If you love the delicious flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the wrapper and the deep frying, you are going to adore this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It’s a bright, flavorful, and super satisfying dish that captures all the best parts of a classic egg roll filling—savory seasoned ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant ginger and garlic—all tossed together in one simple skillet meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a quick, comforting meal that feels a little special without any hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully with minimal fuss. Each item plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, making your dinner both nutritious and irresistibly tasty.
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef): This is your protein base, giving the dish heartiness and flavor.
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups): Adds a satisfying crunch and bulk that makes this a vegetable-packed meal.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or matchstick-cut: Brings a bit of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential pungent aroma and kick.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a subtle zing that’s signature to egg rolls.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): The umami backbone that seasons everything perfectly.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brightens up the flavors with a hint of acidity.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A little drizzle goes a long way to impart that toastiness and rich flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To season and balance the dish just right.
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, breaking it up as it browns. This is where your base flavor develops, so make sure to get a nice even browning—it’s the foundation of your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Next, stir in the diced onion and allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step lets the onion release its natural sweetness and meld beautifully with the savory meat.
Step 3: Add the Carrots, Garlic, and Ginger
Now add your shredded carrots along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let everything cook for an additional 2 minutes to deepen those aromatic flavors and gently soften the carrots without losing their character.
Step 4: Toss in the Cabbage
Time for the star veggie! Add the shredded cabbage to your skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the meat and veggies. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a satisfying crunch. You want it cooked just right, not mushy.
Step 5: Season It
Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, then stir well to combine all those layers of flavor into one harmonious dish. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper to your liking. This seasoning step ties everything together and gives the dish its characteristic savory-slightly tangy profile.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to enjoy your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe hot off the stove. This last moment is when all the ingredients settle into perfect harmony, and your kitchen smells like a dream.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish to restaurant-worthy status. Try sprinkling chopped green onions for freshness, a handful of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, or a light drizzle of extra sesame oil for an intense nutty aroma. These little touches add extra layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, think steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of crunchy cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables also complements the savory warmth perfectly, adding a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish wrapped in lettuce leaves for a DIY ‘egg roll’ experience without the wrapper. You can also pack it warm into meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch. Either way, this recipe is flexible and adapts beautifully to your lifestyle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare because it’s so tasty), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cabbage holds up nicely and the flavors even deepen after sitting for a bit.
Freezing
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When thawed, the texture of the cabbage might soften a little, but the flavors remain just as delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the cabbage and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground pork is a fantastic option and gives an even more authentic take on the classic egg roll filling. It’s juicy and flavorful, so feel free to swap it in for any of the suggested meats.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce or opt for coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free and Whole30-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. While cabbage and carrots are traditional, you can toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even snap peas to customize the dish to your liking and incorporate more veggies.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is low in carbs and packed with protein and veggies, making it a perfect fit for a keto or low-carb diet.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage quickly?
Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer works best for shredding cabbage quickly and uniformly. You can also pulse it in a food processor with a shredding blade for extra speed.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is truly a game changer when you want all the flavor of your favorite takeout without the hassle. It’s quick, adaptable, and simply delicious—perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and easy stovetop dish that captures all the delicious flavors of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper. Made with ground meat, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, this recipe is a healthy, low-carb alternative that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 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 prepare for cooking the meat.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns evenly.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add carrots, garlic, and ginger: Mix in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Incorporate cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, blending it well with the meat and other vegetables.
- Cook the cabbage: Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until the cabbage is tender yet retains a slight crispness.
- Add sauces: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring to incorporate them evenly throughout the dish.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Finish cooking: Remove the skillet from heat once everything is well combined and cooked through.
- Serve immediately: Plate the egg roll in a bowl while hot for best flavor and texture.
- Optional garnish: Add green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use any ground meat you prefer: chicken, turkey, or beef all work well in this recipe.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Do not overcook the cabbage to maintain a nice crunch and texture.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger groups and reheats well for leftovers.
- Optional garnishes like sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds add a nice touch of flavor and color.
