Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that takes the delicious fillings of an egg roll and turns them into a simple, low-carb, and gluten-free meal. This recipe packs all the savory, comforting flavors you love from an egg roll, but without the hassle of frying and wrapping. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
The combination of ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a delicious soy-based sauce creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The best part? It’s customizable to your liking! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a plant-based version. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This dish is super quick to make, taking only about 20-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s an ideal choice when you’re short on time but want something delicious and satisfying.
2. Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthy alternative to traditional egg rolls, especially if you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. The cabbage serves as a great substitute for the wrapper, keeping the dish light yet hearty.
3. Customizable Protein Options
While this recipe uses ground pork, you can easily swap it out for ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh for the same great taste.
4. Packed with Flavor
The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil makes this dish full of rich, savory flavors that mimic the taste of traditional egg rolls but without all the deep-frying.
5. Meal Prep Friendly
This dish stores really well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. It makes for a perfect meal prep option for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or tofu)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Variations
- Add more vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Keto-friendly: Use a sugar substitute to keep it low-carb, and opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Tofu Version: Use crumbled tofu instead of ground meat for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or your preferred protein) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Combine the Meat and Sauce
Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional sugar or honey. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot as a main dish or with a side of rice or cauliflower rice.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix: To save time, you can use store-bought coleslaw mix instead of shredding the cabbage and carrots yourself.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: You want the cabbage and carrots to still have some texture, so be careful not to overcook them.
- Adjust the flavor: Taste the dish as you go and add more soy sauce or vinegar to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Serve with a side: For a more filling meal, serve this egg roll in a bowl with rice or cauliflower rice.
How to Serve
- Serve as a stand-alone dish: This egg roll in a bowl is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Topped with extra garnishes: Add extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover egg roll in a bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked egg roll mixture for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! This recipe is versatile, so you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef in place of pork. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu.
2. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dish during cooking to spice it up.
3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
5. Can I freeze egg roll in a bowl?
Yes! Freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
6. How can I add more vegetables?
You can add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even water chestnuts for added crunch and flavor.
7. Can I serve this with rice?
Yes! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
8. Can I use pre-made coleslaw mix?
Yes, using pre-shredded coleslaw mix will save you time and effort.
9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. How can I adjust the flavor of the dish?
Taste the dish as you cook and add more soy sauce, vinegar, or sesame oil to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Conclusion
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation. With its rich, savory flavors and customizable ingredients, this recipe offers the taste of egg rolls without the deep frying. It’s a delicious way to enjoy all the flavors you love in a quick, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!
PrintEasy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl takes all the flavors of a classic egg roll and turns them into a simple, healthy, and delicious bowl meal. It’s packed with savory ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and a flavorful sesame soy sauce. No wrappers needed, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or chicken/turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. -
Add Aromatics:
Add the diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the pan with the meat. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. -
Stir in the Coleslaw Mix:
Add the coleslaw mix to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still a little crisp. -
Season the Dish:
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat. Divide the egg roll mixture into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
-
Serve:
Enjoy this delicious, low-carb, and healthy egg roll in a bowl as is, or serve it over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice for an extra filling meal!
Notes
- You can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey as alternatives to pork in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with tofu or extra vegetables.
- Add a splash of chili oil or sriracha if you want to spice it up even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Healthy
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Egg Roll in a Bowl, Healthy Egg Rolls, Low Carb Dinner, Easy Egg Roll Recipe, Ground Pork Recipe, Asian Stir Fry