If you love the savory, crunchy goodness of an egg roll but are looking for a speedy, low-carb twist, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the classic flavors of an egg roll, but without the frying or the wrapper—just a delightful skillet of ground pork, crisp cabbage, and aromatic seasonings that come together quickly for a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving a busy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, this recipe shines with simplicity and bold taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe shine. Each component plays an important role: sesame oil brings a nutty aroma, ground pork provides rich protein, and the crunchy coleslaw mix adds the perfect texture and color. The aromatics and sauces pull everything together for an irresistible blend of flavors.
- Sesame oil: This oil imbues the dish with its signature toasty fragrance that sets the tone for the entire bowl.
- Ground pork (or turkey/chicken): Offers a juicy, flavorful base—choose your favorite protein for versatility.
- Small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and balances the savory notes with its tender texture.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses a pungent burst that wakes up every bite.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brings a warm zing that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Gives the dish its crunch and vibrant color, making it satisfying and fresh.
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Delivers a salty umami punch that ties the ingredients together.
- Rice vinegar: Adds an acidic brightness that balances richness perfectly.
- Sriracha (optional): For those who like a little heat, this gives a subtle spicy kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): These finishing touches add freshness and a little crunch on top.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Pork
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground pork and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. This step is key for building rich, meaty flavor for the dish. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off to keep things light.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion softens and the kitchen fills with that irresistible combo of garlic and ginger aroma. This is where the flavor foundation deepens wonderfully.
Step 3: Add the Coleslaw Mix
Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots from the coleslaw mix. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts but keeps a slight crunch. This step preserves that fresh texture you expect from an egg roll, without getting soggy.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if you’re using it, then stir everything to combine and coat all the ingredients evenly. Let it cook for another minute or two so the flavors meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate. Your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
The little extras make this dish even more special. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and delicate crunch, making each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or simple fried rice for those extra hungry moments. You could also serve it alongside crunchy Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup to complete the meal with light, refreshing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the egg roll mixture in lettuce cups. Crisp leaves of butter or iceberg lettuce make perfect vessels for scooping up savory pork and cabbage—a delicious low-carb alternative. You can even pile it on top of cooked rice noodles for a noodle bowl variation. The versatility is part of the joy of this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days ahead.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in bulk. Cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain quality for about 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the egg roll bowl gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce can help keep it moist and flavorful when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work beautifully, making this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe leaner if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked and enjoy the slight variation in flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar rich taste but without gluten, so it’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the bowl?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize the dish to your liking. Just add them with the coleslaw mix so they cook to the same tender-crisp texture.
How spicy is this recipe with sriracha?
The sriracha adds a mild heat that complements the dish without overpowering it. If you prefer it less spicy, start with a small amount or omit it altogether—this recipe is very adaptable.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Simply replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy bold Asian-inspired flavors without fuss or the need for deep frying. It’s quick, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—perfect for those who want comforting food with less prep and cleanup. I really encourage you to give it a try; once you do, it might just become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a wholesome and flavorful low-carb stir fry that captures the taste of classic egg rolls without the wrapper. This easy Asian-inspired skillet dish combines savory ground pork, fresh cabbage and carrots, and bold ginger and garlic flavors, finished with a tangy soy sauce and rice vinegar dressing. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients
Protein and Oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 lb ground pork (or turkey/chicken)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pork: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the onion has softened, enhancing the base flavor of the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the coleslaw mix, cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cabbage is wilted but still retains a slight crispness for texture.
- Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Final Taste and Garnish: Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a low-carb meal, enjoy as-is without any grains or noodles.
- For a more filling option, serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Protein can be swapped easily: ground pork, chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative are all great choices.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
