If you love all the wonderful flavors of a classic egg roll but want something quicker, lighter, and easier to make, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It captures all that savory, garlicky goodness with juicy ground meat, crisp cabbage, and a punch of ginger and soy sauce, but without any wrappers or frying. Each bite is like a little flavor explosion—comforting, fresh, and delightfully simple. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a low-carb meal bursting with texture and taste, this dish has got you covered in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how straightforward and wholesome the ingredients are. Each one plays its part perfectly, from the tender meat providing hearty protein to the crunchy veggies and bold seasonings that lift the whole dish to new heights.
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef): Choose your favorite for a juicy, savory base that’s rich in flavor.
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups): Adds a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness, keeping it fresh and light.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or matchstick-cut: Brings a pop of color and slight natural sweetness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Infuses the dish with depth and that essential aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the perfect punch of savory zest.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Offers a bright, warm spice note that’s the hallmark of great Asian-inspired food.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for Whole30): A salty umami hit that ties everything together.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang and balance.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and richness at the finish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to perfectly round out the flavors.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground meat and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes, using a spatula to break it up into nice crumbles. You want it browned and juicy, creating a savory foundation packed with flavor for the rest of the bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step unlocks their sweetness and aroma, blending nicely with the meat. Then, toss in the shredded carrots, garlic, and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another couple of minutes so those flavors bloom and mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Now for the magic veggie star: the shredded cabbage. Mix it well with your meat and aromatics in the pan. Allow it to cook for 5 to 6 minutes until it softens but still has a satisfying crisp texture that keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for that unmistakable umami punch and balance of flavors. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure each bite is deliciously coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed, then remove from heat. Your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a bit of crunch and vibrant color. If you love a little extra richness, a light drizzle of more sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty finish that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice makes a perfect mild side that complements the bold flavors. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup adds refreshing variety without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in individual bowls with a wedge of lime for extra brightness. You can also spoon it over crunchy lettuce leaves for a fun and low-carb “wrap” experience. Arrange it in colorful bento boxes for meal prep or entertaining—either way, it’s a feast for the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it a perfect dish for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy all its wonderful flavors without any fuss.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in a skillet over medium heat for best results, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it—just cover to retain moisture and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, so it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides ground chicken or beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even a mix all work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or prefer for taste and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free and still packed with great umami flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. While the classic combo is cabbage and carrots, feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Just add them with the carrots and garlic so they cook just right.
How spicy is this dish?
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily add heat with crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a splash of chili oil when seasoning.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives or cook extra tofu cubes. Use tamari or coconut aminos to keep it flavorful and vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines easy prep with amazing taste, you simply have to try this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of comforting flavors, fresh veggies, and speedy cooking that makes weeknight meals exciting and satisfying. Once you try it, I bet it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!
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-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, easy, and healthy one-pan dish that captures the delicious flavors of traditional egg rolls without the fuss of wrapping and frying. Ground meat is cooked with shredded cabbage, carrots, and aromatics, then seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a savory, low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or 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 and 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 warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground meat to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add carrots, garlic, and ginger: Toss in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Incorporate cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing it thoroughly with the meat and vegetables.
- Cook the cabbage: Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
- Season the dish: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring to combine everything well and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the egg roll in a bowl immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Optional garnish: Enhance the dish by garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil if desired.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile; you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even pork according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, or coconut aminos for Whole30 compliance.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily in a skillet or microwave.
- This dish is naturally low-carb and can be served over cauliflower rice or on its own for a satisfying meal.
