If you’re craving the flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the deep-fried wrapper, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is perfect for you! Not only is it packed with ground meat, crunchy cabbage, and carrots, but it also has a flavorful sauce. Best of all, it can be made in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal for any night of the week.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare this satisfying dish, explore ingredient variations, and get tips for storing leftovers. Plus, we’ll recommend a few complementary recipes from Remy Recipes to complete your meal.
What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is essentially a stir-fry that mimics the flavors of a traditional egg roll but skips the wrapper. Typically, it’s made with ground meat (such as beef, pork, or chicken), cabbage, carrots, and a soy-based sauce. Because of its simple ingredients, this dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and full of flavor, making it an ideal option for those following a healthier lifestyle.
If you’re looking for more hearty meals, check out this Perfect Peach Cobbler Recipe, a comforting dessert that’s a great way to balance the savory flavors of this dish.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- Optional garnish: chopped green onion, sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat: First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. While it cooks, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Vegetables: Next, add the diced onions and julienned carrots. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots soften. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
- Add Cabbage and Seasoning: Afterward, stir in the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor. At this point, the dish can be served as is, or over rice for a more filling meal.
For more easy and quick treats to accompany this dish, check out Easy Banana Brownies Recipe for a perfect sweet finish.
Variations for Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to fit your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand. For instance, here are a few popular variations:
1. Change the Meat
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Each meat brings a slightly different flavor profile, but they all work wonderfully in this dish. Consequently, you can enjoy different versions of the same delicious recipe.
2. Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or tofu. In this way, you can still enjoy all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the meat.
3. Add Some Heat
If you enjoy spicy food, try adding some Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick. This will give the dish a fiery edge while maintaining the classic flavors.
4. Extra Veggies
You can also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more flavor and texture. Not only does this increase the nutritional value, but it also makes the dish more colorful and vibrant.
For more fun twists on everyday meals, try this Sourdough Discard Cracker Recipe for a unique and healthy side option.
Serving Suggestions
While this Egg Roll in a Bowl can stand on its own as a meal, there are plenty of ways to elevate it:
- Serve Over Rice: For a more filling meal, you can serve the dish over white, brown, or cauliflower rice. This will add another layer of texture and flavor.
- With a Salad: Additionally, pairing it with a fresh cucumber salad or an Asian-style slaw adds more crunch and freshness.
- Top with Crunch: For an extra crunchy texture, you can add crispy wonton strips or chopped peanuts on top.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish holds up well, making it great for meal prep and future lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the dish seems dry, add a small splash of soy sauce or water to refresh it.
For more creative leftovers or side dishes, consider trying Easy Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins—a simple but delicious way to complement your savory meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5. What is Egg Roll in a Bowl made of?
Egg Roll in a Bowl typically consists of ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken), cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, and a soy sauce-based stir-fry sauce. Together, these ingredients deliver all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper or frying.
6. Can I use a different meat for Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Absolutely! This dish is flexible, and you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of ground beef. In each case, the different meats bring a slightly different flavor profile, making it easy to enjoy this recipe in new ways.
7. What makes this recipe special?
This recipe is special because it transforms the filling of a traditional egg roll into a low-carb, one-pan dish. Furthermore, it can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a convenient meal for busy weeknights.
8. How can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl without meat?
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or tofu. This way, you still enjoy all the flavors of an egg roll, minus the meat.
9. How do I store and reheat Egg Roll in a Bowl?
To store leftovers, place the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a skillet or microwave, and add a splash of soy sauce or water to maintain its moisture.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, delicious, and healthy alternative to traditional egg rolls. Not only does it offer all the same flavors, but it also saves you the time and effort of rolling and frying. In addition, it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences and can be customized with various meats or vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or simply something packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Pair it with Sourdough Discard Crackers or another delicious side to complete your meal. No matter how you serve it, this Egg Roll in a Bowl will be a hit in your kitchen!