There’s something instantly comforting about the crisp-tender cabbage, savory meat, and that hint of ginger in my Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It’s like enjoying all the delicious flavors of your favorite egg roll without the fuss of rolling or frying — an absolute weeknight winner!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this simple yet flavorful dish has saved me from the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” moment. It’s quick, nutritious, and wonderfully customizable — plus, it never fails to satisfy that crave-for-savory-and-slightly-spicy vibe.
- Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect when you need a fuss-free, hearty meal.
- Low Carb Friendly: By skipping the wrapper and adding cauliflower rice, you get all the flavor without the carbs.
- Highly Customizable: Swap meats, add eggs, or spice it up however you like — it’s a recipe that loves your creativity.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win, especially after a busy day in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays its part to create that classic egg roll flavor without all the hassle. The ground turkey keeps it light but flavorful, while the coleslaw mix brings crunch and freshness. Soy sauce and sesame oil give it that unmistakable umami and nutty aroma — trust me, these work perfectly in harmony.
- Ground turkey or chicken: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the tasty seasonings.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and that essential depth of flavor.
- Garlic: A must-have for savory warmth and richness.
- Fresh ginger: Brings a zesty bite that brightens the whole dish.
- Coleslaw mix: A quick shortcut with pre-shredded cabbage and carrots that deliver crunch and color.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): Provides that salty umami backbone without overpowering.
- Toasted sesame oil: Intensifies the nutty, toasty flavors true to classic egg rolls.
- Sriracha or sambal oelek: Adds the perfect amount of heat and tang.
- Green onions: Fresh and mild bite that tops it off beautifully.
- Sesame seeds and cilantro: Garnishes that bring texture and vibrant herbal notes.
- Cooked cauliflower rice (optional): For those who want a satisfying low-carb base to scoop it up with.
Make It Your Way
I often switch up the protein depending on what’s in the fridge and my mood. One week it’s turkey, next it might be ground pork or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. I also love adding an egg stirred through at the end—it’s like getting bonus protein and that silky texture.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap the meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and boost flavor with extra soy sauce and a splash of vegetarian oyster sauce if you like.
- Spice it up: Play with sriracha levels or add chili crisp for a fiery kick that I swear makes the leftovers taste even better.
- Add an egg: My favorite way to make this more filling—scramble an egg right in the skillet once everything else is cooked.
- Double it: Feeding a crowd? I often double the recipe so there’s plenty for lunch the next day.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat with Love
Start with your skillet on medium-high heat, then add the ground turkey or chicken. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. I like to season it generously with salt and pepper right away—this builds the base flavor. Keep stirring and cooking until no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes. Make sure not to rush here; getting a nice even cook really matters.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Now toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir it all around until everything smells amazing and the onions soften slightly, usually 2 minutes is enough. This step fills the kitchen with that oh-so-comforting scent you’ll be craving later.
Step 3: Bring On the Veggies and Sauces
In goes the coleslaw mix straight from the bag—no need to chop, such a time saver! Add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha. Stir well and cook for about another 5 minutes until the cabbage softens but still holds some crispness. Taste it at this point and add extra soy or sriracha if you want to amp up the flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Portion your egg roll bowl into serving dishes and sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. If you’re like me, drizzle a little extra sriracha or a creamy yum yum sauce over the top. Serve with cooked cauliflower rice if you want a filling low-carb meal — trust me, it soaks up all those delicious juices.
Top Tip
From the many times I’ve made this egg roll in a bowl, I’ve learned a few things that really help boost flavor and texture—because details matter!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the meat in a hot pan without crowding helps get nice browning instead of steaming, which adds depth to your dish.
- Fresh Ginger is a Game-Changer: I’ve tried powdered ginger before, but fresh grated ginger is so much brighter and gives that authentic zing.
- Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Let the Cabbage Retain Some Crunch: Cook until tender but not mushy; it adds a lovely texture that makes this dish satisfying.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping my bowl with fresh green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, and chopped cilantro for that pop of brightness. Sometimes, I even drizzle on a bit of yum yum sauce or chili crisp for extra creamy spice — it’s a total game-changer!
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add some sides, I love serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Simple roasted veggies or a light cucumber salad also pair wonderfully to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual mini cast iron skillets to keep everything warm and add rustic charm. Another fun idea is making lettuce cups with the egg roll mixture spooned inside—a playful way to eat that definitely impresses guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors even deepen overnight. It reheats beautifully without getting soggy, which is something I always look for in a recipe.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, portion the egg roll in a bowl into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, it reheats well on the stovetop; just add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This makes an easy grab-and-go meal anytime.
Reheating
I prefer reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive that slight crispness in the cabbage, adding a sprinkle of water and covering to steam briefly. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some of the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground beef or pork are great substitutes and bring their own rich flavor to this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to make sure it’s cooked through.
It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Just check your other ingredients and sauces to be sure.
Definitely! This egg roll in a bowl keeps really well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Store in portioned containers for easy reheating and grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Pair it with cauliflower rice or simply scoop it up with large lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb meal. These swaps keep the delicious flavor while cutting back on carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has become one of those staples I can always count on — it’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making and tweaking it as much as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that’s as welcoming to beginners as it is to seasoned home cooks looking for something tasty on the table fast. Give it a try and see how effortlessly it might become your new favorite!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, low-carb, and easy-to-make stir-fry featuring ground turkey or chicken cooked with fresh vegetables, garlic, ginger, and classic Asian flavors. This one-pan meal delivers all the tastes of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1 12-14 oz package coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or sambal oelek
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional Garnishes and Serving
- Sriracha, for serving (optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked cauliflower rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season liberally with salt and pepper as it cooks.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Add chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- Season the dish: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha or sambal oelek. Stir to fully combine and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors. Taste and adjust soy sauce or sriracha amounts as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Portion the mixture into bowls. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro. Serve with extra sriracha, soy sauce, or chili crisp if desired. Optionally serve with cooked cauliflower rice to make it a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Topping idea: Try drizzling yum yum sauce for a creamy and flavorful twist.
- Protein substitutions: Swap ground turkey or chicken with ground pork or ground beef. For a vegan option, use crumbled tempeh or tofu.
- Add an egg: For extra protein, make a well in the skillet after cooking and scramble in one egg until cooked before serving.
- Serving size: The recipe yields 3 servings but can be doubled for families or leftovers. If served without cauliflower rice, it can serve 2 very hungry people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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