If you love the flavors of traditional egg rolls but are looking for a healthier, quicker, and low-carb option, then this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is for you! It’s a one-pan meal that combines all the savory goodness of an egg roll’s filling—without the deep-fried wrapper. Packed with ground pork or turkey, fresh cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Read on to discover how to create this delicious, healthy dish right in your kitchen!
What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic egg roll, made without the deep-fried wrapper. Instead, the filling ingredients—like ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and green onions—are cooked together in a flavorful sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This dish offers the same satisfying crunch and savory taste of an egg roll but in a lighter, low-carb, and gluten-free form. It's a great meal option if you're following a keto or paleo diet or just want a wholesome, quick-to-make dinner.
Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 1 pound ground pork or ground turkey: Pork is traditional, but turkey works for a leaner option.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For cooking the meat and adding a nutty flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that classic Asian-inspired taste.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and zest to the dish.
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): The perfect shortcut that provides both crunch and nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): For a savory umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce: Optional, but adds a nice kick if you like it spicy.
- 2 green onions, sliced: For freshness and garnish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds texture and nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl (Optional Add-ins and Toppings)
Want to add a personal twist? Here are some optional ingredients you can include in your Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: For extra umami and texture.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: For a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: For an added depth of flavor.
- Fried egg: Top your bowl with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
- Avocado slices: For a creamy contrast to the crunchy cabbage.
- Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds brightness to the dish.
- Crushed peanuts or cashews: For extra crunch and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground meat: While pork is traditional, you can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even a meatless option like tofu or plant-based crumbles.
- Low-carb alternative: For those following a strict low-carb or keto diet, make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative.
- Spices: If you want to add some more heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste.
- Sauces: You can swap out sriracha for sambal oelek or even sweet chili sauce if you prefer a bit of sweetness with your spice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to cook! Here’s how to make Egg Roll in a Bowl in just a few simple steps.
How to Cook Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or turkey) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Next, toss in the bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots). Stir well to combine with the meat and aromatics. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted but still slightly crunchy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour this sauce over the meat and cabbage mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is fully cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nuttiness. Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately, and if desired, top each serving with additional sriracha, a fried egg, or any other garnish of your choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the vegetables: One of the key elements of this dish is the texture, so avoid overcooking the cabbage. You want the cabbage to retain some crunch rather than becoming soggy.
- Skipping the aromatics: Garlic and ginger are essential for achieving that classic egg roll flavor. Don’t skip these, as they elevate the dish and provide a more authentic taste.
- Not draining excess fat: If you’re using ground pork or another fatty meat, you may need to drain off some of the fat after browning to avoid a greasy dish.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: Soy sauce is a major flavor component, so use a good-quality brand or even tamari for a deeper, richer flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The beauty of Egg Roll in a Bowl is its simplicity, but with a little creativity, you can elevate its presentation and make it look as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Single servings: Spoon the mixture into individual bowls and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for added heat.
- Family-style: Serve the egg roll mixture on a large platter in the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion. This works well if you're making it for a family meal.
- Low-carb wraps: Serve the mixture in lettuce cups for a fun and healthy twist. This adds a crunchy texture and makes it easy to eat with your hands.
Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Layered look: For a visually appealing presentation, layer your bowl with the cooked ground meat on the bottom and the cabbage mixture on top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color.
- Add a fried egg: A fried egg on top of each bowl can add a beautiful golden yolk that’s both rich and tasty when broken over the dish.
- Serve with chopsticks: To give the dish an authentic touch, serve it with chopsticks alongside a small dipping bowl of extra soy sauce or sriracha.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips
- Meal prep: Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fantastic meal-prep dish. Simply double the recipe, divide it into individual containers, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, ready-made meal.
- Freeze it: This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Bulk it up: If you're looking for a more filling meal, you can serve Egg Roll in a Bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or jasmine rice for something more substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pre-cooked or leftover meat? Yes! If you have leftover cooked ground meat, you can easily add it to the recipe after sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is low-carb and keto-friendly, especially if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Simply swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative and use a plant-based soy sauce substitute.
- How long does Egg Roll in a Bowl last in the fridge? It will last for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I add noodles to this dish? Yes, you can! Try adding cooked rice noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles for a fun twist.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that packs all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the fuss of deep-frying or the added carbs. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or just something to satisfy your craving for takeout, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy this savory and satisfying dish tonight!
PrintEgg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, low-carb version of the classic egg roll, without the wrapper! Made with ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, this one-pan dish is quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in just 20 minutes and packed with protein and veggies!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Green onions
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground pork, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet, stir-frying until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap ground pork for ground chicken, turkey, or beef for a different twist.
- For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or chopped bell peppers.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or regular rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
Leave a Reply