Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

If you love egg rolls but want to avoid the extra carbs or hassle of deep-frying, you’re in the right place! Our Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe delivers all the savory flavors you adore, minus the wrapper. This low-carb, quick, and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and is completely customizable to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Read on to learn how to make this healthy, flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt!

What is “Egg Roll in a Bowl”?

Egg Roll in a Bowl is essentially a deconstructed egg roll, served without the crispy wrapper. It captures the delicious Asian-inspired flavors found in a traditional egg roll – think ground meat (usually pork or turkey), cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger – all cooked in one skillet. By skipping the wrapper, this dish becomes not only low in carbs but also quicker and easier to prepare. Plus, it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and can be easily adapted for other diets such as paleo or Whole30.

Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl

To make the basic version of this dish, you’ll need a variety of simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey, chicken, or beef)
• 4 cups coleslaw mix (a pre-shredded mix of cabbage and carrots, or fresh cabbage and carrots)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free/paleo version)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that signature nutty flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for some heat)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl (Optional Add-ons)

To customize your Egg Roll in a Bowl even further, consider adding some of these optional ingredients:

• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced or diced (for extra texture and umami)
• 1 bell pepper, julienned (for a pop of color and sweetness)
• 1 cup bean sprouts (for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (for a deeper, savory flavor)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten (scramble into the dish for added protein)
• Water chestnuts, diced (for extra crunch)
• Cilantro, chopped (for garnish and a fresh burst of flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about Egg Roll in a Bowl is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Meat Options: If pork isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative.
• Low-Sodium: For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also cut back on salt or leave it out altogether.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the meat and substitute tofu or mushrooms. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers for added bulk.
• Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbs, but for a strict keto version, double-check your soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos) and make sure you skip any sugary sauces.
• Paleo/Whole30: Use ground turkey or chicken, coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and avoid any added sugars or processed ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! The beauty of this dish is that everything is prepared in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze. Follow these steps for a perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl every time:

How to Cook Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are prepped. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
2. Cook the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or your chosen meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
4. Add the Vegetables: Toss in your coleslaw mix (or fresh cabbage and carrots) and stir everything together. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but still retain some crunch.
5. Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. If you like, you can also drizzle a little more sesame oil or sriracha on top for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Egg Roll in a Bowl is a straightforward recipe, here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Vegetables: You want the cabbage and carrots to have a slight crunch, so avoid overcooking them. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat once they are tender-crisp.
• Using Too Much Oil: While sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor, it’s quite strong. Stick to the amount in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: If you're using a fattier meat like pork, make sure to drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While Egg Roll in a Bowl is delicious straight from the skillet, there are a few ways to elevate the presentation and serving experience:

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

• On a Plate or in a Bowl: As the name suggests, serving in a bowl is a popular option. You can also serve it on a plate, with additional garnishes or sides for a more complete meal.
• Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a heartier option, serve the dish over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves (like romaine or iceberg) for a fun, handheld meal that resembles the traditional egg roll experience.

Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl

• Colorful Garnishes: Top your dish with bright garnishes like sliced green onions, red chili flakes, or a sprinkle of cilantro for an eye-catching presentation.
• Layered Serving Dish: If serving this dish at a gathering, layer the meat and veggie mixture in a shallow serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a family-style meal that’s both delicious and beautiful.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep: This dish makes for excellent meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
• Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers, feel free to double the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet or pot.
• Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding a handful of crispy fried onions or crushed wonton strips on top right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prepping. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the cabbage might change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, slightly undercook the vegetables so they retain some crunch.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add extra sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it ideal for a keto or low-carb diet. Just be sure to use low-carb ingredients like tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make recipe that takes the classic flavors of an egg roll and turns them into a healthier, low-carb dish. With endless variations and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a family-friendly dish, Egg Roll in a Bowl is a surefire hit. Try it out, and enjoy the flavors of an egg roll without the fuss!

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