If you love the crunchy goodness and savory flavors of a classic egg roll but want something quicker, lighter, and easier to enjoy at home, then this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It captures all the vibrant textures and bold Asian-inspired seasonings in a simple, one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With tender, seasoned ground pork perfectly mingled with crisp cabbage and carrots, every bite bursts with flavor and satisfaction without the fuss of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe starts with a handful of accessible ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each component adds its own unique texture, aroma, or depth of flavor that brings the dish to life.
- Ground Pork: The hearty protein base that provides a rich, savory foundation for the bowl.
- Shredded Green Cabbage: Adds a fresh crunch and slight sweetness, mimicking the classic egg roll wrap texture.
- Grated Carrots: Bring bright color and a subtle earthiness to balance the savory pork.
- Chopped Green Onions: These lend a mild onion flavor along with a pop of green vibrancy.
- Minced Garlic: A flavor powerhouse that infuses the whole dish with warmth and depth.
- Fresh Ginger: Its zingy, slightly spicy kick awakens the palate and brightens every bite.
- Soy Sauce: Provides essential umami and salty notes that tie the ingredients together.
- Sesame Oil: A little drizzle imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s authenticity.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances richness with a subtle tang, rounding out the flavor profile perfectly.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the cabbage, grating the carrots, and finely mincing the garlic and fresh ginger. Prepping everything beforehand means cooking flows smoothly when it’s time to combine the flavors, and the fresh ginger and garlic will become aromatic highlights in the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Pork
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork. Cook it until it’s fully browned and crumbly, making sure to drain any excess fat so the bowl stays light and not greasy. This step builds the savory backbone of your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the grated carrots and shredded cabbage right into the skillet with the pork. Stir-fry these for about 5 minutes. You want the vegetables tender yet still crunchy, creating that delightful contrast you expect from an egg roll filling.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now toss in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chopped green onions, stirring them in for 1 to 2 minutes. This step releases their fragrant oils and infuses the whole dish with layers of fresh, inviting flavors.
Step 5: Season the Bowl
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything thoroughly to coat the pork and veggies. Let it simmer a few minutes more so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly, making every bite perfectly seasoned and full of character.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the warm mixture into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Each spoonful captures the essence of an egg roll in a simple, satisfying bowl.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe to the next level. Bright green onions add crispness and color, while toasted sesame seeds contribute both texture and a nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil already in the dish. For a hint of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes makes an exciting option.
Side Dishes
This dish is a standalone star, but pairing it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad can balance the flavors beautifully. If you’re in the mood to keep it low-carb, a side of roasted or stir-fried green beans or snap peas makes for a fresh, crunchy accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in lettuce cups to complement the Asian-inspired profile and keep it light. Or layer the bowl over cauliflower rice for a veggie-packed twist. For a family-style meal, place the skillet at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves, making dinner feel warm and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe, but for best texture, do so only if necessary. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the flavors and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps keep the cabbage tender-crisp instead of mushy. Alternatively, a microwave works in a pinch, but cover the dish to avoid drying out the edges.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking time as these proteins may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils instead of ground pork, and swap soy sauce for a vegan-certified brand to keep all the same delicious flavors without any animal products.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas to add extra layers of color and texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. The slight difference in acidity won’t change the overall profile much but still provides that necessary bright tanginess.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is one of those rare finds that is insanely tasty, super quick, and delightfully versatile. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or craving something comforting without the hassle of frying, it delivers every time. I can’t recommend it enough — go ahead, give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, flavorful one-pan recipe that captures the essence of classic egg rolls without the wrapper. Combining ground pork, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dish is a low-carb, easy-to-make stir-fry perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground pork
Vegetables
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 3 chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop the green onions and mince the garlic and fresh ginger finely. Shred the green cabbage and grate the carrots to have all vegetables ready for cooking.
- Cook the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground pork. Cook the pork until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish light.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the grated carrots and shredded cabbage to the skillet with the cooked pork. Stir-fry the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chopped green onions. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the aromas develop and the garlic and ginger are fragrant but not burnt.
- Season the dish: Pour the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar over the skillet contents. Toss everything together well and let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and spoon the egg roll mixture into bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu and vegetable broth instead of pork.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to taste, especially if using low-sodium soy sauce.
- Adding a touch of chili flakes can give a spicy kick to this dish.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine rice for a more filling meal.
