If you’re craving all the incredible flavors of a classic egg roll without the hassle of frying and wrappers, you’re in for a treat with The Best Egg Roll in a Bowl – Quick, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes Recipe. This vibrant, savory dish captures the heart of your favorite takeout in a wholesome, speedy skillet meal that’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss. Packed with ground pork, crisp cabbage, and a punchy blend of garlic, ginger, and soy, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is actually kind to your waistline. Plus, it comes together so fast that you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe shine, you just need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work perfectly together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing balance and that unmistakable egg roll vibe right into your bowl.
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey/beef): The protein base that provides hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that’s quintessential to Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens in the skillet.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a pungent kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Adds a bright zing that balances savoriness beautifully.
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Provides crunch and freshness, plus the classic egg roll veggies without any chopping fuss.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Delivers that salty umami boost essential to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat): Gives a gentle spicy lift to keep things exciting.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild oniony snap.
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and extra nutty flair.
How to Make The Best Egg Roll in a Bowl – Quick, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and sauté it gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is key because it builds the flavorful foundation of your dish with the onion’s natural sweetness unfolding beautifully.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook these aromatic powerhouses for about a minute until fragrant—this moment fills your kitchen with incredible scent and starts layering in those classic Asian flavors that make this recipe truly pop.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
Add your ground pork (or chosen protein) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Keep stirring and cooking for roughly 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is beautifully browned and cooked through, creating a savory, juicy base that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Now it’s time to add the coleslaw mix—shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir these into the meat mixture and cook everything together for about 5 minutes. You want the cabbage tender but still with a bit of crunch, so it keeps that delightful texture you expect from an egg roll filling without getting soggy.
Step 5: Add Sauces and Seasonings
Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring everything well to combine. If you like a bit of heat, add the sriracha now and mix it through evenly. Let the flavors meld together while the dish warms through; this simple sauce blend ties all the elements into one irresistible bowl of goodness.
Step 6: Final Taste and Adjust
Give your creation a taste and add salt and pepper as needed to bring the flavors into perfect balance. This step ensures that every spoonful hits the mark according to your personal preference.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add a lovely fresh crunch and visual appeal, making your bowl look as amazing as it tastes. Serve hot and dive in!
How to Serve The Best Egg Roll in a Bowl – Quick, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling green onions and toasted sesame seeds is a must, but feel free to get creative by adding a handful of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or even a drizzle of extra sriracha if you want an extra kick. These small touches make serving a fun and personalized experience.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a lower carb option, or a crisp cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg roll filling inside lettuce cups for a hand-held version that’s perfect for parties. You can also spoon it over cooked noodles or even pile it on top of roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, colorful dinner plate that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it rests, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave leftovers covered for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a leaner option while still delivering great flavor and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Just be sure to check your other ingredients to keep everything safe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground meat with firm tofu crumbles or cooked lentils for a plant-based version that’s equally hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is the dish with sriracha?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat depending on your preference. It’s perfectly adjustable—you can skip it entirely or add more if you like things hotter.
What’s the best way to get the cabbage tender but not mushy?
Cooking the cabbage for about 5 minutes while stirring keeps it tender yet crisp. Cooking it longer will soften it more, so keep an eye on texture during sautéing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and comes together faster than takeout, The Best Egg Roll in a Bowl – Quick, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes Recipe is a must-try. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I promise it will be in yours soon too. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this bowl of comfort that hits every craving just right.
Print
The Best Egg Roll in a Bowl – Quick, Healthy & Ready in 20 Minutes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and healthy take on classic egg rolls, served deconstructed in a bowl. This recipe combines ground pork, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings to create a delicious low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers all the tastes of your favorite egg rolls without the frying or wrappers.
Ingredients
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey/beef)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Vegetables & Mix-ins
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Cook Ground Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, ensuring it’s no longer pink.
- Incorporate Coleslaw Mix: Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still retains a slight crunch for texture.
- Add Seasonings: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha. Stir well to combine all flavors and heat the mixture through evenly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture, then season with salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot in individual bowls and enjoy your healthy egg roll in a bowl.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be substituted for pork depending on preference.
- Adjust sriracha amount for desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- For added crunch, top with chopped peanuts or water chestnuts.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
