Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
If you love the flavors of a classic egg roll but want to skip the frying and the wrapper, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a total game changer. It captures all the savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes of an egg roll, but in a quick, one-skillet dish that’s packed with tender ground meat, crisp cabbage, and bright aromatics. Imagine that satisfying egg roll taste without the mess or the guilt—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or anytime you crave a comforting Asian-inspired meal. I’m beyond excited to share this recipe with you because it’s not just easy, it’s a delicious way to bring bold flavors and fresh textures right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is, working together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From savory pork browned in fragrant sesame oil to crisp cabbage, every component plays a starring role in making this dish so irresistible.
- Ground pork (1 pound): The hearty base that adds rich flavor and satisfying protein, but you can swap with chicken or turkey if you prefer.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish that unmistakable nutty aroma and depth, elevating every bite beautifully.
- Onion (1/2, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch, building the flavor foundation when cooked with the meat.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides an essential punch of savoriness that complements the ginger and meat perfectly.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and zing, making every mouthful bright and fresh.
- Coleslaw mix (14 ounces): The star vegetable ingredient, combining shredded cabbage and carrots for great texture and color contrast.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds salty umami and ties all the ingredients together; tamari works great for a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Introduces a mild acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): A touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavor; use it if you love that classic egg roll flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of heat if you like a little spice in your bowl.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Added as a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A decorative and tasty sprinkle that adds a nutty crunch on top.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions
Start by heating your sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground pork and finely chopped onion, and let them cook together for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently and break up the meat with your spatula so it cooks evenly and gets nicely browned. This step forms the flavorful foundation of your dish with those caramelized bits adding tons of tasty depth.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once your meat is cooked through and the onions are soft, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 30 seconds, just until they become fragrant and start to bloom. This quick step releases their wonderful flavor and melds it into the meat mixture, building those signature egg roll notes with ease.
Step 3: Incorporate the Coleslaw Mix
Next, add the bag of coleslaw mix straight into the skillet. This combination of shredded cabbage and carrots will add crunch and freshness to your dish. Cook everything together for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts but still retains a little crispness—that texture contrast is what makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe so delightful.
Step 4: Season and Finish Cooking
Now it’s time to bring in the magic flavors. Stir in your soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce if you’re using it, and the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat layer. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the ingredients marry beautifully and the flavors deepen. Then you’re ready to take your skillet off the heat!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a lovely finishing touch. These fresh garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation, completing your colorful, tasty Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. Serve it right from the pan while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions and sesame seeds are classic finishing touches that add freshness and crunch, but feel free to get creative. A drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro can bring some extra brightness and spice. These little add-ons take your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe from simple to spectacular in seconds.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be the star of your meal, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice turns it into a complete comfort food. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. Each side dish enhances the Asian-inspired flavors and textures while keeping your meal well balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg roll mixture inside lettuce cups for a fresh handheld option or spoon it onto crunchy rice crackers for bite-sized snacks. You can also use it as a filling for soft tortillas or wraps if you want a fusion-inspired lunch or party appetizer. The possibilities with this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly made. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the juices and keep the texture nice.
Freezing
If you want to make this egg roll bowl ahead of time in larger batches, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent sogginess, try to remove any garnish before freezing and add fresh green onions or sesame seeds after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm throughout. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. This quick reheat preserves the satisfying texture and bright flavors that make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe so crave-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work wonderfully as lighter options, and even ground beef can be used if you prefer. Adjust cooking times if needed, but the flavors will remain amazing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you swap regular soy sauce with tamari and skip the hoisin sauce or use a gluten-free alternative, this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets while still packing all the tasty flavors.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for tofu crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth with tamari for the seasonings. This creates a delightful plant-based version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
How spicy is the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
It’s naturally mild, but adding crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle heat. You can adjust or omit the spice to perfectly suit your taste buds.
What are some good additions to customize this recipe?
Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, water chestnuts, or even shredded carrots for added texture and variety. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something flavorful, comforting, and easy to whip up. It brings the best parts of an egg roll without the fuss and is endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Give it a try, and I promise it will soon be a regular on your dinner rotation—warm, tasty, and just downright satisfying.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe offers a low-carb, gluten-free take on classic egg rolls, combining ground pork, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Asian-inspired seasonings stir-fried to perfection for a quick and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 bag (14 ounces) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onion: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until fully cooked and browned.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Cook the Coleslaw Mix: Add the bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted but still maintains a slight crispness.
- Season the Dish: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the dish warm as is or over cauliflower rice or steamed white rice for a heartier meal.
Notes
- Serve on its own for a low-carb meal or over cauliflower rice or steamed white rice to make it more filling.
- Easily adaptable—add mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts for added texture and flavor variety.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
