Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

Craving the satisfying flavors of crispy egg rolls but want something quicker and healthier? My Egg Roll In A Bowl recipe delivers all the delicious taste you love without the fuss of wrapping and frying. This deconstructed version combines savory ground meat, crisp vegetables, and authentic Asian flavors in one easy skillet meal.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. You’ll get all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout appetizer transformed into a complete, nutritious dinner that the whole family will devour.

What is “Egg Roll In A Bowl”?

Egg Roll In A Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic Chinese-American egg roll, served without the crispy wrapper. This low-carb, keto-friendly dish features seasoned ground pork or chicken mixed with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You get all the familiar flavors of egg rolls – that perfect balance of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings – but in a healthier, one-pan format that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients List for Egg Roll In A Bowl

1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix or 6 cups shredded cabbage
2 large carrots, julienned or shredded
3 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Cook Egg Roll In A Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Egg Roll In A Bowl is surprisingly simple and requires just one pan. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your vegetables.
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger.
If using whole cabbage instead of coleslaw mix, shred it into thin strips.
Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and quick.

2. Cook the Ground Meat:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
Remove any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Aromatics:

Push the cooked meat to one side of the pan.
Add sesame oil to the empty space and then add diced onions.
Cook the onions for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Mix everything together with the meat.

4. Add the Vegetables:

Add the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage to the pan.
Toss everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes.
The cabbage should start to wilt but still retain some crunch.
Add the shredded carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Season and Finish:

Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Stir in sriracha if you want some heat.
Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Egg Roll In A Bowl lies in its adaptability. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

Protein Options: Try ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too.
Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts add great texture and flavor.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with teriyaki sauce, coconut aminos for a paleo option, or add a tablespoon of peanut butter for richness.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat with more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced jalapeños.
Low-Carb Noodles: Serve over shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice for an even heartier meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my share of mistakes with this recipe, so here’s what to watch out for:

Overcooking the Cabbage: The key is maintaining some crunch. Don’t let the cabbage get too soft and soggy.
Skipping the Sesame Oil: This ingredient adds authentic flavor that regular cooking oil can’t replicate.
Not Draining Excess Fat: Too much grease can make the dish heavy and unappetizing.
Adding Sauce Too Early: Wait until the vegetables are nearly done to prevent the sauce from burning.
Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients cook more evenly and quickly.

How to Serve Egg Roll In A Bowl

This versatile dish works beautifully on its own as a complete meal. I love serving it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for those wanting extra bulk. For a fun presentation, serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Consider pairing it with egg drop soup or hot and sour soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal. A side of steamed edamame or pot stickers makes it feel like a true restaurant experience at home.

Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll In A Bowl

Make your Egg Roll In A Bowl Instagram-worthy with these presentation tips:

Colorful Bowls: Serve in vibrant ceramic bowls to make the colors pop.
Garnish Generously: Top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro for visual appeal.
Add Crunch: Serve with crispy wonton strips or chow mein noodles on the side for texture contrast.
Lime Wedges: Add fresh lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe Tips

Here are my insider tips for the best results:

High Heat is Key: Cook over medium-high to high heat to get proper browning and prevent steaming.
Fresh Ginger Makes a Difference: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger provides superior flavor.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process for the best flavor balance.
Don’t Overcrowd: If doubling the recipe, use two pans or cook in batches for best results.
Pre-made Coleslaw Mix: This saves significant prep time and ensures uniform vegetable sizes.

How to Store Egg Roll In A Bowl

Allow the egg roll bowl to cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The dish actually improves in flavor after a day as the seasonings meld together.

For meal prep, divide into individual containers and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with crumbled extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground “meat.” Add the protein after the aromatics and season well.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for ketogenic diets. Just ensure your soy sauce doesn’t contain added sugars.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: You can prep all the vegetables and store them separately, but I recommend cooking this dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What’s the best ground meat to use?
A: Ground pork is traditional and provides the most authentic egg roll flavor, but ground chicken or turkey work well for a lighter option.

Q: How do I prevent the dish from being too salty?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste as you go. Remember that sesame oil and any added condiments also contribute sodium.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts are all excellent additions. Just maintain the cooking times to preserve texture.

Conclusion

This Egg Roll In A Bowl recipe has become a regular rotation meal in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will in yours too. It satisfies those Chinese takeout cravings while being healthier, faster, and more budget-friendly than ordering out.

The combination of savory ground meat, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re following a specific diet, trying to eat more vegetables, or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

I love how this dish brings the whole family together around flavors everyone enjoys. Give it a try, make it your own with different proteins and vegetables, and watch as it becomes a household favorite. The best part? You’ll have dinner on the table in less time than it takes to order and pick up takeout. Happy cooking!

What is “Egg Roll In A Bowl”?

Ingredients List for Egg Roll In A Bowl