Introduction
Egg rolls are one of the most beloved starters in Asian cuisine. Crispy on the outside with a savory, seasoned filling inside, they deliver bold flavors in every bite. But when you crave the taste of an egg roll without deep frying or wrapping anything, an egg roll in a bowl becomes the perfect answer. It’s all the goodness of the filling served in a quick and healthy stir-fry style.
What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity. With just a single pan and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It is naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and easy to adapt for various dietary needs. Busy weeknights, meal prep days, or when you’re simply in the mood for a nourishing meal with a takeout vibe, this recipe comes through every time.
Imagine savory ground meat sautéed with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then tossed with cabbage and carrots. Each spoonful is hearty yet light, thanks to the crisp vegetables and balanced seasoning. It is also very budget-friendly. Most ingredients can be found in any grocery store and the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for something fresh and flavorful, this egg roll in a bowl recipe is worth bookmarking. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make it a regular part of your home-cooked lineup.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a simple ingredient list for this egg roll in a bowl, along with a calorie count per ingredient based on standard servings. This will help you stay aware of the nutritional content while enjoying your meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground pork or ground chicken | 1 pound | 680 |
| Green cabbage (shredded) | 4 cups | 90 |
| Carrots (shredded) | 1 cup | 50 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small | 40 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 12 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon | 5 |
| Soy sauce (low sodium) | 1/4 cup | 35 |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Green onions (sliced) | 2 stalks | 10 |
| Rice vinegar (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 3 |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | 1 |
Estimated calories per serving (serves 4): Approximately 280 to 320 depending on meat choice and oil usage.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare your ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and shredding the cabbage and carrots if not using pre-shredded versions. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process smoother.
2. Cook the meat
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork or chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir frequently until browned and fully cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes.
3. Sauté aromatics
Push the cooked meat to the side of the pan. Add sesame oil, then sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in the open space of the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables
Stir in the cabbage and carrots. Mix everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated in the meat and aromatics. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but still has a bit of crunch.
5. Add sauce and finish
Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar if using. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if you like a little spice. Stir everything well and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve warm right from the skillet or portion it out into bowls for a meal prep option.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about an egg roll in a bowl is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:
Switch up the protein
Try ground turkey, beef, or tofu for a different flavor. Shrimp also works beautifully if you want a seafood version.
Make it vegetarian
Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Add mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami flavor.
Boost the veggies
Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety and color. This is a great recipe to use up leftover vegetables in the fridge.
Lower the sodium
Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Both offer the same salty-sweet flavor profile.
Adjust the spice level
Not everyone likes it spicy. Omit the red pepper flakes or serve them on the side. For more heat, drizzle with sriracha or add fresh chili peppers during cooking.
Add crunch
Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving for added texture.
Serve it differently
Wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun handheld option or serve over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information
Below is a summary of the nutritional content per serving, based on using ground chicken and standard portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Fat | 18 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugars | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Egg roll in a bowl is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides or enhancements.
Rice or quinoa
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a fuller meal. Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor.
Lettuce wraps
Spoon the mixture into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a light, fresh way to eat it.
Asian slaw or pickled vegetables
A tangy side adds a bright contrast and helps balance the savory elements.
Fried egg on top
Add a fried or poached egg for extra richness and protein.
Meal prep option
Portion into containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheats well in the microwave or on the stove.
Low-carb bowl
Keep it keto-friendly by skipping rice and using extra cabbage or cauliflower rice as a base.
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Conclusion
Egg roll in a bowl offers all the savory comfort of your favorite takeout appetizer without the mess or guilt. With just one pan and a short ingredient list, you can create a flavorful dish that is healthy, hearty, and endlessly customizable. It’s a perfect go-to for busy evenings, a reliable option for meal prepping, and a family favorite that even picky eaters enjoy. Once you try it, you’ll find it slipping into your regular recipe rotation without even thinking twice. Cook it once and you may never look at egg rolls the same way again.