Egg Roll in a Bowl

Craving the vibrant, savory flavors of an egg roll without the fuss of frying or wrapping? Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl

This deconstructed classic brings all the beloved tastes and textures of a traditional egg roll right into a single, satisfying bowl. Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:

  • Lightning Fast: Ready on your table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
  • Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and an aromatic ginger-garlic sauce.
  • Wholesome & Hearty: Packed with lean protein and an abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables for a nourishing meal.
  • Super Customizable: Easily adapt it to your preferences, adding your favorite extra veggies or a spicy kick.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Mostly a one-pan wonder, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Fantastic for Meal Prep: Whips up beautifully for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed for Your Perfect Egg Roll Bowl

Gather these fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a symphony of flavor in your kitchen:

  • Ground Beef: 450g / 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option).
  • Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for rich, nutty depth.
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g).
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 15g).
  • Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon (15g) grated, for a pungent, warming spice.
  • Coleslaw Mix: 600g / 6 cups (one standard bag) pre-shredded green cabbage and carrots, or shred your own.
  • Beef Stock: 1/4 cup (60ml) for a savory base.
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) (or tamari for gluten-free).
  • Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for a bright, tangy counterpoint.
  • Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15g) packed, to balance the savory notes.
  • Green Onions: 2-3, sliced, for garnish and a fresh bite.
  • Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon, for garnish and added crunch.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Easy 30 Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry – Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.

Essential Equipment

To whip up this delightful egg roll bowl, you’ll need just a few kitchen basics:

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables efficiently.
  • Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing your onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure accurate ratios for a perfectly balanced sauce.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and breaking up the ground meat.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick glance at what it takes to bring this flavorful dish to life:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Egg Roll in a Bowl

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully savory and satisfying meal.

  1. Step 1: Prep the Aromatics and Sauce

    • Begin by mincing your garlic and grating your fresh ginger. Slice the yellow onion thinly.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the beef stock, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. This creates your flavorful sauce base!
  2. Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
    • Add the ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it up with your spatula. Brown the beef thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final dish.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

    • Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the empty side.
    • Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become fragrant.
    • Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring them into the onions for about 1 minute until highly aromatic.
    • Add the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) to the skillet with the beef and aromatics. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and vibrant green. Avoid overcooking to maintain that satisfying crunch!
  4. Step 4: Combine and Finish

    • Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable blend in the skillet.
    • Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are glisteningly coated in the rich sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or extra beef stock to reach your desired consistency.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or a splash of soy sauce.
    • Garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

CHECK OUT: Potsticker Noodle Bowls No Filling and Sealing Required – All the amazing flavors of potstickers without the fussy wrapping!

Tips for Success

Unlock the full potential of your Egg Roll in a Bowl with these expert tips:

  • High Heat for Veggies: Ensure your skillet is hot when adding the cabbage mix to achieve a perfect tender-crisp texture, not soggy.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: If using a smaller skillet, cook the beef and then the vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • Fresh Ginger Makes a Difference: While ground ginger can work in a pinch, fresh grated ginger provides a brighter, more pungent flavor that truly elevates the dish.
  • Adjust Sweetness/Saltiness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the brown sugar or soy sauce to your preference.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various dietary needs and flavor preferences:

  • Protein Swaps: Substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the beef. For a plant-based option, use crumbled firm tofu or lentils.
  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli florets. Add them when sautéing the cabbage.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
  • Creamy Texture: A drizzle of sriracha mayo or a dollop of peanut sauce before serving adds a luxurious creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, here are some ideas to make your Egg Roll in a Bowl even more satisfying:

  • Over Fluffy Rice: Serve it atop a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, refreshing take.
  • With a Fried Egg: A sunny-side-up or fried egg on top adds extra richness and protein.
  • Crunchy Toppings: Add crispy fried onions or crushed roasted peanuts for extra texture.
  • Refreshing Drink: Pair with a sparkling water with lime or a homemade iced green tea.

Health Benefits

Enjoying this flavorful bowl isn’t just delicious, it’s also wonderfully nutritious!

  • Protein Powerhouse: The ground beef provides essential protein for muscle repair and satiety.
  • Fiber-Rich: Cabbage and carrots are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
  • Vitamin Packed: Loaded with vitamins and minerals from the variety of fresh vegetables.
  • Low Carb Friendly: Naturally lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional egg rolls, especially when served without rice.
  • Healthy Fats: Sesame oil contributes beneficial unsaturated fats.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: While safe to freeze, the cabbage might become a bit softer upon reheating. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Roll Bowls

Here are some common questions our readers ask about making the perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl:

Egg Roll in a Bowl - image 1

How Do I Avoid Soggy Cabbage Results?

The trick is to cook the cabbage quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. You want it tender-crisp, not limp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can steam the vegetables instead of sautéing them.

Can I Make This Vegetarian or Vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or a can of drained and rinsed lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly (or use tamari).

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger?

You can use ground ginger, but reduce the amount significantly. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, as it’s much more potent than fresh.

Can I Add Noodles?

Yes, for a more substantial meal, cook some rice vermicelli or ramen noodles separately and stir them into the bowl at the very end.

Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet. Just be mindful of the brown sugar; you can substitute it with a keto-friendly sweetener if desired.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this quick and flavorful meal, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:

Conclusion

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or health for speed and convenience. It’s a deliciously easy weeknight winner that everyone will adore! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more inspiring recipes!

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl


  • Author: Lorena
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Description

A deconstructed classic, this Egg Roll in a Bowl brings all the savory flavors of a traditional egg roll into a quick, wholesome, and customizable one-pan meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight!


Ingredients

Scale

450g / 1 lb lean ground beef

2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil, divided

1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g)

3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 15g)

1 tablespoon (15g) fresh ginger, grated

600g / 6 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage and carrots)

1/4 cup (60ml) beef stock

1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar

1 tablespoon (15g) packed brown sugar

23 green onions, sliced, for garnish

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish


Instructions

  • Begin by mincing the garlic and grating the fresh ginger. Thinly slice the yellow onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the beef stock, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the empty side.
  • Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots). Sauté for 3–5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
  • Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
Ensure you drain excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy finish.
Avoid overcooking the cabbage to keep it tender-crisp.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: egg roll in a bowl, ground beef, stir fry, quick, healthy, asian, cabbage, weeknight meal

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