If you crave all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic egg roll without the fuss (or the carbs), then Egg Roll in a Bowl is your new kitchen hero. Imagine a sizzling skillet full of juicy ground pork, crisp-tender cabbage, fragrant aromatics, and a savory sauce—it’s a one-pan wonder that brings everything you love about takeout right to your dinner table. Quick enough for any weeknight and easily customizable, this dish has earned its cult status for good reason. Buckle up: dinner’s about to get as fun as it is flavorful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Egg Roll in a Bowl so delightful is its simple, everyday ingredient list. Each component plays a special role to create that craveable balance of texture, color, and bold, savory flavor—all with very little prep.
- Sesame oil: This aromatic oil is the flavor foundation—don’t skip it!
- Ground pork (or turkey or chicken): The protein centerpiece; use pork for classic flavor, or swap for a leaner option.
- Onion: Diced for subtle sweetness and depth in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced for a punch of garlicky goodness.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger brings brightness and zing to the dish.
- Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage: This is the shortcut to that signature crunchy texture—look for a mix with carrots for color.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos): Adds savory, umami depth; coconut aminos for a gluten-free or Whole30 version.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Sriracha (optional): Turn up the heat if you like it spicy!
- Green onions: Sliced for fresh, peppery notes and pops of color.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a nutty finish and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your sesame oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your ground pork (or turkey or chicken) and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Give it about five to seven minutes to turn golden-brown and fully cooked. This step builds a savory foundation for your Egg Roll in a Bowl, so let the meat get a little bit crispy in spots—it pays off in flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Time to make it smell incredible! Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger to the pan. Sauté everything together for another two to three minutes. Stir often so the flavors really meld and the aromatics become beautifully fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell better than your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage
Toss in your coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage right on top of the browned meat and aromatics. Give it a good stir to coat everything in the savory juices. Let the veggies cook, stirring frequently, for four to five minutes. You want the cabbage to soften and wilt while still holding a slight crunch—that’s what gives Egg Roll in a Bowl that perfectly satisfying bite.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Spice
Now, drizzle in your soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, and sriracha if you want a bit of spice. Mix everything together so all the flavors get a chance to mingle. Let it cook for just another minute or so—just until everything is heated through and the sauce slightly reduces, clinging to every forkful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds if you love a little extra crunch and flavor. The finishing touches really make your Egg Roll in a Bowl look and taste restaurant-worthy!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl
Garnishes
Never underestimate a good garnish! A handful of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add eye-catching contrast and an extra burst of flavor. You could even toss on thinly sliced chili, cilantro, or a fried or soft-boiled egg for extra protein. Each topper gives your Egg Roll in a Bowl a custom flair and a dash of excitement.
Side Dishes
Egg Roll in a Bowl is satisfying all on its own, but it makes a great centerpiece for a bigger meal. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even lettuce cups to scoop up every last bit. If you want a full spread, add some roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for cool, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes every meal more fun! Dish up your Egg Roll in a Bowl in individual bowls with all the toppings at the table so everyone can garnish their own. Try packing leftovers in meal prep containers for lunch on the go. Or for a playful touch, stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers or serve over crispy wonton chips as a deconstructed appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—just the thing for quick lunches or emergency dinner cravings.
Freezing
Want to keep a batch on hand for even longer? Egg Roll in a Bowl freezes remarkably well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, you can use the microwave for convenience, or warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed, and toss in a handful of fresh green onions at the end to brighten everything back up.
FAQs
Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even finely chopped mushrooms. Aim for a similar texture, and keep the seasonings bold so the dish stays packed with flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use coconut aminos or tamari in place of soy sauce to make your Egg Roll in a Bowl fully gluten-free. Always double-check other ingredient labels, too.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. Double all ingredients to feed a crowd, or make a half batch if you’re cooking for one or two. The method remains exactly the same—just make sure not to overcrowd your pan so everything cooks evenly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat is entirely up to you! With no sriracha, it’s mild and kid-friendly. Add as much or as little as you want to turn up the spice—taste as you go until you reach your perfect heat level.
What’s the best way to meal prep Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Prepare the full recipe ahead and portion it into single servings. Store in airtight containers so they’re ready to grab for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week. It holds up well in the fridge and actually tastes great reheated!
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll in a Bowl is the kind of recipe that turns even the busiest night into something special. Give it a try and see just how easy (and downright tasty) homemade takeout can be—your taste buds will thank you, and I bet this one finds a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make one-pan meal that captures all the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. This Asian-inspired dish is loaded with savory ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, making it a satisfying low-carb option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook pork: Add ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Incorporate cabbage: Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook until slightly wilted.
- Season and finish: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Cook until heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a keto or Whole30 version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
