If you love the flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the hassle and heaviness of the wrapper, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. It captures that perfect balance of savory ground pork, crisp cabbage, and bold Asian-inspired seasonings all cooked together in one skillet. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it also delivers all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the frying or extra carbs — making it a delicious, lighter twist that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich sesame oil that adds a deep nuttiness to the fresh crunch of the coleslaw mix that brightens every bite. These straightforward components come together to create incredible texture and flavor without requiring a pantry full of specialty items.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, aromatic base that infuses the dish with authentic Asian flair.
- Ground pork: The hearty protein that provides a juicy, flavorful foundation.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the palate with its irresistible pungent aroma.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of fresh minced ginger brings a spicy warmth that complements the pork beautifully.
- Chili garlic sauce: Gives just the right kick of heat and tangy complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and umami that ties everything together.
- Coleslaw mix: A convenient blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that delivers crunch and color.
- Scallions: Fresh diced scallions sprinkled at the end bring a bright, oniony finish.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once browned, add the garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce while continuing to season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean tasting.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Vegetables
Next, stir in the teriyaki sauce to coat the pork evenly, then toss in the coleslaw mix. The mix will start softening quickly; stir and cook it together for about 3 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still retains a nice crispness. This step is where the flavors truly meld, creating that unmistakable egg roll taste without frying.
Step 3: Finish with Scallions and Serve
Finally, stir in the diced scallions to add a fresh burst of green and a mild onion flavor. Serve this scrumptious mixture right in bowls or scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld version. Either way, the combination of textures and flavors will have you reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes. Fresh cilantro leaves or toasted sesame seeds can add beautiful color and an extra punch of flavor. A drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce or a squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the flavors, making every bite exciting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This dish can stand on its own for a light meal, but if you want to round out your dinner, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even a crisp cucumber salad. A side of pickled vegetables works wonderfully too, offering a tangy contrast to the rich pork and savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in colorful small bowls as part of a casual dinner party or family gathering. Alternatively, pile it inside lettuce cups or crunchy wonton cups for an appetizer-style presentation. It’s a versatile dish that adapts beautifully to whatever occasion or setting you have in mind.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stores beautifully, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or busy nights ahead. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring that the cabbage stays crisp and the pork remains flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal on hand for longer, freezing is a great choice. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain its delicious taste and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for those days when cooking feels like a chore.
Reheating
Reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep the vegetables from becoming too soft and to evenly distribute the flavors. Adding a splash of water or a touch of oil during reheating can help maintain the moisture and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe with ground chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey both work well as leaner alternatives to pork. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly, and adjusting seasonings can help enhance the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Double-check labels for the chili garlic sauce and teriyaki to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Yes, fresh shredded cabbage alone will work just fine. If you want the slight sweetness and color contrast that carrots add, consider mixing in some grated carrot as well.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chili garlic sauce adds a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance—from mild to spicy bold. It’s very easy to customize.
Can I add other vegetables to the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas. Adding extra veggies boosts nutrition and adds more texture to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and versatility, and this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe ticks all those boxes beautifully. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that you can whip up any night of the week without stress. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again as a quick go-to dish that delights every time.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick and easy take on traditional egg rolls without the wrapper, featuring ground pork, crunchy coleslaw mix, and a savory teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a low-carb, flavorful weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 ¼ pounds ground pork
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup good quality teriyaki sauce
Vegetables
- 10 ounces coleslaw mix
- 3 scallions, diced
Instructions
- Brown Pork: In a large nonstick skillet, warm the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, breaking it into small crumbles until it is no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour in the teriyaki sauce and add the coleslaw mix. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Toss in the diced scallions for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve the mixture warm in bowls or use as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Add more chili garlic sauce for a spicier dish.
- The coleslaw mix can be replaced with shredded cabbage and carrots if not available.
- Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
