Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Craving the flavors of a classic egg roll but looking for a healthier, low-carb option? This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a perfect solution! It’s a deconstructed version of the beloved Chinese takeout favorite, packed with all the savory flavors of pork, cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, but without the deep-fried wrapper. Whether you're on a keto, paleo, or low-carb diet, or simply looking for a quick and easy dinner, this one-pan meal has it all. Read on for the step-by-step guide, tips, and creative ideas for serving this delicious dish.

this Recipe

What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a simplified, low-carb version of traditional egg rolls. Instead of wrapping the filling in a deep-fried wrapper, the filling is sautéed in a skillet and served on its own. This meal combines ground pork (or another protein of your choice), cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, and soy sauce to deliver all the savory goodness of an egg roll without the added carbs or calories. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that’s quick to make, nutritious, and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this tasty, low-carb dish:

1. 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
2. 4 cups coleslaw mix (a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots)
3. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
6. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
7. ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for paleo)
8. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
9. 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for heat)
10. 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
11. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
12. Salt and pepper, to taste
13. 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for drizzling at the end)

Substitutions and Variations for Egg Roll in a Bowl

This recipe is highly versatile, making it easy to customize based on your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Protein Options:
   Ground pork is traditional for egg rolls, but you can easily swap it for ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
2. Soy Sauce Alternatives:
   If you're gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For those following a paleo or Whole30 diet, coconut aminos is a great alternative to soy sauce, as it's soy-free and lower in sodium.
3. Spice Level:
   Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili for an extra kick.
4. Low-Carb or Keto:
   This recipe is already low in carbs, but to ensure it's keto-friendly, double-check that your soy sauce or tamari doesn’t contain added sugars.
5. Add More Veggies:
   While coleslaw mix is the quickest option, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the nutrient content and flavor variety.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Egg Roll in a Bowl

1. Cook the Protein:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or your protein of choice) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   Stir in the coleslaw mix (or your shredded cabbage and carrots), and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked pork to the skillet, and pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha (if using). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Finish with Garnishes:
   Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed. Once the mixture is ready, remove from heat and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for extra flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

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

Here’s a recap of the main steps to make sure your Egg Roll in a Bowl turns out perfectly:

1. Brown the Meat: Ensure the ground meat is fully browned and slightly crispy for the best texture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics First: Adding garlic and ginger to sautéed onions allows the flavors to bloom and infuse the entire dish with rich aromatics.
3. Stir Fry the Veggies: Keep the vegetables slightly crisp to maintain a pleasant texture—overcooked, soggy cabbage can detract from the dish.
4. Flavor Balance: Make sure to taste and adjust your seasoning. A splash more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or sesame oil can make all the difference in achieving a balanced flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Vegetables: Cabbage and carrots should remain slightly crisp for the best texture. Overcooking them can result in a soggy dish.
2. Not Draining Excess Fat: If using a fattier protein like ground pork or beef, be sure to drain excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy final dish.
3. Skipping the Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a lot of flavor depth, so don’t skip the final drizzle at the end.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a one-pan meal that’s great on its own, but there are many ways to enhance its presentation and serve it as part of a complete meal:

1. Serve Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the egg roll mixture over steamed white rice, brown rice, or for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice.
2. Add a Fried Egg: Top each serving with a fried egg for extra protein and richness, giving the dish an added visual appeal.
3. Lettuce Wraps: For a fun, interactive meal, serve the egg roll filling in lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or iceberg) for a fresh, crunchy wrap.
4. Top with Crispy Wontons: If you’re not worried about carbs, sprinkle crispy wonton strips on top for added crunch.

Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Want to make this dish Instagram-worthy? Here are a few ideas to elevate the look of your Egg Roll in a Bowl:

1. Bowl with Chopsticks: Serve the dish in a stylish bowl with a pair of chopsticks for an authentic, restaurant-style presentation.
2. Layered Mason Jar: For meal prep or lunch-on-the-go, layer the egg roll mixture in mason jars, separating the protein, veggies, and garnishes until ready to eat.
3. Use Garnishes Wisely: Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds artistically on top and finish with a swirl of Sriracha for a pop of color.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips

1. Meal Prep Friendly: Egg Roll in a Bowl stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner.
2. Double the Batch: This dish freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
3. Get Creative with Toppings: Customize each bowl with additional toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
   Absolutely! Replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat. Use coconut aminos or tamari for a soy sauce alternative.
2. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb, especially if you use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. Just be mindful of any additional ingredients like Sriracha, which may have added sugars.
3. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
   Definitely! Freshly shredded cabbage and carrots work perfectly in this recipe. The pre-packaged coleslaw mix just saves time.
4. Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
   Yes! Portion the cooled mixture into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavorful, low-carb, and quick meal that satisfies all the cravings for traditional egg rolls without the guilt or hassle of frying. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a healthy and delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to swap proteins, adjust spices, and add your favorite garnishes. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll soon see why this recipe has become a favorite for healthy, busy eaters!

Print