Craving the taste of a classic egg roll but trying to avoid the deep-fried wrappers? Then you’re going to love this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe! This quick and healthy dish captures all the delicious flavors of a traditional egg roll but skips the carb-heavy wrapper. Packed with ground pork (or your choice of protein), shredded cabbage, and a flavorful sauce, this is a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes. Whether you're on a diet or just looking for a fast and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious and nutritious meal!
What Is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is essentially a deconstructed version of the traditional Chinese egg roll, minus the crispy wrapper. It combines all the savory goodness of stir-fried meat, cabbage, carrots, and other classic egg roll fillings, then douses everything in a delicious sauce made with soy, ginger, and garlic. This dish is popular in low-carb and keto communities due to its simplicity, flavor, and minimal carbohydrates. It’s a one-pan wonder, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (or a pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a nutty, toasted flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Provides a tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients for Flavor Enhancements
For those looking to take the flavor up a notch, here are some extra ingredients you can add:
- Mushrooms – Sliced and sautéed, these add an earthy richness to the dish.
- Water chestnuts – Add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
- Bell peppers – Thinly sliced, they add sweetness and color to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For extra heat if you like a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of Egg Roll in a Bowl is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust it to fit your dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you might consider:
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also use mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based twist.
- Low-sodium option: Use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to cut down on the salt content.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free. Coconut aminos is another good soy sauce substitute.
- Keto-friendly: This recipe is already low-carb, but to ensure it's keto-compliant, you can use a sugar-free sriracha or omit it if your specific keto plan requires it.
- Different proteins: Try swapping the pork for ground chicken, turkey, or beef depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each protein brings its own unique flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this quick and easy Egg Roll in a Bowl? Follow these steps to get dinner on the table in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or your preferred protein) to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains some crunch. If you’re using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix, feel free to toss it in straight from the bag for added convenience.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the browned meat to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using), and stir to coat everything in the flavorful sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra texture and a pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Cook Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the meat: This step builds flavor as the meat releases its juices and caramelizes in the skillet.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Cooking these aromatics ensures the dish is packed with rich, savory notes.
- Cook the cabbage and carrots: This softens the vegetables while keeping them crunchy enough for texture.
- Add the sauce: The soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha (if using) tie the whole dish together with a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Finish off the dish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for extra layers of flavor and presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Egg Roll in a Bowl is a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the cabbage: Cabbage cooks quickly, and you don’t want it to get mushy. Aim for it to be just softened with a little bit of crunch left.
- Not draining excess fat: If you’re using a higher-fat ground meat, you may need to drain some of the excess grease after cooking to avoid a greasy dish.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily, especially in a hot pan, so make sure to sauté it for just a minute and stir constantly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make a simple dish like Egg Roll in a Bowl stand out. Here are a few tips to make your meal look as good as it tastes:
- Serve in wide bowls: This dish is best served in shallow, wide bowls that show off the colorful vegetables and garnish.
- Top with extra garnishes: Don’t be shy with the garnishes! Extra green onions, sesame seeds, and even a drizzle of sriracha or soy sauce can elevate the look and taste of the dish.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice: Although this dish is typically low-carb, you can serve it with a side of steamed white or brown rice for those who want a heartier meal.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a number of ways:
- On its own: It’s a satisfying, low-carb meal all by itself.
- Over rice or cauliflower rice: If you want to bulk it up or make it more filling, serve the egg roll mixture over a bed of steamed rice or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- In lettuce wraps: For a fun twist, spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves for a crunchy, hand-held meal.
- As a meal prep option: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store portions in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully!
Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl
If you want to make this dish visually appealing, here are some creative presentation ideas:
- Use colorful cabbage: Instead of just green cabbage, try using purple cabbage to add a pop of color.
- Serve in a skillet: Bring the entire skillet to the table and let everyone serve themselves family-style.
- Garnish generously: Top each serving with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo for a vibrant and appetizing look.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips
- Prep in advance: To save time, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Add a fried egg on top: For extra protein and richness, serve the dish with a fried or poached egg on top.
- Use a wok for cooking: If you have a wok, use it! A wok is perfect for stir-frying and helps ensure even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fantastic meal-prep option. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.
Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s best to leave out the
cabbage if you plan on freezing. Cabbage can get mushy when thawed and reheated. Instead, add fresh cabbage when you’re ready to reheat the meat mixture.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To make your Egg Roll in a Bowl spicier, simply add more sriracha or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish for extra heat.
What can I use instead of pork?
Ground chicken, turkey, or beef work perfectly as a substitute for pork. You can also try crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe! This flavorful, low-carb meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a healthy take on Chinese takeout. With endless variations and substitutions, this dish is customizable to suit your dietary preferences and taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
PrintEgg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick and healthy alternative to traditional egg rolls. Made with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful soy sauce and sesame oil mixture, it's a low-carb, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite takeout egg rolls without the wrapper!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stir fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground pork until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet, cooking until onions are soft.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For added crunch, top with crushed wonton strips or fried onions.
- To make it keto-friendly, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
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