If you’re craving the savory flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the carbs and calories of the wrapper, “Egg Roll in a Bowl” is the perfect solution. This deconstructed egg roll recipe delivers all the goodness of a traditional egg roll in a quick, easy, and healthy one-pan dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Low-Carb Delight: Packed with veggies and protein, it’s keto-friendly.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and tastes.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork, turkey, or chicken
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sriracha, or a drizzle of spicy mayo
Instructions
- Cook the Protein
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Break it into crumbles and drain excess fat if needed. - Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Mix in Veggies
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir well and cook until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. - Finish with Sesame Oil
Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt to taste. - Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a spicy kick of sriracha. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Solo Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying low-carb dish.
- Serve with Rice: Pair with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling option.
- Wrap It Up: Scoop into lettuce leaves for an Asian-inspired lettuce wrap.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Why Egg Roll in a Bowl is a Healthy Choice
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber-rich cabbage and carrots.
- High Protein: The ground meat provides a hearty dose of protein.
- Low-Carb: A perfect choice for keto and low-carb diets.
Variations
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste.
- Switch the Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for extra crunch.
Serving Tips for Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Solo Dish: Serve it straight from the skillet as a satisfying, low-carb meal.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
- As Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) for a fresh and crunchy wrap.
- On Noodles: Toss with rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a twist.
- Add a Topping: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of spicy mayo, hoisin sauce, or sriracha for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Make It a Bowl: Layer over a bed of greens for an egg-roll-inspired salad.
Storage Tips for Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Refrigeration
- How Long: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crisp texture of the veggies, or use a microwave for convenience.
- Freezing
- How Long: Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Preparation for Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Avoid overcooking the veggies beforehand to maintain texture upon reheating.
- Thawing and Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Meal Prep Friendly
- Store individual portions for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.
- Prep fresh toppings (like green onions or sauces) separately to add before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, your Egg Roll in a Bowl will be just as delicious the next day—or even weeks later!
1. Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat. For a vegan version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are free from animal products.
2. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free?
This dish can easily be made gluten-free. Swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check other ingredients like sesame oil and any optional sauces to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a dollop of chili garlic paste, or a drizzle of sriracha while cooking. You can also garnish the finished dish with spicy toppings like hot chili oil or spicy mayo.
4. Can I meal prep Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes! Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch and portion it into airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. To keep the dish fresh and flavorful, store garnishes and sauces separately and add them just before serving.
EGG ROLL IN A BOWL
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, low-carb, and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
Serves 4
- For the main dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 4 cups (280 g) coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spice)
- For garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Additional sriracha or soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the meat:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics:
- Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the other side. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Mix everything together.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Stir in the coleslaw mix and carrots. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add the sauce:
- Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Stir to coat the ingredients evenly and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with additional soy sauce or sriracha on the side, if desired.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly version, ensure your soy sauce or tamari is low-carb, and skip the carrots or use shredded zucchini instead.
- Add extra crunch with a handful of chopped water chestnuts or toasted almonds.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.