Who doesn’t love the crispy, savory flavors of an egg roll? Egg rolls are a staple in Asian cuisine, with their golden-brown wrappers and flavorful fillings. But what if you could enjoy all the deliciousness without the deep frying, the carbs, or the hassle of wrapping? Enter the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe , a deconstructed version of the classic dish that is quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying.
This recipe has been gaining popularity for good reason. It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and infused with bold flavors that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied without the heaviness of a traditional egg roll. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, need a gluten-free option, or just want a new way to enjoy a familiar dish, this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: The whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you need a meal in a flash.
- Healthy: It’s full of protein from the ground meat and packed with fiber-rich veggies like cabbage and carrots, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Since there’s no wrapper, this dish is low in carbs, which is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs—substitute the meat, change up the veggies, or adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well, making it a great option for preparing meals in advance. It also reheats beautifully, making it a go-to for lunch or dinner all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground meat: You can use ground pork, chicken, beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Pork is the traditional option, but any ground meat will work.
- Shredded cabbage: You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix or slice your own cabbage. Green cabbage is most common, but red cabbage adds a pop of color.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and texture. You can also use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix that contains both cabbage and carrots for convenience.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the base of the dish, adding depth and flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that’s essential for that authentic egg roll flavor.
- Soy sauce: This provides the salty, umami base of the dish. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity and tang to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Sesame oil: A small drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end gives the dish a rich, nutty aroma.
- Green onions: These are added at the end for a fresh, vibrant bite.
- Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, Sriracha, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for added flavor.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your Egg Roll in a Bowl. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together!
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or avocado oil works well), and once it’s hot, add your ground meat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and cook it until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
If your meat is particularly fatty, you can drain off any excess grease at this point, but a little fat will help flavor the dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the meat is browned, push it to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics in the meat’s drippings (or add a little more oil if necessary). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the shredded cabbage and carrots. If you’re using pre-packaged coleslaw mix, this step is super easy—just dump it in! If you’re using fresh cabbage, make sure it’s thinly sliced so it cooks evenly. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage softens and the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of bite.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Now that the vegetables are cooked, it’s time to season your egg roll in a bowl. Add soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) and rice vinegar to the pan, and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—you may want a little more soy sauce for saltiness or more vinegar for tang.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle with a little toasted sesame oil for a rich, nutty finish. Then, garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. If you like a little heat, drizzle some Sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes to add some spice!
And that’s it—your Egg Roll in a Bowl is ready to serve!
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Brown the MeatStep 2: Add AromaticsStep 3: Add the VegetablesStep 4: Season the DishStep 5: Garnish and Serve
Customizations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for switching things up based on your taste or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Be sure to adjust the seasoning, as tofu will absorb all the flavors you add.
- Different Meats: While pork is traditional, you can use any ground meat you prefer—beef, chicken, or turkey- and all work well. Ground chicken or turkey is leaner, while ground beef or pork will give a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Don’t stop at cabbage and carrots! You can add any other veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini would all work well in this dish.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add some Sriracha or chili flakes while cooking. Or top your bowl with a spicy drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your salt intake, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a replacement.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and reheats easily, making it a great option for quick, healthy meals throughout the week.
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, you may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it from drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to bulk it up or add variety, here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Rice: Serve the egg roll mixture over steamed white or brown rice for a more filling option.
- Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the mixture into lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb wrap.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or keto option, serve the dish over cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that captures all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the extra work or calories. It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs.
Next time you’re craving the savory goodness of an egg roll, skip the takeout and whip up this quick and easy Egg Roll in a Bowl instead!
FAQ
1. What is an Egg Roll in a Bowl?
An Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the traditional egg roll, featuring all the flavors and ingredients of the filling—ground meat, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and seasonings—without the crispy wrapper. It’s cooked in a skillet and served as a low-carb, healthy alternative to the classic deep-fried egg roll.
2. Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is both low-carb and keto-friendly since it doesn’t include the wrapper that traditional egg rolls use, which is typically made from refined flour. The focus is on protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
3. What type of meat can I use for this recipe?
You can use a variety of ground meats for this recipe, including:
- Ground pork (most traditional)
- Ground chicken
- Ground beef
- Ground turkey For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
4. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, to make it vegetarian or vegan, replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or a vegan ground meat substitute. You’ll also want to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish vegan, as some soy sauces may contain animal products.
5. What vegetables can I use besides cabbage and carrots?
You can customize this dish by adding various vegetables. Some great options include:
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Snap peas
- Broccoli slaw Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand!
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, which often contains gluten.
7. How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well, so it’s a great option for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
8. Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
9. What can I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Although it’s a complete meal on its own, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice (white or brown) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Wrap it in lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb wrap.
- Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a more filling meal.
10. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Egg Roll in a Bowl is a great recipe for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge and reheats easily. You can double or triple the recipe and portion it out for several meals throughout the week.
11. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If using the stovetop method, you may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out.
12. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add Sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the dish. You can also stir in a small amount of chili paste or add fresh chili peppers while cooking the meat and vegetables.
13. How can I add more flavor?
To enhance the flavor, try these tips:
- Use toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking to add a nutty aroma.
- Add a splash of fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
- Fresh ginger and garlic will boost the overall flavor profile.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for added richness.
14. Can I use coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage?
Yes, using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix (which typically contains cabbage and carrots) is a great time-saving option. It works just as well and cuts down on prep time.
15. What is a good substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a substitute for soy sauce, here are a few options:
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Coconut aminos: A soy-free and gluten-free alternative with a slightly sweeter taste.
- Liquid aminos: Another gluten-free option with a flavor similar to soy sauce.
