If you’re looking for a lightning-fast, flavor-packed meal, Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is about to become your weeknight dinner hero. Imagine all the classic tastes of your favorite takeout egg rolls – sizzling pork, crunchy cabbage, and zingy ginger – but in one gorgeous skillet, minus the deep frying. This low-carb, gluten-free (with tamari) favorite comes together in just 25 minutes and delivers those savory, aromatic notes you crave. Whether you want a meal prep MVP or a quick dinner that the whole family will gobble down, this dish is proof that comfort food can be wholesome, colorful, and irresistibly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is in its effortless ingredient list. Every item serves a delicious purpose, from building savory umami flavor to adding pops of color and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate “deconstructed” egg roll experience:
- Sesame oil: This fragrant oil is the secret starter for deep, toasty flavor right from the first sizzle in the pan.
- Ground pork (or ground chicken or turkey): A juicy, protein-rich base that soaks up every drop of flavor. Swap to your favorite ground meat for extra versatility.
- Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible depth and aroma – don’t skip it!
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds a lively, zesty kick that brightens up every bite.
- Onion (diced): For natural sweetness and a subtle savory foundation.
- Coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): The speedy shortcut to classic egg roll crunch. It saves time and adds gorgeous color.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Lends signature umami and saltiness. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of brightness that keeps the dish from tasting heavy.
- Hoisin sauce (optional): For just a touch of sweetness and complexity. Feel free to skip or substitute as you like.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): Dial up the heat to suit your personal spice level.
- Green onions (sliced): Fresh, crisp, and lightly pungent – perfect for finishing the dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Scatter these on top for toasty pops of flavor and a pretty finish.
How to Make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by warming the sesame oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground pork (or chicken or turkey), breaking it apart as it cooks. You want plenty of browning across the meat, so don’t stir constantly – let it develop golden, crispy bits for extra flavor. This should take about 5–6 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when there are no pink spots left.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once your meat is browned and glorious, it’s time to layer on the flavor. Sprinkle in your minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion right over the pork. Give it all a good stir and let it sizzle for 2–3 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells incredible – this trio infuses the meat with traditional egg roll magic.
Step 3: Stir in the Veggies
Next, tip in the coleslaw mix. It may seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down beautifully! Toss everything together and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring often. The cabbage should soften while staying a little crisp – you want that satisfying crunch in every bite of your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl.
Step 4: Season and Finish
To bring it all together, add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if you’re using them, hoisin and sriracha for a kick. Stir well so each flavor hugs the meat and veggies. Let everything bubble away for another 1–2 minutes to let the seasonings meld and the mixture turn glossy and vibrant. Taste and adjust – add more soy for saltiness, or sriracha if you love heat!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and shower your creation with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like. The freshness of the onions and gentle crunch of sesame bring your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl to life. Serve it warm as is, over steamy rice, or even spooned into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal.
How to Serve Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish. Scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over every bowl just before serving. Not only do they add a crunch and a fresh snap of tang, but they also give your dish that restaurant-worthy finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of spicy mayo or extra sriracha on top brings another layer of excitement.
Side Dishes
While Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl really is a complete meal, you can turn it into a real feast with a few easy sides. Try serving it over fluffy steamed rice or cauliflower rice for extra heartiness. Love crunch? Pair with oven-baked spring rolls or some crisp edamame. A fresh cucumber salad or simple miso soup also rounds things out beautifully without overpowering those bold egg roll flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, use the filling as a stuffing for lettuce wraps – these make a fun, interactive appetizer or lunch. You can also spoon it into steamed bao buns, or wrap it up in rice paper for a “summer roll” twist. For meal prep, portion the mixture into containers over a base of rice or cauli rice so you have power-packed lunches ready all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is the gift that keeps on giving. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and tuck it in the fridge. It stays fresh, flavorful, and delightfully crisp for up to 4 days. When stored this way, it’s always ready to be scooped into a bowl for a speedy meal or energizing snack.
Freezing
If you like to prepare meals in advance, this dish also freezes surprisingly well! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Try to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready for a quick dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The veggies will be softer after freezing, but the flavors remain bold and satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl into the microwave and cover loosely, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until warmed through. Alternatively, rewarm gently on the stovetop in a skillet. If it looks dry, splash in a little water or extra soy sauce to revive all that saucy goodness.
FAQs
What protein can I use instead of pork?
You can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture, keeping your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl exciting every time.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This bowl is naturally low-carb when made as written. If you choose a low-carb hoisin or omit it, your Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl can fit comfortably into most keto diets, especially when paired with cauliflower rice.
How do I make it extra spicy?
To turn up the heat, simply add extra sriracha or a dash of chili garlic sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or serve with fresh sliced chilies for more punch.
Can I make Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! The flavors meld and improve with time, so feel free to make a batch in advance and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Certainly! Swap the ground pork for firm tofu (well crumbled or diced) and use a plant-based hoisin if desired. Just be sure to check your sauces to keep everything vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all the big, bold flavors of a classic egg roll without the fuss, the Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl might just be your new weeknight obsession. It’s quick, wholesome, exciting, and always open for your creative twists. Give it a try soon, and let it become the go-to dish in your kitchen that everyone will rave about!
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Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and a delicious blend of Asian-inspired flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion: Sauté until onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in coleslaw mix: Cook until cabbage is wilted but still slightly crisp.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, and sriracha: Cook to let flavors blend.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds: Serve warm.
Add the ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Adjust spice level to your preference by adding more or less sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
