If you love the flavors and crunch of a classic egg roll but want a quick, low-carb twist, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It captures all the savory goodness of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in just about 25 minutes. From the tender ground pork infused with garlic and ginger to the crunchy cabbage and vibrant green onions, every bite bursts with texture and taste. Whether you’re craving something comforting on a busy weeknight or looking for a healthy, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a breeze, thanks to its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound ground pork: The hearty base of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that infuses the meat and veggies during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant punch to brighten the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Offers a subtle, zesty warmth that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 4 cups coleslaw mix: A colorful mix of cabbage and carrots delivers crunch and freshness.
- 3 green onions, sliced: For a mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings umami depth; tamari works great if you want it gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a hint of acid that balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional): A gentle kick of heat for those who love a little spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A finishing touch that adds a subtle crunch and toasty flavor.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Brown the Meat
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready to go. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with your spatula to ensure it cooks evenly. Browning the meat well is key to developing deep, savory notes that elevate the whole dish. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes until the pork is no longer pink and has a lovely golden crust on some pieces.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger for a Flavor Boost
Once the pork is nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir everything together so the fragrant aromatics get to mingle with the meat. Cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes releases their bold flavors, forming the backbone of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe’s signature taste.
Step 3: Introduce the Crunchy Veggies
Next, stir in the coleslaw mix. The cabbage and carrots begin to soften but still retain a satisfying crunch, which is essential for replicating that classic egg roll texture without the wrapper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies start to wilt but don’t lose their vibrant color.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. These add layers of umami, tang, and heat that bring the dish alive. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring every bit is coated in sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Green Onions
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Their mild onion bite adds fresh brightness and a pop of green that makes the dish visually appealing. Give it one last taste, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking, and then get ready to serve.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the cooked ingredients. You can also add a few extra green onion slices or a drizzle of extra sriracha if you want to dial up the heat. Crisp, fresh herbs like cilantro make a lovely garnish too, brightening every bite.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to keep it lower carb. A light miso soup or simple cucumber salad pairs perfectly, enhancing the overall Asian-inspired vibe without overwhelming the flavors of the egg roll bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups, turning it into a hands-on meal that everyone loves. You can also pile it over cooked rice noodles for a noodle bowl style dish. If you’re entertaining, set out toppings like shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges so guests can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and reheat whenever you’re ready for a quick, delicious meal. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked egg roll mixture, although the texture of the cabbage may soften a bit upon thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps keep the veggies from drying out. Heat until warmed through, then garnish fresh before serving to bring back that vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides ground pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. They are leaner options that still absorb the seasonings well and keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy substitute. Just double-check your other ingredients like sriracha to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize your egg roll bowl with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. Just add them along with the coleslaw mix so they cook evenly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The sriracha adds a gentle heat that you can adjust or omit according to your preference. This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is very adaptable in terms of spice level, so feel free to make it mild or fiery.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is perfect for keto and low-carb diets as it skips the traditional wrapper and focuses on protein and vegetables. Just be mindful of the type of soy sauce used as some contain added sugars.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen thanks to how fast, flavorful, and fuss-free it is. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all those nostalgic egg roll flavors without any of the extra carbs or prep. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your go-to dish for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting bowl that feels both indulgent and fresh. Happy cooking!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish that mimics the classic egg roll flavors without the wrapper. Featuring ground pork sautéed with garlic, ginger, and a medley of vegetables, this skillet meal is tossed in a savory soy sauce and finished with fresh green onions and optional sriracha for a hint of heat. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare the pan for sautéing.
- Cook meat: Add the ground pork (or turkey/chicken), breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to develop the flavor base.
- Add vegetables: Mix in the coleslaw mix, stirring until it begins to wilt, about 2-3 minutes, which softens the cabbage and carrots slightly.
- Season: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Stir well to evenly coat the ingredients with sauce.
- Cook through: Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld.
- Finish with onions: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the sliced green onions for fresh, sharp flavor.
- Serve: Dish the egg roll bowl into serving bowls and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for pork.
- Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add sriracha or chili flakes to spice it up according to your preference.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
