Name: Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix); 2 green onions (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced); Optional: 1/4 cup water chestnuts (chopped); Garnish: Sesame seeds (extra green onions, sriracha (for heat))

When you’re craving the delicious, savory flavors of traditional egg rolls but don’t have the time or patience to roll them up, Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect solution. This deconstructed version of the classic appetizer is just as satisfying but comes together much more quickly. It’s a healthy, low-carb meal that’s packed with protein, vegetables, and the unmistakable flavors you love. Whether you’re in a rush or simply want a simple, tasty dinner, this egg roll-inspired dish is a game changer.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl. From the ingredients to preparation steps, tips, variations, and serving suggestions, we’ve got it all covered. Let’s get cooking!

What Is an Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to define what an egg roll in a bowl is. An egg roll in a bowl is essentially the inside of a traditional egg roll without the crispy shell. It features a blend of seasoned meat, crunchy cabbage, and flavorful veggies, all sautéed together in one easy skillet. The result is a delicious, low-carb, and nutrient-packed meal that hits all the notes of a crispy egg roll, minus the deep-frying.

It’s a fantastic meal for those who love the flavors of Chinese takeout but want to keep things healthier or simpler at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal ready to go. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Healthy: Packed with lean protein, cabbage, and other veggies, this dish is a low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be made dairy-free.
Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by swapping in different proteins or vegetables, making it a great dish for meal prepping or feeding picky eaters.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up! This dish is cooked all in one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Below is the breakdown:

Main Ingredients:

Ground Protein: Typically, ground pork is used in traditional egg rolls, but ground chicken, turkey, or beef are also excellent alternatives. You could even go vegetarian by using tofu or a plant-based protein.
Shredded Cabbage: Cabbage is the base vegetable in this dish, giving it the authentic egg roll flavor and a nice crunch. A bag of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix works great, or you can shred it yourself.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and color. You can either buy pre-shredded carrots or grate them yourself.
Onions: Green onions (scallions) provide a fresh, mildly oniony flavor that brightens up the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and fragrance. For a more subtle flavor, you can also use garlic powder.
Ginger: Fresh ginger provides that classic zing and warmth, making this dish feel even more like an authentic egg roll filling.
Soy Sauce: This is key for the salty, umami flavor in the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option or tamari for a gluten-free version.
Sesame Oil: A little bit of sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the soy sauce and vegetables.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar brings a touch of acidity and balance to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, extra green onions, and hot sauce are great additions for topping.

Optional Add-ins:

Mushrooms: Adding sliced mushrooms will give your egg roll in a bowl an extra layer of umami and texture.
Bell Peppers: For a colorful twist, consider adding some sliced bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor.
Water Chestnuts: For even more crunch, try adding chopped water chestnuts, a classic ingredient in egg rolls.
Edamame: Adding edamame beans provides a burst of protein and texture.

How to Make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s break down how to make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Protein

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of sesame oil and allow it to heat up. Add your ground protein (pork, chicken, turkey, etc.) to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of meat you’re using. Once the meat is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more sesame oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened. The aroma will be amazing, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Now, it’s time to add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir the veggies and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch. This will give the dish that perfect “egg roll” texture without the deep frying.

Step 4: Combine the Protein and Seasoning

Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the veggies. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and any other seasonings you desire. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the mixture into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce if you like a little spice.

Tips for the Perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl

Don’t Overcook the Veggies: The cabbage should retain some crunch to mimic the texture of an egg roll. Don’t cook it until it’s mushy, or it will lose that essential freshness.
Use a High-Quality Soy Sauce: A good soy sauce can make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium soy sauce for a more balanced taste.
Adjust the Heat: If you like your dishes spicy, feel free to add more sriracha or chili flakes. Conversely, if you’re serving this to kids or those who prefer mild flavors, you can skip the hot sauce altogether.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can store the cooked egg roll mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the skillet or microwave for a quick lunch or dinner option.
Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Shred the cabbage and carrots, slice the green onions, and even cook the meat ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, all you have to do is throw everything in the skillet and heat through.

Variations of Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

While the traditional version of Egg Roll in a Bowl is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish. Here are some ideas:

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl: Swap the ground pork for ground chicken for a leaner version of the dish.
Vegetarian Egg Roll in a Bowl: Use tofu or tempeh in place of the meat for a fully plant-based option.
Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl: Try using ground beef for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Asian Flavors Twist: Add in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for extra depth.
Curry Egg Roll in a Bowl: For an Indian-inspired twist, add a teaspoon of curry powder and a dash of coconut milk for a creamy version.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of Egg Roll in a Bowl lies in its versatility. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

Serve Over Cauliflower Rice: To keep it low-carb, serve the egg roll mixture over cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to mimic the texture of rice while keeping the meal light.
Pair with Steamed Dumplings: For a more filling meal, serve your egg roll in a bowl alongside some steamed dumplings or potstickers.
Add a Side of Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup or hot and sour soup would be a perfect accompaniment to your egg roll in a bowl.
Wrap in Lettuce: For a fun and fresh take, use large lettuce leaves (like iceberg or butter lettuce) as wraps and fill them with the egg roll mixture.

Final Thoughts

Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fantastic weeknight dinner that brings together all the flavors of your favorite egg rolls, without the hassle. It’s quick, easy, and highly customizable, so it can fit any dietary needs or preferences. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with other dishes, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!