Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

If you love the flavors of egg rolls but want to skip the deep frying and enjoy a healthier, low-carb version, then you’re going to love this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe! This dish takes all the best parts of a traditional egg roll—savory ground meat, crunchy veggies, and bold seasonings—and transforms it into a stir-fry that's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Best of all, it’s made in one pan, ready in less than 30 minutes, and perfect for meal prepping. Keep reading for the full recipe, variations, and expert tips on how to make this tasty dish!

this Recipe

What is "Egg Roll in a Bowl"?

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic egg roll, but without the wrapper and the frying. Instead of being wrapped in dough and fried, all the ingredients—such as ground pork (or other meat), cabbage, carrots, and flavorful Asian seasonings—are stir-fried together in a skillet. This dish offers all the flavor and texture of a traditional egg roll, but with fewer carbs, fewer calories, and no greasy mess. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight meal, and it can easily be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this tasty dish:

• 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or beef)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated or minced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
• 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (or 4 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients List for Toppings and Variations

To make your Egg Roll in a Bowl even more exciting, here are some additional ingredients and toppings you can include:

• Toppings:
• Sliced avocado for extra creaminess
• A drizzle of hoisin sauce for sweetness
• Crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch
• Extra chili flakes or sriracha for spice lovers
• Variations:
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use a sugar-free soy sauce or coconut aminos for a lower-carb alternative, and avoid sweet toppings like hoisin sauce.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Egg Roll in a Bowl is how versatile it is. Here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ground Meat: This recipe calls for ground pork, but you can easily swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or beef. You can even use shrimp or a combination of meats for a different flavor profile.
• Cabbage: If you don’t have a coleslaw mix on hand, use thinly sliced green cabbage or a combination of red and green cabbage for more color.
• Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Coconut aminos will give the dish a slightly sweeter flavor, but it’s a great alternative if you’re avoiding soy or gluten.
• Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up this dish with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for added flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, here’s how to make Egg Roll in a Bowl:

1. Cook the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Push the cooked pork to one side of the skillet and add the sesame oil to the other side. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the Seasoning: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Mix everything together, making sure the meat and onions are fully coated in the sauce.
4. Add the Veggies: Add the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots) to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
5. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce as needed. Once everything is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
6. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry into bowls and enjoy as is, or with a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

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

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in sesame oil until fragrant.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha.
4. Add coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage, and cook until tender-crisp.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Vegetables: One of the key textures of Egg Roll in a Bowl is the crunch from the cabbage and carrots. Avoid overcooking them so they retain some bite. Stir-fry the veggies for just a few minutes to keep them tender but crisp.
• Using Too Much Soy Sauce: While soy sauce adds great flavor, using too much can make the dish too salty. Start with ¼ cup and taste before adding more. You can always add more seasoning at the end if needed.
• Skipping the Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are essential to creating that authentic egg roll flavor, so don’t skip them! Fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of depth and fragrance to the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Egg Roll in a Bowl is typically served as a one-dish meal, but you can get creative with how you present and serve it:

• Serve with Rice: For a more filling meal, serve the stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a fun, low-carb twist, scoop the stir-fry into large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) and serve as lettuce wraps.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Make a large batch and divide it into individual containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

• Solo Meal: Serve the dish straight from the skillet into bowls. It’s packed with protein and veggies, so it can stand alone as a complete meal.
• With Sides: For a heartier meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. You can also pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame.
• Family Style: Serve it family-style by placing the skillet in the middle of the table and allowing everyone to spoon their portion into their bowls. Offer extra garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for added customization.

Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl

• Bento Box Style: If serving as part of a lunch or meal prep, you can pack it in bento boxes with sections for rice, pickled vegetables, or a hard-boiled egg for a well-rounded meal.
• Garnish Heavily: Garnish with generous amounts of green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or sesame oil for visual appeal.
• Serve in Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb and beautiful presentation, serve the stir-fry in large lettuce cups with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips

• Make it Saucy: If you like a saucier stir-fry, double the soy sauce and rice vinegar, or add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to make the dish more moist.
• Make Ahead: This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it becomes too dry when reheating.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze portions of Egg Roll in a Bowl in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, this dish is low in carbs and can be made keto-friendly by using low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply swap out the meat for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q: Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
A: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, easy, and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the extra carbs or calories. This stir-fry comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With its versatility, you can customize it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you're following a keto diet, need a gluten-free meal, or just want a quick and tasty dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy!

Print