Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl for Quick Dinners
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both quick and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl. This delightful recipe captures all the comforting tastes of an egg roll without the fuss of wrapping or frying. Packed with savory ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and a blend of seasonings, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal without the wait.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: Combines savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that mimic classic egg rolls.
- Low Carb Friendly: Skip the wrappers and enjoy a lighter, healthier dish without sacrificing taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet or pan.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is carefully chosen to enhance the taste, texture, and vibrant colors. From crunchy cabbage to savory ground pork and the perfect balance of sauces, these essentials come together to create a harmonious dish.
- Ground pork or turkey: Provides a juicy and flavorful protein base that’s tender and savory.
- Green cabbage: Adds crisp texture and freshness, essential for that classic egg roll crunch.
- Carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and bright color to brighten the bowl.
- Garlic and ginger: Infuse aromatic warmth and depth for authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Soy sauce: Delivers the salty umami that ties the entire dish together.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasted aroma that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Green onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion bite as a finishing touch.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens the mixture without overpowering it.
Variations for Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply want to mix up the flavors, these variations make the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl your own.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add Mushrooms: Sliced shiitake or button mushrooms add earthiness and extra umami.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Green Veggies: Toss in chopped bok choy, snap peas, or spinach for more vibrant greens.
- Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and less added salt for a heart-healthy option.
How to Make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by finely shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots so they cook evenly and blend beautifully with the meat. Mince your garlic and ginger before heating your pan.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork or your chosen protein and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it sautés.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking until the vegetables soften but still hold some crunch, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring everything together so the flavors meld. Adjust with salt or pepper if needed, and let it simmer briefly to combine.
Step 5: Finish with Green Onions
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness, adding a mild onion bite that complements the savory base.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Drain Excess Liquid: If your cabbage releases too much water, drain it to keep the dish from becoming soggy.
- High Heat Sauté: Cook on medium-high heat for better caramelization and flavor depth.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep cabbage and carrots slightly crisp to maintain texture contrast.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger pack much more flavor than pre-minced versions.
- Toast Sesame Oil: Add sesame oil toward the end to preserve its nutty aroma without burning it.
How to Serve Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Garnishes
Top your bowl with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for added aroma and a beautiful pop of color that also enhances flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a grain option, or with simple sides like pickled vegetables and steamed edamame to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl inside lettuce cups for handheld bites, or layer it over a bed of rice noodles for a fun textural twist that feels fresh and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and avoid sogginess, or use a microwave but stir halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe while keeping the same savory essence.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to replace traditional soy sauce, and double-check any other sauces for gluten ingredients.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes, Sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to adjust the heat level to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce, and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms or snap peas for substance.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage quickly?
Use a sharp knife or a box grater to shred cabbage finely, or pulse it in a food processor with a shredding blade to save time and effort.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a game-changer for delicious, fast dinners that don’t cut corners on flavor. It’s comforting, nutritious, and endlessly versatile — the perfect dish to add to your weeknight lineup. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to meal!
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Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and low-carb dish that captures all the delicious elements of a classic egg roll without the hassle of wrappers or frying. Featuring savory ground pork or turkey, crunchy cabbage, carrots, and an authentic blend of Asian-inspired seasonings, this one-pan recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground pork or turkey
Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by finely shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots so they cook evenly and blend beautifully with the meat. Mince your garlic and ginger before heating your pan.
- Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork or your chosen protein and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it sautés.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking until the vegetables soften but still hold some crunch, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Mixture: Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring everything together so the flavors meld. Adjust with salt or pepper if needed, and let it simmer briefly to combine.
- Finish with Green Onions: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness, adding a mild onion bite that complements the savory base.
Notes
- Drain Excess Liquid: If your cabbage releases too much water, drain it to keep the dish from becoming soggy.
- High Heat Sauté: Cook on medium-high heat for better caramelization and flavor depth.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep cabbage and carrots slightly crisp to maintain texture contrast.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger pack much more flavor than pre-minced versions.
- Toast Sesame Oil: Add sesame oil toward the end to preserve its nutty aroma without burning it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: egg roll in a bowl, easy dinner, low carb, ground pork recipe, quick weeknight meal, Asian inspired, gluten free recipe
