Are you craving the savory, delicious flavors of a classic egg roll but want a healthier, quicker, and easier option? If so, you have come to the right place. This Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. In fact, it delivers all the amazing taste of your favorite takeout appetizer, but without the wrapper, the frying, or the fuss. Consequently, you get a meal that is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile and friendly to various dietary needs, including low-carb and keto.
Essentially, this dish deconstructs the traditional egg roll, putting all the wonderful fillings directly into a bowl. Imagine tender ground pork, crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and aromatic ginger and garlic, all brought together with a savory soy-sesame sauce. Because it’s so simple to prepare, this has become a go-to meal for families across the country. Furthermore, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout. Get ready to discover your new favorite recipe that is both satisfying and incredibly simple.
What Exactly Is an Egg Roll in a Bowl?
An egg roll in a bowl is exactly what it sounds like: all the delicious fillings of a traditional egg roll served in a bowl, without the deep-fried wrapper. This concept takes the best parts of the classic appetizer—the seasoned meat and crisp-tender vegetables—and transforms them into a wholesome, complete meal. In essence, it’s a stir-fry that captures the signature flavors we all love.
The primary benefit of this dish is its health-conscious approach. By eliminating the wrapper, you instantly cut down on carbs and calories, making it a fantastic option for those following low-carb, keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets. Additionally, it’s loaded with vegetables like cabbage and carrots, which are excellent sources of fiber and nutrients. According to Healthline, cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K. Therefore, you are not only getting a tasty meal but also a nutritious one. This easy-to-make dish has consequently gained immense popularity as a simple, satisfying, and adaptable weeknight dinner.
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Egg Roll in a Bowl: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Best Quick Meal
A quick and flavorful Egg Roll in a Bowl made with savory ground pork, crisp cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a sesame-soy sauce—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a low-carb weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey)
1 tablespoon avocado oil or sesame oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
For Garnish:
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Set aside.
2. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add ground pork and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
4. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add coleslaw mix to the skillet and stir well to combine.
7. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is wilted but still slightly crisp.
8. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture and stir thoroughly.
9. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld together.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
11. Serve immediately in bowls, over cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the cabbage—keep it crisp-tender for the best texture.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this deconstructed egg roll bowl. Beyond its incredible flavor, its convenience and adaptability make it a true kitchen champion. If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes, this is it.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly fast. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The instructions are straightforward, requiring just one pan, which also means cleanup is a breeze.
Healthy and Customizable
This egg roll in a bowl is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a well-balanced meal. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences or use whatever ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can swap the ground pork for chicken, turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Similarly, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts to boost the nutritional content even more.
Diet-Friendly Meal
Another key point is that this recipe naturally aligns with many popular dietary plans. It is inherently low-carb and keto-friendly. For those following a Paleo or Whole30 diet, simply substitute coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Since it’s gluten-free, it’s a safe and delicious option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. For more information on healthy eating plans, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent resources on low-carb diets.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or are easy to find at any local grocery store. Here is a breakdown of what you will need.
For the Main Bowl:
- Ground Pork: 1 lb. This is the classic choice for egg rolls, offering a rich flavor. However, ground chicken, turkey, or beef also work wonderfully.
- Coleslaw Mix: One 14-ounce bag. Using a pre-shredded mix of cabbage and carrots is a fantastic time-saver.
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced. This adds a foundational layer of flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best for a pungent, aromatic taste.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated. Ginger provides a warm, zesty spice that is crucial for that authentic flavor.
- Avocado Oil or Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
For the Savory Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for Paleo/Whole30.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. This adds a distinct, nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. This provides a touch of acidity to balance the sauce.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (Optional): 1-2 teaspoons, for a spicy kick.
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Green Onions: Sliced, for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: For a bit of texture and nutty taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This process is simple and comes together quickly in just one pan. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce. First, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. If you like some heat, add the sriracha or chili garlic sauce as well. Set the sauce aside for later. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Brown the Meat. Next, heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until it is browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Once the pork is cooked, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. The benefits of fresh ginger are well-documented, with WebMD noting its anti-inflammatory properties.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables. Now, add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the vegetables with the meat and aromatics. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has wilted to your desired tenderness. Be careful not to overcook it; you want it to retain a slight crunch.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer. Finally, pour the prepared sauce over the mixture in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, which allows the flavors to absorb into the meat and vegetables. At this point, your kitchen should smell amazing.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the egg roll in a bowl immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This final touch adds both freshness and texture to the dish.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this Egg Roll in a Bowl is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make it your own.
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The key to a great texture is to cook the cabbage until it’s crisp-tender, not mushy. Keep a close eye on it as it cooks.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: While garlic powder and ground ginger can work in a pinch, using fresh garlic and ginger will result in a much more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Toast Your Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Delicious Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add more sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some chili garlic sauce to the mix for an extra kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or edamame for more texture and nutrients.
- Protein Swaps: As mentioned, this dish is great with ground chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef. For a different texture, you could even use flavorful garlic butter beef bites. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh are excellent substitutes.
Serving Ideas
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it in various ways. For a low-carb meal, serve it over cauliflower rice. If you are not watching your carbs, it is delicious over a bed of jasmine or brown rice. You can also create fun and healthy lettuce wraps by spooning the mixture into large butter or romaine lettuce leaves. For more amazing bowl ideas, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe.
Conclusion
In summary, this Egg Roll in a Bowl is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. It successfully captures all the deliciousness of a traditional egg roll while being significantly easier and more nutritious to prepare. Because it comes together in under 30 minutes and uses just one pan, it’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights. Furthermore, its customizability allows you to adapt it to any dietary preference, from keto to vegetarian. Give this incredible recipe a try; consequently, you’ll have a new family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. For another fantastic and easy low-carb meal, consider this cheesy casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially when you use a sugar-free soy sauce substitute like tamari or coconut aminos. Cabbage is a low-carb vegetable, making this a perfect meal for a ketogenic diet.
What can I use instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free or paleo option?
For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari, which is a type of soy sauce brewed without wheat. For a paleo or Whole30 compliant version, coconut aminos are the perfect substitute. They provide a similar savory, umami flavor.
Can I make this with a different protein?
Of course! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Ground chicken, turkey, and beef are all excellent alternatives to ground pork. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or even finely chopped mushrooms.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld together and taste even better the next day. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
