EASY EGG ROLL IN A BOWL

I’ll never forget the time my friend Sarah brought a massive container of something she called “crack slaw” to our book club meeting – everyone devoured it before we even discussed a single page, and the secret, as I later discovered, was that it was essentially a deconstructed, incredibly flavorful Egg Roll In A Bowl. I’m here to let you in on how to create your own version of this quick, easy, and endlessly customizable dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

Let’s face it: egg rolls are delicious, but they can be a bit of a hassle. All that wrapping and frying? Ain’t nobody got time for that on a busy weeknight! That’s where Egg Roll In A Bowl comes in. It captures all the savory, umami-rich flavors of a classic egg roll, but without the wrapper. It’s faster, easier, and honestly, just as satisfying. Plus, it’s naturally lower in carbs and calories, making it a win-win for your taste buds and your waistline.

What Makes This Recipe Different? (Hint: Flavor!)

There are tons of Egg Roll In A Bowl recipes out there, but this one focuses on maximizing flavor. We’re not just throwing ground meat and cabbage together. We’re building layers of deliciousness with a carefully balanced blend of seasonings, aromatics, and a touch of sweetness. I’ve tested this recipe countless times, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect. You’ll find that the combination of fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a secret ingredient (more on that later!) really sets this version apart.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Egg Roll In A Bowl

Here’s a rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Ground Meat: Ground pork is traditional, and it adds a wonderful richness, but you can easily substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. I’ve even made it with plant-based ground meat with excellent results!
• Cabbage: A bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) is a super convenient shortcut. You can also use a head of green cabbage and shred it yourself if you prefer. Red cabbage is also a nice addition for color.
• Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for that authentic Asian flavor. Don’t skimp on these! I highly recommend using fresh instead of powdered.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Tamari is a great gluten-free option.
• Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way, adding a nutty, fragrant flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Sriracha (Optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, saltiness, and umami. This is the “secret ingredient” I mentioned earlier!
• Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Another great garnish that adds a nutty crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Egg Roll In A Bowl Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible Egg Roll In A Bowl:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil (vegetable or avocado oil works well) over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent a greasy final product.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

1. Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! This step is crucial for infusing the meat with that delicious Asian flavor.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

1. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and hoisin sauce.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens! The sauce thickens slightly and becomes incredibly flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

1. Add the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage) to the skillet and stir to combine.
2. Cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook it, or it will become mushy. You want it to still have a little bit of bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Egg Roll In A Bowl Success

Here are some extra tips and tricks to ensure your Egg Roll In A Bowl turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re using a smaller skillet, cook the meat in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will cause the meat to steam instead of brown.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of hoisin sauce and sriracha to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter version, while others like it spicier.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Egg Roll In A Bowl, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots.
• Make it Ahead: You can easily make this dish ahead of time and reheat it. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about Egg Roll In A Bowl is how versatile it is. Here are some variations to try:

• Spicy Egg Roll In A Bowl: Add more sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili oil.
• Sweet and Sour Egg Roll In A Bowl: Add a splash of pineapple juice or a tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
• Shrimp Egg Roll In A Bowl: Substitute the ground meat with cooked shrimp.
• Vegetarian Egg Roll In A Bowl: Use plant-based ground meat or tofu.
• Keto Egg Roll In A Bowl: Make sure you use a sugar-free hoisin sauce substitute or omit it entirely and add a bit of your preferred sweetener!

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

While Egg Roll In A Bowl is delicious on its own, here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Serve over Rice: For a more substantial meal, serve the Egg Roll In A Bowl over cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.
• Add a Fried Egg: Top your Egg Roll In A Bowl with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the Egg Roll In A Bowl.

Pairing Ideas

Why not elevate your meal by pairing it with some other delicious recipes? If you’re looking for another quick and easy Asian-inspired dish, you should try the Bang Bang Chicken. It has a creamy, spicy sauce that is really good!

Looking for a noodle dish to accompany your meal? The Chicken Lo Mein Recipe makes the perfect companion and is also easy to make.

Are you looking for a low-carb option? If so, you should try our Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole. It’s so delicious!

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Egg Roll In A Bowl and how to fix them:

• Too Salty: If your Egg Roll In A Bowl is too salty, add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to counteract the saltiness.
• Too Sweet: If your Egg Roll In A Bowl is too sweet, add a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to balance the flavors.
• Too Dry: If your Egg Roll In A Bowl is too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet and stir to moisten.
• Too Mushy: If your cabbage is too mushy, you likely overcooked it. Next time, be sure to cook it until it’s just tender-crisp.

Egg Roll In A Bowl: The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Egg Roll In A Bowl is truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and ground meat. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it will become a regular part of your dinner rotation. It’s a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine without all the fuss. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal!

Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

This recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll without the wrapper. It’s a quick, easy, and customizable weeknight meal that’s naturally lower in carbs and calories. Packed with savory and umami flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil
• 1 pound ground pork or chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based alternative
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha optional
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), and hoisin sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage) to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the meat. Adjust the sweetness and spice by adding more hoisin sauce or sriracha to taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or chili oil. For a sweeter version, add a splash of pineapple juice or honey. Serve over rice or with a fried egg for a more substantial meal. If it is too salty, add rice vinegar or lime juice. If it is too sweet, add soy sauce or red pepper flakes. If it is too dry, add chicken broth or water.