If you’re craving all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll but want something quicker, healthier, and easier to enjoy right at home, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. It captures the irresistible combination of savory ground meat, crisp cabbage, and that perfect tangy-soy sauce kick without any fuss or frying. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal that feels like a treat without the work, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort and mouthwatering goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture in your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. From the hearty ground meat to the refreshing crunch of cabbage, every element is essential to getting that balanced, restaurant-worthy taste.
- Ground meat: Choose chicken, turkey, or beef for a protein-packed base that absorbs all the tasty seasonings perfectly.
- Cabbage: Shredded to provide a crisp, fresh texture and serve as the backbone of this dish.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color brighten the bowl both visually and flavor-wise.
- Onion: Adds a savory depth and subtle sweetness as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to lend a warm, zesty note that lifts the dish.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami hero that ties all the ingredients together—use tamari or coconut aminos for dietary tweaks.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to cut through richness and balance flavors perfectly.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash brings a nutty aroma and rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for that essential final seasoning touch.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your choice of ground meat. Break it up while cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. This step infuses your dish with that rich, savory base so crucial to the final flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This adds a foundational sweetness that melds wonderfully with the meat.
Step 3: Add Carrots, Garlic, and Ginger
Sprinkle in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger, stirring them in for about 2 minutes. These ingredients bring brightness, warmth, and a little zing that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cabbage
Stir in the shredded cabbage and mix everything thoroughly. Cooking for 5 to 6 minutes allows the cabbage to soften without losing its crisp bite—this contrast makes every forkful delightfully satisfying.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking, then remove from heat. This final dressing step welds all the flavors together into a harmonious bowl of yum.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Because presentation and a bit of crunch never hurt anyone, top your Egg Roll in a Bowl with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of sesame oil. These garnishes add a fresh pop of color and an irresistible nutty aroma that complements the rich filling.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For extra veggie power, a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian-style slaw makes the meal even more vibrant and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist. Or try it over a bed of warm noodles for a comforting fusion bowl. Even stuffing it inside baked sweet potatoes makes for a hearty, creative meal idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags to keep for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it on medium power to keep the meat juicy and the vegetables tender but not mushy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your taste and make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! By swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, you can make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe completely gluten-free without compromising any flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute to enjoy all the flavor benefits while keeping it meat-free.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?
This recipe is mild and comforting as written, but you can easily add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chili peppers to kick up the heat to your liking.
What is the best ground meat to use?
Ground pork or beef are traditional and rich, but lean ground chicken or turkey work perfectly if you prefer a lighter option. Each provides a slightly different flavor profile but all delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal that feels a lot fancier than it really is, give this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe a try. It’s a go-to that never disappoints, perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and easy skillet dish that captures all the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls without the wrapper. Ground meat is cooked with fresh cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger, then seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a healthy, low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef)
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups)
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or matchstick-cut
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Seasonings & Sauces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for Whole30)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the ground meat: Add 1 lb of ground meat to the heated skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns to ensure even cooking and no large clumps.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent, infusing the meat with sweetness and aroma.
- Add aromatics: Mix in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to develop their flavors.
- Add cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage thoroughly, mixing it well with the meat and other vegetables for even flavor distribution.
- Cook the cabbage: Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes or until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crisp texture, ensuring a nice contrast in the dish.
- Season the mixture: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to add depth, acidity, and nuttiness to the bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the sauces.
- Add final seasoning: Season with salt and black pepper to your personal taste preference, adjusting as needed.
- Remove from heat: Take the skillet off the stove to avoid overcooking and preserve the freshness of the vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground meat with ground turkey, chicken, or beef based on preference.
- For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For Whole30 or paleo, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Feel free to add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds add great texture and flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end according to your taste to prevent over-salting.
