Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl: Quick & Tasty Meal
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and easy on the waistline, then the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This dish captures all the delicious essence of a classic egg roll—savory pork, crunchy cabbage, and that perfect hint of ginger and garlic—without any fuss or frying. It’s a bowl full of vibrant veggies and seasoned ground meat that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something satisfying yet light. Ready to dive into this tasty, colorful meal? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super speedy: You can have this delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic days.
- All the flavors, no fuss: Enjoy the classic egg roll taste without the hassle of rolling or frying.
- Healthy and filling: Packed with nutrient-rich cabbage and lean protein, it’s a nourishing meal that keeps you satisfied.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet or wok.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt for different diets and taste preferences, from low-carb to vegetarian options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh ingredients come together to create an explosion of textures and flavors. Each component plays a key role: crunchy cabbage, juicy ground meat, and a zingy sauce that ties everything perfectly.
- Ground pork or chicken: Provides a savory, meaty base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded cabbage: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and brighten up the bowl with their orange hue.
- Green onions: Bring a mild oniony freshness that lifts the overall taste.
- Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that create that signature egg roll flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Adds umami richness and depth to the seasoning.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with nutty warmth and authenticity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat and spice.
Variations for Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the best things about the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is how flexible it is—you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary preferences. Ready to mix things up? Here are some ideas to personalize your bowl.
- Protein swap: Replace pork with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for different flavors and textures.
- Vegetable upgrades: Add shredded Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or snap peas for an extra veggie punch.
- Spice it up: Include chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped jalapeños if you crave some heat.
- Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-friendly.
- Keto-friendly twist: Skip carrots and focus on low-carb veggies like cabbage and green onions.
How to Make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork or your chosen protein. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until browned and fully cooked. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant. This enhances the dish with classic egg roll aromas without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 3: Toss in the Veggies
Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook everything together until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains a bit of crunch, usually about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the dish light and fresh.
Step 4: Season It Up
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like. Mix well to ensure every bite has that perfect balance of salty, nutty, and spicy. Let the sauce simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once everything is heated through and the veggies are tender-crisp, remove from heat. Your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Use fresh ingredients: The crunch of freshly shredded cabbage and the sharpness of fresh ginger really elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the meat, drain off any extra grease for a lighter meal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Toast your sesame oil: Adding sesame oil toward the end preserves its nutty aroma without burning it.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
How to Serve Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra texture that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or even crispy wonton chips for added crunch and a nod to traditional egg rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl inside butter lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on eating experience, or layer the ingredients in glass jars for portable lunches that keep all the flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Spread the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until steamed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the dish feels dry.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground meat for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute and use veggie broth or water instead of animal-based sauces if preferred.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! By using gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe suits gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl?
The spice level depends on your preference—red pepper flakes are optional, so you can keep it mild or turn up the heat with more or additional hot sauces.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes! Pre-shredded veggies save time and work perfectly for this dish while maintaining the right texture and freshness.
What can I serve with Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl for a complete meal?
Consider adding steamed rice or noodles on the side, a refreshing cucumber salad, or a simple miso soup to round out your meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the wonderful flavors of an egg roll without all the preparation and frying, the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles without compromising on taste or nutrition. Give it a try tonight—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Related Posts
- Irresistible Sweet Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Easy Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Why Cheesy Layered Mexican Lasagna Is a Must-Try
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavorful, quick, and healthy one-pan meal that captures the classic essence of an egg roll with savory ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and a hint of ginger and garlic—all without frying or rolling. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable for various diets including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken (or preferred protein like ground turkey or tofu)
Vegetables
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
Aromatics & Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork or your chosen protein. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until browned and fully cooked. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
- Add Aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant. This enhances the dish with classic egg roll aromas without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Toss in the Veggies: Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Cook everything together until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains a bit of crunch, usually about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the dish light and fresh.
- Season It Up: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like. Mix well to ensure every bite has that perfect balance of salty, nutty, and spicy. Let the sauce simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Once everything is heated through and the veggies are tender-crisp, remove from heat. Your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: The crunch of freshly shredded cabbage and the sharpness of fresh ginger really elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Drain excess fat: After cooking the meat, drain off any extra grease for a lighter meal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Toast your sesame oil: Adding sesame oil toward the end preserves its nutty aroma without burning it.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: egg roll in a bowl, easy egg roll recipe, low carb egg roll, gluten free egg roll, healthy weeknight dinner, one pan meal, ground pork recipe