If you love the flavors of a classic egg roll but want to skip the deep-fried wrapper and enjoy a healthier option, then this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is perfect for you! This dish packs all the savory goodness of an egg roll into a single bowl, making it a great low-carb, keto-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and delicious to eat. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe has you covered.
Ready to learn how to make this easy dish? Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make your Egg Roll in a Bowl taste perfect every time!
What Is "Egg Roll in a Bowl"?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is essentially a deconstructed egg roll, made without the wrapper. It captures all the delicious fillings—ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Think of it as an Asian-inspired stir-fry that has the same flavors as your favorite Chinese takeout appetizer but without the extra carbs or the deep frying. It’s a one-pan meal that’s healthy, quick, and full of flavor.
Ingredients List for "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make it taste great—just a few key items from your pantry and fresh veggies!
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:
- Ground Meat: Traditionally, pork is used, but you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or beef.
- Cabbage: A must-have for that crunchy texture. You can use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix or shred your own cabbage.
- Carrots: These add a pop of color and slight sweetness to the dish. Again, pre-shredded carrots or matchstick carrots work great here.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give this dish that authentic Asian flavor.
- Soy Sauce: This is the base for your sauce. You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a delicious nutty flavor that’s essential in many Asian recipes.
- Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a bit of heat, these will do the trick!
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they add a nice finishing touch and subtle crunch.
Ingredients List (Optional Variations)
If you’re looking to mix things up or add more flavor and nutrition to your dish, here are some optional ingredients to consider:
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an umami flavor and extra heartiness.
- Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced bell peppers add more crunch and sweetness.
- Zucchini or Broccoli Slaw: These vegetables can be used as a substitute for cabbage or added for extra texture.
- Hoisin or Sriracha: For added depth or spice, try a dash of hoisin sauce or drizzle sriracha for extra heat.
- Eggs: Scramble an egg or two into the dish for added protein and that classic egg roll touch.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Egg Roll in a Bowl is how customizable it is. Whether you have dietary preferences, allergies, or simply want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat Substitutes: If you don’t eat pork, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. For a plant-based version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh as a meat substitute.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For a healthier option, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, or if you're gluten-sensitive, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Skip the meat and use extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or even a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts for texture and protein.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the meal with extra vegetables like snow peas, green beans, or even spinach.
- Keto-Friendly: To make this dish even more keto-friendly, avoid any sauces with added sugars like hoisin and rely more on soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices for flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you begin cooking, gather all your ingredients. Chop your cabbage (or open your pre-shredded coleslaw mix), slice your green onions, mince your garlic and ginger, and have your ground meat ready.
- Cook the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add a tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add your ground meat (pork, turkey, or beef) and cook until browned. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks, making sure there are no large chunks.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Once your meat is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them into the meat and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Carrots: Next, add your shredded cabbage and carrots to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Season the Dish: Pour in your soy sauce (or tamari) and a splash of rice vinegar if using. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Heat: If you like a bit of spice, now is the time to add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Finish with Green Onions and Sesame Oil: Once everything is cooked, stir in your green onions and a final drizzle of sesame oil for that signature nutty flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer your Egg Roll in a Bowl to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve hot.
How to Cook "Egg Roll in a Bowl": A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Egg Roll in a Bowl is incredibly straightforward and can be done in under 30 minutes. Here's a quick recap of the steps:
- Brown the ground meat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add and stir-fry cabbage and carrots.
- Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
That's it—easy and quick, with minimal prep time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Cabbage: Be careful not to cook the cabbage for too long. You want it to maintain some crunch to resemble the texture of an egg roll filling.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Adding too much soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Start with a little and adjust as needed.
- Skipping Fresh Garlic and Ginger: The freshness of garlic and ginger is key to achieving authentic flavor. Don’t substitute with powders if you can help it.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: If using fatty ground meat, be sure to drain any excess grease after browning the meat to avoid a greasy final dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Egg Roll in a Bowl, presentation is key! Here are a few ideas to make your dish look as delicious as it tastes:
- Garnish with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These two ingredients not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, pair your egg roll in a bowl with cauliflower rice.
- Lettuce Wraps: Another fun serving idea is to use large lettuce leaves to scoop up the egg roll mixture—this adds a fresh and crunchy element.
How to Serve "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan. It can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal or paired with a simple side like steamed cauliflower rice, jasmine rice (if not avoiding carbs), or even quinoa. If you want to stick with the low-carb theme, serve it with roasted veggies or a simple salad for a light and balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
- Use a Large Bowl or Plate: Serve the dish in a large shallow bowl or plate and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for visual appeal.
- Lettuce Cups: If serving as an appetizer or lighter fare, spoon the mixture into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option.
- Color Contrast: For a more vibrant look, add thinly sliced red bell peppers or use purple cabbage in the mix.
"Egg Roll in a Bowl" Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can chop all your vegetables and store them in the fridge until ready to cook for even faster meal prep.
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, don't hesitate to add more sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a time-saving option and works great in this recipe.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet. Just ensure you’re using low-carb sauces.
3. Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. How do I make it vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
5. What can I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or with steamed white or brown rice for something more filling.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, easy, and versatile recipe that delivers all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the guilt. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to takeout, this dish is sure to satisfy. Follow the steps outlined above, and enjoy a low-carb, high-flavor meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
PrintEgg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. With ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and savory seasonings, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly for a healthy lunch or dinner. Perfect for keto and paleo diets, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sriracha, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots, and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with green onions and optional toppings, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for pork.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili flakes.
- Make it paleo by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
Leave a Reply