If you love the crunchy, savory flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the frying and carbs, this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the delicious elements of a classic egg roll filling—ground pork, fresh cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat—tossed together in one skillet. Healthy, quick, and satisfying, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious, fuss-free twist on an Asian favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, turning simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal. From the nutty aroma of sesame oil to the fresh crunch of coleslaw mix, these ingredients create a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and vibrant.
- Sesame oil: Adds a warm, toasty flavor essential for authentic Asian-inspired dishes.
- Ground pork (or chicken or turkey): Provides rich protein and a hearty base for the dish.
- Garlic minced: Brings a pungent savory depth that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger grated: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that brightens every bite.
- Small onion diced: Gives sweetness and a tender texture when sautéed.
- Coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Offers crispness and color, mimicking egg roll filling perfectly.
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Adds umami and saltiness to balance the dish.
- Rice vinegar: Injects a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors together.
- Hoisin sauce (optional): Provides a sweet and savory complexity for a richer taste.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): Delivers gentle heat for those who like a little spice.
- Green onions sliced: Offer fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Add a delicate crunch and nutty accent to finish the bowl.
How to Make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground pork or alternative protein and cook it thoroughly, breaking up clumps with your spatula until it’s browned and beautifully caramelized. This step builds a savory base and brings out the meaty goodness essential to this dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma. This step layers in fragrant notes that make each bite irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the coleslaw mix, which combines shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring frequently, aiming for wilted yet slightly crisp vegetables. This ensures you still get that fresh crunch and vibrant color that’s a hallmark of traditional egg rolls.
Step 4: Combine Sauces and Finish Cooking
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if you want a richer, slightly sweet taste, add hoisin sauce. For a little heat, sriracha or chili garlic sauce is perfect. Stir everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more so the flavors meld beautifully in the pan.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like a bit more texture and visual charm. Serve the dish warm, and you’ll find it satisfying, comforting, and full of life—just like your favorite takeout but healthier and faster.
How to Serve Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can truly elevate this dish. I love topping it with sliced green onions for a crisp, mild burst of flavor, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds gives a delightful nutty crunch. For some extra flair, a drizzle of extra sriracha or a squeeze of lime juice pairs beautifully and adds brightness.
Side Dishes
This recipe is lovely on its own as a low-carb, fulfilling main, but it also pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice for a heartier meal. If you want to keep it light, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that keeps the dish low carb and packed with veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or meal prepping, try serving the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups or small bowls for a hands-on, interactive experience. It also makes a delicious filling for wraps or taco-style bites, making it versatile and fun to enjoy in different ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for leftovers because the flavors only deepen with time. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
While the texture of some vegetables can change after freezing, you can freeze the cooked pork mixture without the cabbage for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then stir-fry frozen veggies fresh to toss with the meat for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. This keeps the veggies crisp and the meat juicy. You can also microwave it covered for about 2 minutes, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides ground pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even ground beef work wonderfully in this recipe. Each protein brings a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and skip the hoisin sauce or find a gluten-free version, this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is completely gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes optional sriracha or chili garlic sauce, which allows you to control the heat level. You can start with a small amount and add more to taste, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to boost the veggie content and customize it to your liking.
What can I serve this with for a complete meal?
Serving the egg roll bowl over steamed rice or cauliflower rice rounds out the meal nicely. You can also add a side of steamed dumplings, edamame, or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad for extra freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who wants all the flavor of a classic egg roll without the fuss and calories of frying. It’s quick, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, making it an absolute staple in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and love it just as much as I do!
Print
Easy 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: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe offers all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper. Featuring seasoned ground pork, fresh cabbage and carrot slaw, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce, it’s a quick and healthy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
Sauces and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Meat: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts but remains slightly crisp.
- Incorporate Sauces: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if using, hoisin sauce and sriracha. Stir everything well and cook for 1–2 more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the egg roll bowl warm, either on its own or over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
