Egg Roll in a Bowl is the deconstructed, low-carb version of your favorite Chinese takeout dish—without the wrapper!
This dish delivers all the delicious flavors of a traditional egg roll, including savory ground pork (or chicken), crisp vegetables, and tangy seasonings, but with fewer carbs and calories. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Egg Roll in a Bowl, share tips for the best results, and answer frequently asked questions about this dish.
Why You’ll Love Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavor-packed dish that satisfies cravings for Asian-inspired food while being low in carbs and high in protein. It’s also:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
- One-pan meal: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup!
- Keto and paleo-friendly: A great option for low-carb or grain-free diets.
- Customizable: Swap out the protein, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (or use pre-shredded)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for paleo)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Ground Pork
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the pork is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger to the skillet with the cooked pork. Stir frequently and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still have a slight crunch. You don’t want the vegetables to become mushy—keeping them crisp adds great texture to the dish.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl as is, or pair it with cauliflower rice or white rice if you prefer.
Tips for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring a lot of flavor and authenticity to the dish. While ground versions can work in a pinch, using fresh will elevate the flavor profile.
Shred the vegetables finely: For the best texture, make sure your cabbage and carrots are finely shredded. You can use a sharp knife, a mandolin, or even buy pre-shredded vegetables to save time.
Customize your protein: Ground pork is traditional for egg rolls, but you can easily swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Adjust the heat: If you like your food spicy, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, you can leave the sriracha out altogether.
Make it a meal: While Egg Roll in a Bowl is filling on its own, you can bulk it up with cauliflower rice or regular rice for a more complete meal. For extra greens, toss in spinach or kale at the end of cooking.
Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the traditional Chinese-American egg roll, served without the fried wrapper. It consists of ground meat (usually pork), vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and Asian-inspired seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls.
2. Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Egg Roll in a Bowl by substituting the ground meat with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just crumble the tofu or tempeh and cook it in place of the pork or chicken. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly soy sauce or tamari if following a strict vegan diet.
3. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?
Yes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Just be sure to use a low-carb soy sauce alternative like tamari or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding gluten.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Egg Roll in a Bowl stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the dish seems a bit dry when reheating, add a splash of soy sauce or a little water to refresh the flavors.
5. Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
6. What can I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with cauliflower rice or regular rice if you want a more filling dish. You could also add a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a cucumber salad for extra veggies.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! This dish is very versatile, and you can add any number of vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms are all great additions. Just be mindful of the cooking times for each vegetable to keep them crisp-tender.
8. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free?
To make Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Most of the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
9. Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can easily make Egg Roll in a Bowl spicier by adding extra sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or even diced chili peppers. Adjust the spice level based on your personal preference.
10. How can I meal prep Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is an excellent meal prep option because it stores well and reheats easily. Prepare the dish as directed and portion it out into individual meal containers. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. For variety, serve it with different sides like cauliflower rice or leafy greens.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and healthy eating. With all the flavors of a traditional egg roll but without the carbs or mess, this dish is an easy and satisfying option for busy weeknights. It’s also highly adaptable, making it ideal for anyone following low-carb, keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets. Try this recipe today for a delicious, nutrient-packed meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
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