Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that gives you all the savory flavors of a traditional egg roll, without the hassle of deep frying. Packed with ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and a savory sauce, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. It’s a healthy, low-carb alternative to the classic egg roll, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors while keeping things light and easy. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep idea, or a light lunch, this dish has you covered. With its balanced combination of savory, umami, and slightly sweet flavors, Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and cleanup is a breeze—making it a win for busy home cooks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy nights when you want a healthy, homemade meal in a flash.
2. Healthy and Low-Carb
Unlike traditional egg rolls, which are deep-fried, this version is lighter and lower in carbs, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
3. Customizable
You can swap out proteins like ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Add extra veggies or use your favorite sauce to make it your own.
4. One-Pan Meal
Everything cooks in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
5. Full of Flavor
With ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this dish is packed with savory umami flavors that will satisfy your taste buds without needing any additional condiments.
Ingredients
- Ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
- Shredded cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos (for a gluten-free option)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh ginger (grated or minced)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame oil or olive oil
- Rice vinegar
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, hot sauce, or sriracha
Variations
1. Vegetarian Egg Roll in a Bowl
Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
2. Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the sodium content while still keeping the flavor of the dish.
3. Spicy Egg Roll in a Bowl
For an extra kick, add some sriracha or chili paste to the sauce, or top the dish with spicy chili flakes to heat things up.
4. Extra Veggies
Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for added crunch and flavor.
5. Swap Protein
Try ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a different protein profile. You could also use a combination of meats for a heartier meal.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add your ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Once the meat is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir them in and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften, but still has some crunch.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the vegetables and meat.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat and serve the egg roll mixture in bowls. Garnish with green onions and optional toppings like sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it spicy.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use pre-shredded cabbage: To save time, you can buy pre-shredded cabbage at the store. It makes prep even faster!
- Customize your sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce or coconut aminos to suit your taste, and feel free to add a splash of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add in extra vegetables for more crunch or flavor. Bell peppers, snap peas, and onions are great additions.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want the cabbage to retain some crunch to give it that classic egg roll texture.
- Make it spicier: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dish or as a topping to make it spicier, according to your preference.
How to Serve
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a meal in itself, but you can serve it with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for an extra filling option. Pair it with a light soup, such as miso soup, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can top it with crispy wonton strips or serve it with a side of pickled vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the leftover egg roll in a bowl to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for about 2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or turkey?
Yes! If you have leftover chicken or turkey, you can add it to the pan after cooking the aromatics and vegetables for a quicker version of this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground meat with tofu, tempeh, or a combination of extra vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or top the dish with extra hot sauce to kick up the heat.
4. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms to make the dish more hearty and colorful.
5. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish can be served with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair it with a light salad or soup for a complete meal.
6. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store the cooked dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
7. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can swap the ground pork for ground turkey, chicken, or beef, depending on your preference.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
9. Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos is a great soy sauce alternative, especially for those on a gluten-free or paleo diet.
10. How do I know when the cabbage is done?
You want the cabbage to be soft but still slightly crunchy. It should have a bit of texture left, just like a traditional egg roll.
Conclusion
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With its savory, umami-packed sauce and crunchy vegetables, it gives you all the satisfying flavors of an egg roll without the deep frying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or a simple one-pan meal, this dish is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables, so you can make it your own. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free twist on your favorite Chinese takeout dish!
PrintEasy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, healthier alternative to traditional egg rolls. Packed with savory ground pork, cabbage, and flavorful seasonings, it’s an incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the flavors of an egg roll without the frying!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the pork. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add coleslaw mix: Stir in the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
- Season the dish: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve hot.
Notes
- Variations: You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or beef.
- Make it keto-friendly: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Just store it in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion