What Is Egg Roll In A Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the popular Chinese-American appetizer that delivers all the flavors of traditional egg rolls without the wrapper. This one-pan meal combines ground meat (typically pork turkey or chicken) with shredded cabbage carrots and authentic Asian seasonings like soy sauce sesame oil and ginger. The dish maintains the savory umami taste profile of classic egg rolls while eliminating the time-consuming wrapping and unhealthy deep-frying steps.
Many people call this recipe “crack slaw” or “unwrapped egg rolls” because it’s incredibly addictive and satisfies egg roll cravings in a healthier format. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—all ingredients cook together in a single skillet creating a quick meal ready in about 20 minutes.
Perfect for low-carb keto Whole30 and paleo eating plans this versatile recipe allows you to enjoy familiar takeout flavors while adhering to dietary restrictions. The protein-rich meat combined with fiber-packed vegetables creates a filling meal that works well for meal prep throughout the week.
Unlike traditional egg rolls which require special wrappers oil for frying and precise folding techniques this deconstructed version requires only basic kitchen skills making it accessible for novice cooks. You’ll get the distinctive egg roll taste with significantly less effort calories and carbohydrates.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons:
- Ready in 20 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast
- One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your evening
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients that won’t expensive
- Incredibly versatile – Works with whatever ground meat you have on hand
- Meal prep champion – Stores beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week
- Dietary restriction friendly – Easily adapts to keto low-carb paleo and Whole30 diets
- Authentic flavor – Delivers all the delicious taste of traditional egg rolls without the fuss
- Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors in this deconstructed version
- Veggie-packed – Sneaks in plenty of nutrition with cabbage carrots and other vegetables
- Customizable heat level – Add as much or as little spice as your family prefers
You’ll appreciate how this recipe satisfies takeout cravings without the guilt expense or wait time of delivery. The combination of savory protein crisp vegetables and umami-rich sauce creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more while supporting your health goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This deconstructed egg roll recipe requires simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you need to recreate those authentic Asian flavors without the wrapper.
Protein Options
- 1 pound ground meat (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
- Optional: 1/2 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) as an alternative protein
Ground pork delivers the most authentic egg roll flavor but feel free to use whatever protein suits your dietary preferences. Ground chicken or turkey creates a lighter version while ground beef adds richness. For a seafood twist try shrimp or even combine half pork with half shrimp for an elevated flavor profile.
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix or 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup carrots julienned or shredded
- Optional: 1/2 cup water chestnuts diced
- Optional: 2-3 green onions sliced for garnish
The coleslaw mix provides a convenient shortcut but you can certainly shred your own cabbage and carrots for a fresher texture. Red cabbage adds beautiful color contrast and additional nutrients if you want to mix it with green cabbage. Water chestnuts contribute a delightful crunch that mimics the textural experience of biting into a traditional egg roll.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (omit for Whole30/keto)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
The sauce brings all those characteristic egg roll flavors together in one bowl. Sesame oil provides that distinctive nutty aroma essential to Asian cuisine while sriracha adds customizable heat. For a sweeter profile increase the hoisin sauce or add 1 teaspoon of coconut aminos. Those following strict keto or Whole30 diets should verify their soy sauce contains no added sugars or substitute with coconut aminos entirely.
Kitchen Tools Required
Making Egg Roll in a Bowl is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal equipment. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this quick weeknight meal:
- Large skillet or wok (12-inch preferred for proper mixing)
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up meat
- Measuring spoons for accurate seasoning
- Measuring cups for liquid ingredients
- Garlic press (optional but helpful)
- Grater for fresh ginger (microplane works best)
- Mixing bowl for combining sauce ingredients
The beauty of this one-pan recipe lies in its simplicity. Your large skillet serves as the primary cooking vessel where all ingredients come together. Choose a skillet with high sides to prevent ingredients from spilling over when stirring the cabbage and meat mixture.
Nonstick skillets work exceptionally well for this recipe as they require less oil and make cleanup even easier. Cast iron pans also deliver excellent results by providing consistent heat distribution and creating those desirable caramelized bits that enhance flavor.
For meal prep purposes, you might also want to have food storage containers ready to portion and store your leftovers. Glass containers with airtight lids maintain freshness and allow for easy reheating directly from refrigerator to microwave.
How To Make Egg Roll In A Bowl
This incredibly easy one-pan meal comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious deconstructed egg roll that delivers all the flavor without the fuss.
Preparing The Vegetables
Start by dicing your onion into small pieces and mincing the garlic cloves finely. If using fresh ginger rather than powdered, peel and grate it now. Open your bag of coleslaw mix and check for any large pieces that might need additional chopping. For added texture and flavor, drain and chop water chestnuts if you’re including them. Set all vegetables aside on your cutting board or in small bowls for easy access when cooking begins. This preparation step ensures a smooth cooking process once you start heating the pan.
Cooking The Meat
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Add the ground meat of your choice (pork, turkey, or chicken) to the hot pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the meat until no pink remains, which typically takes 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If you’re using ground ginger instead of fresh, add it at this stage along with other dry seasonings like salt and pepper.
Making The Sauce
While the meat cooks, prepare your sauce by combining soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Add hoisin sauce or oyster sauce if using them for additional depth of flavor. For a spicy kick, mix in some sriracha or red pepper flakes according to your preference. Whisk all sauce ingredients together until thoroughly combined. This sauce mixture will bring that authentic Asian flavor profile that makes egg rolls so irresistible.
Combining Everything Together
Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet with the cooked meat and onions. Pour the prepared sauce over the cabbage mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the cabbage wilts but still maintains a slight crunch. If using them, fold in the chopped water chestnuts for added texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more soy sauce, sesame oil, or spice elements to suit your preference. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Dish can be enjoyed immediately in bowls or stored in containers for meal prep throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
This versatile dish can be easily customized to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some popular variations to try when you want to switch things up.
Keto Egg Roll In A Bowl
The standard egg roll in a bowl recipe is already low carb but you can make it even more keto friendly with a few simple adjustments. Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos to reduce the carb count further. Add extra healthy fats by incorporating avocado slices as a topping or mixing in a tablespoon of MCT oil during cooking. Increase the protein to fat ratio by using ground beef with a higher fat percentage (80/20) instead of leaner meats. For added flavor without carbs sprinkle in extra sesame seeds or drizzle with chili oil before serving. Skip any sweeteners that might be in hoisin sauce or make your own sugar free version. This keto adaptation delivers all the satisfaction of the original dish while keeping your macros firmly within ketogenic parameters.
Vegetarian Option
Transform this meaty classic into a plant based delight by substituting the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Press extra firm tofu thoroughly before crumbling to remove excess moisture and achieve the best texture. You can also use plant based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods products. Boost the umami flavor by adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a dash of mushroom powder to compensate for the missing meat flavor. Consider incorporating chopped shiitake or cremini mushrooms for additional texture and savory notes. Make sure your soy sauce is truly vegetarian as some brands contain fish extracts. Add a protein boost with edamame beans tossed in during the final minutes of cooking. This vegetarian version packs just as much flavor and satisfaction as the traditional recipe while remaining completely meat free.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll in a Bowl is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Present this savory dish in a wide shallow bowl to showcase all the colorful ingredients. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian restaurant presentation.
For a complete meal experience serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl with:
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice (for low-carb option)
- A side of crispy wonton strips or strips of toasted tortillas
- Fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top
- Asian hot sauce like sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- A drizzle of additional sesame oil
- Chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil
Transform this dish into a nutritious bowl concept by creating a base of your favorite grain then adding the egg roll mixture on top. Many people enjoy serving this with a fried egg on top where the runny yolk creates a rich sauce when mixed with the other ingredients.
For entertaining guests family-style arrange the Egg Roll in a Bowl in a large serving dish surrounded by small bowls of various toppings allowing everyone to customize their portions. This approach works especially well for households with varying spice preferences or dietary needs.
For meal prep portion the finished dish into individual containers with a side of rice or greens for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator making this an excellent make-ahead option.
Storage And Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Egg Roll in a Bowl ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days after preparation. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. This dish will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days making it perfect for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.
For longer storage freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Egg Roll in a Bowl maintains its quality for up to 3 months though the texture of the cabbage may change slightly upon thawing.
When reheating refrigerated portions microwave the dish for 1-2 minutes stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry as the vegetables and sauce can absorb moisture during storage.
For frozen portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively use the defrost function on your microwave followed by regular heating. The stovetop method works exceptionally well for larger portions – simply place in a skillet over medium heat add a tablespoon of water and cover until thoroughly heated.
Revive the flavors of day-old Egg Roll in a Bowl by adding fresh garnishes like sliced green onions sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha after reheating. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the dish and restores its vibrant taste profile.
The dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together making this recipe truly ideal for intentional leftovers. Note that the cabbage will soften more with storage which some people actually prefer to the freshly made version.
Meal Prep Ideas
Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to streamline their weekday meals. Prepare a large batch on Sunday to enjoy quick nutritious lunches and dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen overnight making this dish taste even better the next day.
To maximize your meal prep efficiency divide the finished recipe into individual portion containers while still warm. Allow the containers to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating them. Glass containers work best for maintaining freshness and preventing any staining from the soy sauce.
Create a complete meal prep system by preparing complementary sides in advance. Cook a large batch of rice or cauliflower rice and store it separately then combine with your egg roll mixture when ready to eat. Pre-chop garnishes like green onions and store them in small containers to add fresh flavor to each serving.
For variety throughout the week transform your basic Egg Roll in a Bowl into different meals:
- Monday: Serve traditional style with cauliflower rice
- Tuesday: Wrap in lettuce leaves for low-carb “tacos”
- Wednesday: Mix with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast
- Thursday: Serve over zucchini noodles for a different texture
- Friday: Combine with additional vegetables for a hearty stir-fry
Label your containers with dates to ensure food safety and optimal freshness. Most prepared portions will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator while maintaining their quality. For longer storage freeze individual portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The sauce might separate slightly after refrigeration. Simply stir your portion thoroughly after reheating to redistribute the flavors. A splash of fresh soy sauce or sesame oil can revive any meal prep portions that seem to have lost some flavor intensity.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of Egg Roll in a Bowl helps you make informed dietary choices. This deconstructed egg roll alternative offers important nutritional benefits compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
A typical serving of Egg Roll in a Bowl (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
The exact nutritional values vary based on your choice of protein and any modifications to the sauce ingredients. Using leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken reduces the overall fat content while maintaining high protein levels.
Substituting regular soy sauce with low-sodium varieties or coconut aminos can significantly reduce the sodium content for those monitoring salt intake. Adding extra vegetables increases the fiber and nutrient density without substantially affecting the calorie count.
For keto dieters this dish shines with its low carbohydrate content – typically under 15g per serving when prepared with the standard recipe. The high protein content makes it satisfying and helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss efforts.
Those following paleo or Whole30 plans can easily adapt this recipe by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients comply with their exact dietary guidelines.
The abundance of cabbage and other vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C vitamin K folate and potassium. These nutrients support immune function bone health and proper cellular processes.
Unlike traditional egg rolls which can contain upwards of 500 calories and 20g of carbs per roll this deconstructed version delivers all the flavor with approximately half the calories and a fraction of the carbohydrates.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl truly delivers everything you love about traditional egg rolls without any of the fuss. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup this budget-friendly meal will quickly become your go-to dinner solution on busy weeknights.
Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to takeout this versatile recipe adapts to your needs while packing in nutrition from protein-rich meat and fiber-filled vegetables.
Don’t be surprised when your family requests this dish regularly! With its authentic Asian flavors customizable ingredients and meal prep potential Egg Roll in a Bowl proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or convenience. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner.
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