If you’re craving all the irresistible flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the deep-fried wrapper, the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to meal. This dish captures the delicious combination of savory pork, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings in a speedy, one-skillet wonder that keeps things light without sacrificing any of the classic taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a comforting bowl of flavor that’s ready in under 30 minutes and easily customizable for all kinds of palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe plays a vital role, coming together to deliver the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the nutty aroma of sesame oil to the crisp crunch of water chestnuts and vibrant, fresh green onions, these simple essentials transform this dish into an explosion of flavor and satisfaction.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor that forms the aromatic base for the dish.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened to translucent perfection.
- Ground pork: The hearty protein choice that keeps the dish rich and comforting, though ground chicken, beef, or turkey works just as well.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of savory brightness.
- Grated ginger: A zingy spice that lifts the entire bowl with warmth and freshness.
- Water chestnuts: Bring an essential satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Rice wine vinegar: Adds a touch of tangy brightness to balance the savory notes.
- Soy sauce: Delivers salty umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
- Hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet, sticky depth often found in classic egg rolls.
- Sriracha: Brings a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- Coleslaw mix: The star veggie component with shredded cabbage and carrots to provide bulk and crunch.
- Grated or matchstick carrots: Extra sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Black sesame seeds: A nutty topping that adds visual contrast and texture.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion punch as a garnish.
- Mayonnaise: Mixed with sriracha to make a creamy, spicy sauce for drizzling on top.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. This step builds a flavorful foundation that infuses the entire dish with a gentle sweetness and aroma you’ll love.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Add the ground pork to the skillet with the softened onions. Stir often as you cook, breaking the meat apart until it is fully browned and no longer pink. If any liquids accumulate, drain those off to keep the texture perfect. This protein-packed layer is what makes the dish so filling and satisfying.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Water Chestnuts
Toss in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and chopped water chestnuts next. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. This quick step ensures those bold, zingy flavors don’t overpower but instead enhance every bite.
Step 4: Add Sauces
Pour in the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Stir the mixture thoroughly so every morsel of meat and vegetable gets coated in this complex, savory-sweet-spicy sauce blend. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into an authentic, crave-worthy dish.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Now add the coleslaw mix and grated carrots to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften and wilt just enough, maintaining a slight crunch for texture without becoming mushy. This step balances freshness with that signature egg roll bite.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and taste your creation, adjusting seasoning if needed. To finish, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and black sesame seeds on top. For an extra layer of creamy heat, drizzle with sriracha mayo prepared by mixing mayonnaise and sriracha in your preferred ratio. This final touch makes the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes add the perfect pop of color and an extra dimension of flavor. I love sprinkling black sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top because they brighten the dish while giving a little nuttiness and crunch. For a creamier bite, the sriracha mayo drizzle adds a luscious kick that pairs beautifully with the savory pork and crunchy vegetables.
Side Dishes
This dish is so well-rounded it often stands fine on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, consider light sides like steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. A simple seaweed salad or quick cucumber salad pairs nicely, adding refreshing coolness to contrast the warm, spicy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or meal prep, try serving the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups as a low-carb, handheld treat. You can also pack it in bento boxes for a hearty lunch that doesn’t get soggy. The colorful veggies and vibrant garnishes make it look as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests or making your weeknight meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keep very well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the cabbage from becoming overly soggy. When ready to eat, you’ll find it retains most of its texture and flavor beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch to freeze, this dish freezes moderately well. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to 2 months. Just know the cabbage might soften more after freezing, but reheated with a bit of added crunch it’s still delicious.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is either on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or in the microwave in a covered dish to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce during reheating can revive moisture and flavor. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of green onions and black sesame seeds to revive that freshly made feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground pork for crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or even sautéed mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and consider adding extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a richer flavor.
Is it possible to use other meats?
Definitely. This recipe is very flexible. Ground chicken, beef, or turkey all work wonderfully and allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences or what you have on hand.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat depends on how much sriracha you add. The recipe includes 1 tablespoon for a mild kick, but you can always increase or decrease based on your taste. The sriracha mayo drizzle also allows for customizable spice at serving.
Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes! You can chop your onions, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts ahead of time to save prep on cooking day. The sriracha mayo sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
What if I don’t have water chestnuts?
Water chestnuts add a crunchy texture, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with chopped jicama or simply omit them. The dish will still be delicious, just with a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe that makes it feel like a hug in a meal. It captures everything you love about traditional egg rolls but skips the heaviness of frying, making it perfect for busy days or anytime you want comfort food without the guilt. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself coming back to this vibrant, flavorful dish as a trusty staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that captures all the savory flavors of a traditional egg roll without the hassle of wrapping and frying. Ground pork, crisp vegetables, and a blend of Asian-inspired sauces come together in a skillet for a healthy, low-carb dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 lb. ground pork (can substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 8 oz water chestnuts, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sriracha
- 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
- ½ cup grated or matchstick carrots
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes and Sauce
- Black sesame seeds
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 Tablespoons sriracha (for sriracha mayo)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground pork (or your choice of ground meat) to the skillet with the onions. Stir frequently and cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if necessary to avoid sogginess.
- Add Garlic, Ginger, and Water Chestnuts: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Mix all ingredients thoroughly so that the meat and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the bag of coleslaw mix and grated carrots to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is wilted and the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- Prepare Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, adjusting the heat level to your preference. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning adjustment. Serve the egg roll mixture in bowls topped with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Drizzle with the prepared sriracha mayo for an extra creamy, spicy kick.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken, beef, or turkey depending on your preference.
- If you want to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Add extra veggies such as mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.
- For a vegan version, omit the meat and replace with tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayo.
- Make sure to drain excess liquid from the cooked meat to keep the dish from becoming watery.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce and mayo to control the spice level.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
