Have you ever had a craving for egg rolls but didn’t want to deal with all the deep-frying? That’s exactly where I found myself a few weeks ago. I love the flavor of egg rolls—the crunch of the cabbage, the savory meat filling, and the umami from the soy sauce—but I wasn’t keen on the idea of frying or the extra calories. So, I decided to try something different: Egg Roll in a Bowl. It’s all the deliciousness of an egg roll, minus the wrapper.
In this article, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, along with some tips, variations, and everything you need to know to make it at home.
Why Egg Roll in a Bowl is a Healthier Option
Egg Roll in a Bowl is not just a tasty meal; it’s a healthier alternative to traditional egg rolls. By skipping the deep-fried wrapper, you cut down on the excess oil and calories. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies, lean protein, and just the right amount of seasoning to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re watching your waistline or just looking for a nutrient-packed meal, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (you can use a coleslaw mix)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1- Cook the Protein: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork or chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2- Add the Vegetables: Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3- Stir in the Cabbage and Carrots: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 4- Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl
1- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor.
2- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: You want the cabbage to still have a bit of crunch to mimic the texture of an egg roll wrapper.
3- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, ginger, or sriracha to match your taste preferences.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Egg Roll in a Bowl Variations
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this recipe is a dream come true. Simply swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos and use ground turkey or beef for a higher fat content. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra protein and flavor.
How to Customize Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas:
Make it Vegetarian: Swap the meat for tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Add More Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Increase the sriracha or add some chili flakes if you love spicy food.
Best Sauces to Serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish pairs well with a variety of sauces:
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and salty flavor.
- Ponzu Sauce: For a citrusy kick.
- Extra Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: For those who like it salty.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Egg Roll in a Bowl
While this dish is filling on its own, you can serve it with a side of cauliflower rice, a simple green salad, or even steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Storing and Reheating Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Egg Roll in a Bowl
1- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of sautéing.
2- Skipping the Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds add a nice finish and extra flavor, so don’t skip them!
3- Overcooking the Meat: Ground meat can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this recipe roughly contains:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 15g
This makes it a well-balanced meal that’s low in carbs but high in protein and healthy fats.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken
- 4 cups shredded cabbage you can use a coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha optional, for a bit of heat
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Protein: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork or chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the Cabbage and Carrots: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that delivers all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option that’s both tasty and healthy, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!