There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of a classic egg roll, but without all the fuss of wrapping and frying. That’s exactly what makes the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe a total game-changer. It captures the essence of that delicious egg roll filling, sautéed to tender, savory perfection with ground meat, crisp cabbage, and all the signature seasonings you love—all in one simple skillet dish. Whether you’re craving something low-carb, quick to whip up, or a family favorite to enjoy any night of the week, this bowl is destined to become your new go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the rich, nutty flavor of toasted sesame oil to the crunchy brightness of coleslaw mix, every component contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, toasty base that elevates the entire dish.
- Ground pork or ground turkey: A hearty, protein-packed foundation—choose based on your flavor preference or dietary needs.
- Small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a mild bite that softens during cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses a punch of pungent aroma and depth.
- Freshly grated ginger: Brings a lively, slightly spicy warmth that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and carrots: Delivers crunch and vibrant color, plus a dose of freshness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: Lends a savory umami kick and saltiness, with a lighter footprint if you choose coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the dish with a gentle tang that balances the richness of the meat.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): Adds a controlled touch of heat and complexity for those who love a bit of spice.
- Green onions (sliced): Offer a fresh, crisp garnish with a subtle onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra nutty crunch and authentic finish.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Soften the Onion
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground pork or turkey along with the diced onion. Use a spatula to break the meat into bite-sized pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown beautifully while the onion turns translucent and tender. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes and sets the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the meat is browned and the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let them cook for about 1 minute, just until they become fragrant. This short burst unlocks their aromatic oils, infusing the mixture with that classic Asian-inspired taste that makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Toss in the Coleslaw Mix
Now it’s time for the star vegetable component—the coleslaw mix. Add it directly to the skillet and toss everything together so the cabbage and carrots start to soften while still keeping a little crunch. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender but not mushy, preserving that perfect texture contrast.
Step 4: Season with Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Sriracha
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Stir well to coat all the ingredients, letting the flavors meld over 1 to 2 minutes. This combination balances salty, tangy, and spicy elements, making every bite deliciously complex and satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds right on top. This finishing touch adds vibrant color, fresh flavor, and a bit of crunch that makes the presentation pop. Serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing elevates this simple dish to something special. The green onions bring a crisp, slightly sharp bite that cuts through the savory meat. Sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and boost the nutty flavor from the sesame oil, creating a far more engaging mouthfeel and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides. For a low-carb meal, enjoy it as-is or alongside cauliflower rice. If you want something more filling, steamed jasmine rice or simple noodles make excellent companions that soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to change it up? Try serving the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, hands-on experience. Alternatively, use it as a hearty topping for baked sweet potatoes or even inside warm pita bread pockets for a fun fusion twist. Each presentation offers a new way to love these bold flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! They store perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let the dish cool a bit before sealing to maintain the veggies’ crispness and keep flavors bright.
Freezing
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture when reheating, warm the bowl gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This method helps revive the cabbage’s slight crispness and keeps the meat juicy. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, but the skillet method is unbeatable.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of pork or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will keep the dish light and tender. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink, and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari. This small change doesn’t sacrifice any of the rich umami flavors you want.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To turn it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the meat with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. Use vegan soy sauce alternatives and omit the optional egg roll filling meat for a plant-based delight.
How spicy is the dish with sriracha added?
The sriracha adds a mild level of heat that complements rather than overpowers the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
What’s the best cut of cabbage to use?
Green cabbage works best, especially when shredded or in coleslaw mix form, as it holds texture well during cooking and offers a mild, sweet flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s quick, flavorful, and wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and lifestyle. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead, this dish delivers all the joy of an egg roll without the hassle. Grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re in for a seriously satisfying treat!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired dish that captures the beloved flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Made with ground pork or turkey, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, this low-carb and gluten-free meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and carrots
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the meat and vegetables.
- Cook ground pork and onion: Add the ground pork and diced onion to the skillet, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook coleslaw mix: Add the coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add sauces: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the dish hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a low-carb meal, serve as-is without adding rice or noodles.
- To make the dish heartier, serve over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
