Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate comfort food, but with a healthy twist! The cabbage and other vegetables are lightly sautéed, while the ground meat adds protein and richness. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger gives this dish the same flavor profile as traditional egg rolls, but without the deep-frying. It’s also highly customizable—add more veggies or spices to suit your taste, or make it with different proteins. It’s a light, filling, and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite egg roll flavors in a healthier form.
Ingredients
For the filling:
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1 ground chicken or turkey
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
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1 small onion (diced)
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1 medium carrot (julienned or shredded)
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4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish (optional):
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2 green onions (sliced)
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Sesame seeds
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Sriracha or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
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Crushed peanuts (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the ground meat:
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Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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chicken/turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
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Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables:
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Stir in the shredded carrots and coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still has some crunch.
4. Season the mixture:
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Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce (if using) to the skillet, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the vegetables and meat.
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Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
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Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha or hot sauce for extra flavor and spice.
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For an added crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
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Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Spicy version: Add more Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mixture for extra heat. You can also stir in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
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Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in more vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrients.
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Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I add more spices to this dish?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can add more chili paste or fresh chili peppers. For extra depth, try adding five-spice powder, Chinese five-spice, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well for a few days in the fridge, making it great for meal prep. Simply store the filling in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can use fresh cabbage if you prefer. Just slice or shred it finely to mimic the texture of coleslaw mix. You can also add shredded Brussels sprouts for a different flavor.
4. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
You can certainly make a slow cooker version! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cabbage is tender.
5. How can I make this dish lower in carbs?
To reduce carbs, you can serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. The cabbage itself already makes for a great low-carb base.
6. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add extra Sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to increase the heat. If you prefer fresh heat, add diced jalapeños or Thai bird chilies.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Make sure it cools completely before freezing. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed.
8. How do I make the filling crunchier?
For extra crunch, you can add more vegetables or top the dish with crushed crispy noodles or even crispy fried shallots.
9. Can I serve this dish with rice?
Yes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is delicious served over steamed rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice). You can also serve it with quinoa or noodles for a heartier meal.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthier, quicker version of your favorite egg roll, with all the savory flavors and textures you love. This easy recipe is customizable to your taste and dietary preferences, making it a great option for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a low-carb meal or pair it with rice, it’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for meal prepping—what’s not to love?

Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, healthy, and low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. With ground meat, savory soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and crunchy cabbage, this deconstructed dish brings all the delicious flavors of egg rolls without the frying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, and it’s easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
Ingredients
- For the filling:
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1 lb ground chicken or turkey
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
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1 small onion (diced)
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1 medium carrot (julienned or shredded)
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4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish (optional):
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2 green onions (sliced)
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Sesame seeds
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Sriracha or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
-
Crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the ground meat:
-
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
chicken/turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
-
-
Sauté the aromatics:
-
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the vegetables:
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Stir in the shredded carrots and coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still has some crunch.
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Season the mixture:
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Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce (if using) to the skillet, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the vegetables and meat.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve:
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Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha or hot sauce for extra flavor and spice.
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For added crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
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Notes
Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.Spicy version: Add more Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat. You can also stir in red pepper flakes while cooking.Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.