Introduction

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthier, deconstructed version of the classic Chinese egg roll. Instead of being deep-fried in a wrapper, all the delicious ingredients are cooked together in a skillet and served in a bowl. It’s packed with savory flavors from seasoned ground meat, cabbage, and a flavorful sauce—offering all the crispy goodness of an egg roll without the extra calories. This dish is easy to make, low-carb, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

The History of Ingredients

Cabbage

Cabbage is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often used in egg rolls for its crunchy texture. It’s also commonly featured in stir-fries and other Chinese dishes. In Egg Roll in a Bowl, cabbage gives a fresh, crisp bite that mimics the texture of the traditional egg roll filling.

Ground Meat (Pork, Chicken, or Beef)

Ground meat is the main protein in most egg rolls, and it can be ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef. Pork is particularly common in Chinese egg rolls due to its richness, but ground chicken or turkey can be used for a leaner alternative.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, provides the umami flavor that brings the dish together. It adds saltiness and depth to the egg roll filling.

Ginger and Garlic

Ginger and garlic are essential in Chinese cooking, providing aromatic and flavorful notes that enhance the overall dish. They both add a fresh, slightly spicy and savory taste to the stir-fried vegetables and meat.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a key flavoring agent in many Asian dishes. It has a rich, nutty taste that’s perfect for stir-fries. Just a small amount goes a long way in boosting the dish’s overall flavor.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Ground Meat: 1 lb (ground pork, turkey, or chicken)
Cabbage: 4 cups, shredded (green cabbage, napa cabbage, or a mix)
Carrot: 1 medium, julienned or grated
Green Onions: 2, chopped
Soy Sauce: 2-3 tbsp
Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tbsp, minced or grated
Rice Vinegar: 1 tsp (optional)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, sriracha, or chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients Needed:

1 lb ground meat (pork, turkey, or chicken)
4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
1 medium carrot, grated or julienned
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

Prepare the ingredients: Shred the cabbage, julienne or grate the carrot, chop the green onions, and mince the garlic and ginger.
Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add garlic and ginger: Once the meat is cooked, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the cabbage and carrot: Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrot to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.
Season: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to evenly coat the cabbage and meat mixture.
Finish and garnish: Once the cabbage is tender, remove from heat. Serve in bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl

Use the right cabbage: Napa cabbage or green cabbage works best for this recipe due to their tender yet crunchy texture.
Make it spicy: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes if you like a little heat in your bowl.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: To retain the crunchy texture of the cabbage and carrots, cook them just until tender but still crisp.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for a bit more tang.
Customize your protein: Ground chicken or turkey can be used for a leaner option. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, such as beef or tofu.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also use edamame or other plant-based proteins.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb alternative.
Additional Veggies: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra flavor and texture.
Egg Roll in a Bowl with Egg: Top your bowl with a soft-fried egg to mimic the egg roll experience.
Add some crunch: Top with crispy fried onions, or serve with some baked wonton chips on the side for added texture.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a great low-carb, keto-friendly meal. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, while being lower in fat than the deep-fried egg roll alternative.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

Calories: ~350-450 kcal (depending on the protein used and portion sizes)
Protein: ~30–35g (from the meat or tofu)
Carbohydrates: ~15–20g (mainly from vegetables)
Fat: ~20g (mostly from sesame oil and the meat’s fat content)
Fiber: ~4–5g (from cabbage and other veggies)

Health Tips:

Lean protein: Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking to lower the fat content.
Increase fiber: Add more vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms, to boost the fiber content.
Low sodium: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.
Gluten-free: Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) if needed.

FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage? Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience, but freshly shredded cabbage will have a better texture.
Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can make the base (meat and veggie mixture) ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) instead of regular soy sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chilies to increase the heat level.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 16 ounce package coleslaw mix
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the pork or beef until no longer pink. Add the garlic and sautee for 30 seconds. Add the cabbage/coleslaw, soy sauce, ginger, and sautee until desired tenderness. You can add a little water if you need more liquid to sautee the coleslaw down.
Make a well in the center of the skillet and add the egg. Scramble until done over low heat.
Stir in sriracha. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions. Add additional soy sauce and sriracha if desired.

Notes

This recipe yields 4 servings. Divide the pan in 4 to figure out serving or weigh it and divide by 4. Weight will vary for each person that makes it depending on brand or type of meat.

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