Egg Roll in a Bowl

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This Egg Roll in a Bowl delivers all the savory, satisfying flavor of a traditional egg roll—without the wrapper or the deep-frying. It’s a sizzling mix of seasoned ground meat, tender cabbage, and a punchy blend of Asian-inspired spices, all coming together in one skillet. The beauty lies in its simplicity, making it a weeknight favorite that’s low-carb, high-protein, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle—or you just love bold, comforting meals—this dish checks every box. It brings the crunch, the umami, and the cozy feel of takeout, but it’s much easier on your waistline. Bonus: the leftovers are just as good the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl

• Bursting with flavor from garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
• All-in-one meal with protein and veggies.
• Quick and easy — ready in about 25 minutes.
• Budget-friendly ingredients.
• Naturally gluten-free (use tamari or coconut aminos) and low-carb.
• Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ll need just a few kitchen basics, but each one plays a key role in efficiency and flavor:

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying the meat and veggies evenly. Nonstick or cast iron are great options to avoid sticking and get some browning.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping cabbage, green onions, and garlic finely and safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir-fry without damaging your skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: To get the seasoning ratios just right.
• Mixing Bowl (optional): If you’re mixing a sauce ahead of time or prepping ingredients.

Preparation Tips

Chop your cabbage ahead of time or use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a time-saver. Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should remain slightly crisp to mimic the texture of an actual egg roll. Browning the meat properly adds layers of flavor, so avoid overcrowding the skillet. If using ground turkey or chicken, a splash of extra sesame oil can boost richness. Season to taste and finish with green onions or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.

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Ingredients for This Egg Roll in a Bowl

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 5-6 cups) or 1 bag coleslaw mix
• 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Extra green onions or sriracha for topping (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or your choice of meat) and cook until it’s fully browned and starting to crisp at the edges. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the empty side. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then mix everything together.

Step 3: Season the Base

Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to coat the meat and onion mixture evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly. Let the cabbage cook down for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should soften but still retain a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra heat, drizzle sriracha on top.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon into bowls while hot. Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs great with cauliflower rice for a full low-carb meal, or even jasmine rice if you’re not watching carbs.

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Notes

Egg Roll in a Bowl is endlessly customizable. You can swap the meat, adjust the spice level, or bulk it up with more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. It’s also an ideal way to use up leftover veggies sitting in your fridge. A splash of lime juice or a drizzle of hoisin or peanut sauce can offer a fun twist without complicating the recipe.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the cabbage: It should stay slightly crunchy for the right egg roll texture. Overcooked cabbage becomes mushy.
• Skipping the browning step: Let the meat brown slightly to build flavor — don’t rush it.
• Using too much liquid: Adding excess soy sauce or skipping draining can make the dish soggy.
• Crowding the skillet: If your pan is small, cook the cabbage in batches to avoid steaming it.
• Forgetting to taste: Always taste and adjust soy sauce, spices, or acidity to your preference before serving.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers store beautifully. Let the dish cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave for a quick option. This dish also freezes well—portion into freezer-safe bags and lay flat to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Nutrition may vary slightly depending on meat choice and ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Can I use a coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage?

Yes, a pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

What meat is best for this recipe?

Ground pork gives the most classic flavor, but ground turkey or chicken work well for a leaner option.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild by default. Spice it up with sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Can I meal prep Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and is ideal for lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week.

Is this keto or low-carb?

Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip any added sugars or high-carb sauces.

Can I freeze it?

Definitely. Cool it completely, portion it, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat it?

Reheat on the stove in a skillet for the best texture or use a microwave for convenience.

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Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and healthy eating. It gives you all the satisfying flavors of a takeout egg roll with none of the fuss or fryer. Whether you’re aiming for a low-carb dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or something hearty to prep for the week, this dish delivers every single time. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation.

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