This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic appetizer, and it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights! All the flavors of an egg roll—savory ground meat, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce—come together in this quick and easy one-pan dish. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly versatile meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a flavorful meal but don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
- Healthy and Flavorful: This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of savory meat, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce is incredibly flavorful.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by using different ground meats, adding your favorite vegetables, or adjusting the level of spice. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a meal that suits your taste.
Ingredients
- Ground pork or chicken: The protein base of the dish. You can also use ground turkey or beef, or a plant-based alternative like ground tempeh or lentils.
- Vegetable oil: Used to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables.
- Small onion: Finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
- Ginger: Minced ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
- Green cabbage: Thinly sliced green cabbage adds a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Large carrot: Julienned or shredded carrot adds sweetness, color, and nutrients.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Sriracha: Optional, but adds a kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal as a garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork or chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced cabbage and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked meat to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine and heat through. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Lighter Protein: Use ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative to ground pork.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli, for added variety and nutrition.
How to Serve
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a complete and satisfying meal on its own. You can also serve it with:
- Rice: Serve over a bed of cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: Use lettuce leaves to create healthy and delicious wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can use any ground meat you like, or a plant-based alternative like ground tempeh or lentils.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water for the sauce. You can also add tofu, tempeh, or lentils for extra protein.
3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat and serve when ready.
4. How can I add more flavor to this dish?
You can add more flavor by using different seasonings, such as Chinese five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce. You can also add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for extra depth of flavor.
PrintEgg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe captures all the flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper! Ground pork (or chicken), crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce come together in this quick and easy one-pan meal. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- pound ground pork (or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork (or chicken) and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant and onion is softened. Add cabbage and carrots; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked meat to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
Notes
- Protein Options: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Spice Level: Adjust sriracha to your preference.
- Add-Ins: Include other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg