunch and a fun texture variation alongside the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or add some flair? Serve this dish in small, individual lettuce cups for a hands-on experience that mimics a wrap, or create a colorful platter with the cooked mixture alongside sliced veggies and dipping sauces. That way, everyone can customize their bites just how they like, making dinner interactive and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare because this dish is that good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Freezing is also an option but not ideal, as the texture of the cabbage may become softer upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, put the cooled mixture in a well-sealed freezer-safe container and use within 2 months for the best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking, adding a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of water to refresh the mixture’s moisture and flavor. Microwaving works, too, but stirring midway helps keep the cabbage from getting too soggy.
FAQs
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always double-check your ingredients, especially pre-packaged mixes, to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since leaner meats can dry out faster, and adjust seasonings as needed to keep the dish flavorful.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, swap the ground beef for firm tofu crumbles, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Use a vegan soy sauce and skip the meat for an equally tasty plant-based version.
How spicy is this dish?
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly. You can easily add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of cayenne if you like things spicier.
What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?
If coleslaw mix isn’t available, finely shredded green cabbage and carrots can be used instead. This will keep the texture and flavor profile very similar.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fast, flavorful dish that brings the beloved flavors of egg rolls right to your dinner plate without the fuss, the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a no-brainer. It’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and easy one-pan meal that captures the savory flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. This low-carb dish combines ground beef with a crunchy coleslaw mix, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a delicious, stir-fried skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup soy sauce, divided
- 1 bag (14-16 ounces) prepared coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot mixture)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
- Add spices and initial soy sauce: Stir in the ground ginger, garlic powder, and half of the soy sauce. This will infuse the beef with a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Incorporate coleslaw mix: Add the prepared coleslaw mix to the skillet and stir well to combine with the beef and seasonings.
- Simmer and soften vegetables: Continue cooking the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring often. As the coleslaw mix begins to soften, add the remaining soy sauce to enhance the flavor further.
- Finish and garnish: Cook to your desired doneness, then remove from heat and top with chopped green onions. You can also add additional soy sauce if preferred for extra seasoning.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish healthier.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Adjust soy sauce amounts to control sodium level as desired.
- Add a splash of sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds for extra flavor.
