Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe: A Delicious, Easy, and Healthy Twist
If you love the flavors of traditional egg rolls but want a healthier, quicker alternative, then you're in for a treat. Our Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe brings all the savory goodness of a classic egg roll—without the deep frying and extra carbs. This one-pan dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and you’ll love how simple it is to make. Keep reading to discover how you can whip up this mouthwatering dish in just a few easy steps!

What is "Egg Roll in a Bowl"?
"Egg Roll in a Bowl" is a deconstructed version of the classic Chinese egg roll. Instead of wrapping ingredients in a deep-fried dough, everything is cooked together in a single pan, making it a low-carb and keto-friendly meal. The dish typically includes ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and an assortment of flavorful seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It's a fast, nutritious option for those who love Asian-inspired dishes but prefer a lighter, healthier take. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or simply want a quick, delicious meal, this recipe has something for everyone.
Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl
To make this delicious and healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl, you will need the following basic ingredients:
- Ground Pork: 1 lb of ground pork, which adds richness and flavor to the dish. You can also use ground beef, chicken, or turkey as a substitute.
- Green Cabbage: 4 cups of shredded cabbage, the primary vegetable that gives the dish its signature crunch.
- Carrots: 1 large carrot, shredded or thinly sliced, to add sweetness and color.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced, which contributes to the overall savory flavor.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced for a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for an extra zing.
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) to bring the essential umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil for that authentic, nutty flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to balance the flavors with a touch of acidity.
- Green Onions: 2-3 green onions, chopped for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a finishing touch of crunch.
- Sriracha or Chili Sauce: Optional, for a spicy kick.
Ingredient List for Egg Roll in a Bowl Variations
If you're feeling adventurous or want to customize your Egg Roll in a Bowl, here are a few variations you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the pork for a leaner option like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Shrimp: For a seafood twist, you can use shrimp as the protein instead of pork or chicken.
- Red Cabbage: You can use red cabbage instead of green cabbage for a more colorful dish.
- Bok Choy: Substitute cabbage with bok choy for a milder and softer texture.
- Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. It has a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Zucchini Noodles: Add spiralized zucchini for extra vegetables and a noodle-like texture, perfect for those who are on a keto or low-carb diet.
- Mushrooms: For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the meat with mushrooms like shiitake or portobello.
Substitutions and Variations
There are endless possibilities to tweak this recipe to suit your dietary needs, preferences, or simply the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Soy-Free: If you’re avoiding soy, use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Coconut aminos have a similar umami flavor, but are slightly sweeter.
- Low Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake. You can also adjust the amount of salt at the end.
- Vegan or Vegetarian: Swap out the ground meat for plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. These options provide a nice texture and flavor while keeping the dish meat-free.
- Spicy: If you like a little heat, add extra Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce to the recipe. You can also use spicy ground sausage for an added kick.
- Egg-Free: If you're avoiding eggs, you can simply omit any optional fried egg topping and still enjoy a delicious bowl.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This dish is as easy as it is tasty. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready in no time.
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by prepping all your vegetables—shred the cabbage, grate the carrot, dice the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. If you’re using green onions for garnish, chop those as well.
- Cook the Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once the pork is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little sesame oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for about 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pork and Sauce: Return the cooked pork to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring everything together so the flavors meld. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Drizzle with additional sesame oil and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. If you like it spicy, drizzle a bit of Sriracha or another hot sauce over the top.
How to Cook Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and prepare your vegetables and aromatics.
- Step 2: Cook the ground pork or your preferred protein until browned.
- Step 3: Sauté garlic, ginger, and onions to infuse the dish with bold flavors.
- Step 4: Stir-fry the cabbage and carrots until tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Step 5: Mix everything together with soy sauce and other seasonings, then garnish and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Cabbage: The cabbage should still have a bit of crunch when you're done cooking. Overcooked cabbage can become soggy and lose its texture.
- Skipping the Aromatics: Don’t skimp on garlic and ginger—these two ingredients are essential for building the deep flavors in this dish.
- Not Draining the Meat: If using a fattier cut of meat like pork, make sure to drain the excess fat after cooking to avoid a greasy dish.
- Using Regular Soy Sauce if Gluten-Free: If you're gluten-free, make sure to use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is just as important as flavor, and with this dish, you can make it visually appealing with some simple touches.
- Colorful Garnishes: Brighten up your Egg Roll in a Bowl with vibrant garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced red chilies.
- Layered Serving: Serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice or regular rice for a heartier meal.
- Personalized Bowls: Let family members or guests customize their bowls with toppings like a fried egg, extra hot sauce, or crunchy wonton strips for added texture.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- As a Main Dish: Serve it as-is for a simple, one-pan meal that's satisfying and delicious.
- Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For a more filling option, serve the egg roll mixture over steamed rice or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal that’s low-carb and refreshing.
Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl
You can elevate the visual appeal of your Egg Roll in a Bowl with a few easy presentation ideas:
- Layered Bowl: Start with a layer of rice or noodles on the bottom, topped with the egg roll filling and garnished with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha.
- Mason Jar Meals: For a portable lunch option, layer the ingredients in a mason jar—perfect for meal prepping.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips
- Prep in Advance: You can shred the cabbage and carrots ahead of time and store them in the fridge to speed up cooking time.
- Double the Recipe: This dish reheats beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe and saving leftovers for meal prep.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add more soy sauce, vinegar, or spice to your liking. This recipe is incredibly flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
2. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, especially if you skip any added sugars or use soy-free and low-carb sauces.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic egg roll that’s both easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that fits into your keto or gluten-free diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its savory, flavorful ingredients and simple preparation, you'll have a go-to recipe that the whole family will love. Try it today and enjoy the taste of egg rolls without the extra calories!
PrintEgg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe combines the savory flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper. Perfect for a quick, low-carb meal, it’s made with ground meat, cabbage, and a delicious soy-ginger sauce. Great for keto and paleo diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground pork or turkey
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook ground meat in a skillet until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage and carrots, cooking until softened.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for paleo.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
- For extra spice, drizzle sriracha or chili flakes on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720 mg
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