Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Quick, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner
This deconstructed stir-fry makes busy weeknights effortless and flavorful.
Sometimes you crave the irresistible flavors of a classic egg roll, but want to skip the deep-frying and rolling altogether. Enter Egg Roll in a Bowl: a game-changing, one-pan meal that delivers all the savory satisfaction of an egg roll—without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or low-carb lifestyles, this dish combines ground pork, garlic, ginger, crunchy vegetables, and a robust, umami-packed sauce, all tossed together in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in about 15 minutes.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Big on Flavor, Light on Calories: Satisfies takeout cravings without fried wrappers.
- Customizable: Adaptable for low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian eaters.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners all week.
What Is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl distills the essence of a traditional Chinese egg roll—the succulent meat, aromatic spices, and crunchy cabbage—into a deconstructed stir-fry that’s quick, healthy, and deeply flavorful. Instead of wrapping and frying, all the components cook together in a skillet and are finished with a savory sauce, ready to serve piping hot right from the pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a few pantry staples and fresh produce for its signature taste and texture. Here’s what goes into a classic Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- Ground Pork: The traditional protein for egg rolls, but you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix: Shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and matchstick carrots provide crunch and body. A bagged slaw mix streamlines prep.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced or grated for aromatic, authentic flavor.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Sliced thin and added both during cooking and for garnish.
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, providing umami and salt. Use low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free diets.
- Sesame Oil: For a nutty, toasty finish.
- Sriracha or Chili Paste (Optional): Add for a kick of heat.
- Additional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or crispy wonton strips for crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions and Customizations
| Ingredient | Substitutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground pork | Turkey, chicken, tofu, tempeh | Boost or change the flavor to suit preferences. |
| Coleslaw mix | Hand-shredded cabbage, broccoli slaw, napa cabbage | Broccoli slaw adds extra crunch and nutrition. |
| Soy sauce | Tamari, coconut aminos | Both are gluten-free options. |
| Sesame oil | Omit or use chili oil | Chili oil adds heat and flavor. |
| Garlic & ginger | Powdered or paste forms | Still yields a strong flavor in a pinch. |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue until browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add sliced white parts of green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the Veggies: Toss in the bagged coleslaw mix. Stir well to combine and sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until cabbage is just tender but still lightly crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in soy sauce and drizzle with toasted sesame oil. Optionally, add a squeeze of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat. Top with sliced green onion tops, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Cabbage: For the best texture, cook only until the slaw mix is crisp-tender.
- Customize Heat: Add chili paste, sriracha, or extra ginger for spiciness.
- Mix Up the Proteins: Swap pork for ground turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian meal.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, bean sprouts, or water chestnuts enhance both nutrition and crunch.
- Prep in Advance: Make a double batch for easy leftovers—perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- As Is: Enjoy it straight from the bowl for a low-carb, protein-packed meal.
- With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for more substance.
- Over Noodles: Ramen, rice noodles, or zucchini noodles work well as a base.
- With Crispy Garnishes: Top with wonton strips or extra toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- With Asian Sides: Complement with an Asian-style slaw, steamed edamame, or a simple cucumber salad.
What others are reading
Storing and Reheating
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts, or heat gently in a skillet until warmed through.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months, though cabbage may lose a bit of its crisp texture after thawing.
Nutrition Information
While nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and serving sizes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is typically lower in carbohydrates and packed with protein and fiber. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a standard recipe using ground pork and coleslaw mix):
- Calories: 350-380 kcal
- Protein: 20-24g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Fat: 22-28g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sodium: 800-900mg
This makes it a great option for anyone looking for a satiating, lower-carb meal, with plenty of room to adjust to dietary needs.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or extra mushrooms.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Omit any added sugars, load up on extra cabbage, and use tamari or coconut aminos as needed.
- Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili crisp, crushed red pepper, or an extra squirt of sriracha.
- Deluxe: Top finished bowls with crispy fried shallots, crushed peanuts, or pickled radish.
- Simplified: Use only five main ingredients (ground pork, coleslaw mix, garlic, ginger, soy sauce) for the ultimate weeknight shortcut.
What Makes This Dish So Popular?
- Flavor Profile: It captures the savory, garlicky, gingery essence of a classic egg roll, along with the bright tang of soy sauce and the nuttiness of sesame.
- Versatility: Can be made to accommodate most diets, from gluten-free to dairy-free and keto.
- Texture: Perfect balance of juicy, seasoned pork (or alternate protein) with crisp-tender veggies.
- Convenience: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in a single skillet, making it weeknight dinner perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare Egg Roll in a Bowl ahead of time?
A: Yes—this meal stores and reheats well! Cook as directed, allow to cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Q: What vegetables can I add?
A: Besides cabbage and carrots, try mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bean sprouts for extra bulk and nutrition.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add sriracha, chili paste, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Swap out the meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground substitute. Use plant-based soy sauce alternatives if needed.
Recipe Card: Classic Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients: • 1 pound ground pork (or turkey, chicken, tofu) • 1 (14–16 oz) bag coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) • 4 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated) • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari) • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil • Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional) • Chopped cilantro, sesame seeds for garnish Instructions: 1. In a large skillet over medium-high, brown the ground pork; drain excess fat. 2. Add white parts of green onions, ginger, and garlic; sauté until fragrant, 1 minute. 3. Add coleslaw mix; stir-fry until just tender, 4–5 minutes. 4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Adjust seasoning and spiciness as desired. 5. Serve hot, topped with green onion greens, chopped cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Simple Ways to Customize Your Meal
- Low-Carb: Serve on its own, in lettuce cups, or over cauliflower rice.
- For Kids: Mild versions with less ginger and no chili are kid-friendly.
- For Entertaining: Serve in small cups as a party appetizer with crispy wonton chips for scooping.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
- Homemade Wonton Soup: Pair with egg roll in a bowl for a complete takeout-inspired spread.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Another one-pan classic with tender beef and crisp broccoli.
- Chow Mein Noodles: Whip up a fast side of homemade or store-bought chow mein for a noodle fix.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy, nutty favorite that comes together in minutes.
- Asian Slaw or Snap Peas: Add freshness and crunch to the meal.
More Egg Roll in a Bowl Questions
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes; cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Q: Is sesame oil necessary?
A: Toasted sesame oil adds a signature nutty aroma and should be added at the end for best flavor. You can omit if needed, but it’s recommended for authenticity.
Q: Can I add eggs to the skillet?
A: Absolutely! Scramble 1–2 eggs in the pan before adding the veggies for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
Wrap-Up
Egg Roll in a Bowl is more than a recipe—it’s a smart, delicious answer to the eternal what’s-for-dinner question. With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and endless potential to customize, it’s destined to become a weeknight staple in any kitchen. For maximum flavor with minimal effort, add this dish to your rotation and savor the classic comfort of egg rolls—no rolling or frying required!
References
- https://www.spendwithpennies.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl/
- https://www.thediaryofarealhousewife.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63801311/egg-roll-in-a-bowl-recipe/
- https://cabininthewoodsblog.com/egg-roll-in-a-bowl/
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a56236/egg-roll-bowls-recipe/
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