If you love all the flavors of a classic egg roll but want something lighter and faster, the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish captures the savory goodness of an egg roll without the wrapper, combining ground turkey, crisp cabbage, and plenty of aromatic garlic and ginger for a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying low-carb option, this recipe hits every note with its bright, comforting taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is simple but essential, working together to create the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic in this dish. From the juicy ground turkey that adds hearty protein to the crunchy cabbage and carrots giving texture and color, every element plays a vital role.
- Ground turkey (1 lb, 93% lean): A lean and flavorful protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the tasty seasonings.
- Medium head of cabbage (thinly shredded): Adds a satisfying crunch and a mild sweetness that complements the meat.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For a pop of color and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Sweet onion (1, diced): Provides a subtle sharpness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable savory aroma.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a zesty warmth that livens up the flavors.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings the salty umami backbone; swap for tamari for gluten-free.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Delivers a toasted, nutty flavor that makes this dish sing.
- Cooking oil (2 tablespoons, e.g., avocado oil): For a high-heat sauté to brown the turkey perfectly.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simply enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Optional garnishes (green onions and sesame seeds): Adds freshness and extra crunch at the end.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by shredding the cabbage thinly and shredding the carrots if not pre-shredded. Dice the sweet onion, mince the garlic and fresh ginger. Gathering these beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step brings out rich flavors and sets the foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic and ginger become fragrant—this step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Mix the shredded cabbage and carrots into the pan and stir everything together. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss well so the veggies soak up the savory sauce and begin to soften but still keep a little crunch.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Let everything cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies are tender but not mushy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors. Your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is now ready!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little freshness and crunch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A side of miso soup or pickled vegetables can round out the meal beautifully for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside lettuce cups or even hollowed-out bell peppers. This adds extra color and texture while offering a hands-on, casual way to enjoy your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though cabbage may soften slightly upon thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe on the stovetop over medium heat for best texture, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Microwave works too but stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even chicken make excellent substitutes and will still give you that hearty, savory experience you want in this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Always check your sauces to be sure.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or whatever veggies you have on hand to make it your own.
How spicy is this dish?
This particular recipe is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to spice things up if you like.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can skip it, but it does add a signature nutty richness. Toasted olive oil or peanut oil can be interesting alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a total game-changer when you want bold flavors without the fuss of rolling wrappers. It’s fast, flexible, and downright delicious, making it perfect for busy nights or anytime you crave that comforting Asian-inspired taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this bowl of goodness again and again.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and healthy one-pan dish that captures all the delicious flavors of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper. Using ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, this recipe is perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly shred the cabbage and shred the carrots. Dice the sweet onion and mince the garlic and fresh ginger. Set all your vegetables aside to keep the cooking process smooth.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the cooked turkey to one side of the pan and add sesame oil. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage wilts but still retains some crunch. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce (or tamari) and rice vinegar. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to coat all ingredients.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste your dish and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that’s effortless to make.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
