It’s the perfect one-pan wonder that takes just 20 minutes to make and hits all the right notes—savory, crunchy, satisfying, and low on effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or watching your carb intake, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe brings big wins to the dinner table.
What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Think of this as the laid-back cousin of the classic Chinese egg roll. Instead of stuffing and frying a crispy wrapper, we toss everything delicious—ground meat, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, and a bold sauce—into one pan. That’s the magic of our Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. You still get the rich, salty, slightly sweet flavor, just without the greasy mess.
No rolling, no sealing, and absolutely no waiting for oil to heat. It’s an egg roll reimagined, simplified, and served up with a spoon. And trust us, it’s just as satisfying—if not more.
Why It’s a Popular Takeout-Style Dinner
There’s a reason this meal shows up in keto groups, meal prep blogs, and busy-family dinner rotations all across the country. It’s because it’s fast, flexible, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe brings all the nostalgia of your favorite takeout, minus the guilt.
You don’t need a giant skillet or a bunch of hard-to-find sauces. It uses pantry staples and simple veggies you probably already have. And when you add your own twist? You get restaurant vibes—customized exactly how you like it.
Benefits of a Deconstructed Egg Roll
By skipping the wrapper, you not only cut back on carbs and oil, but you also unlock the freedom to tweak the flavors, textures, and even the heat level. Whether you’re gluten-free, keto, paleo, or on Weight Watchers, this dish molds to your needs.
Plus, no wrappers means no breakage, no sticking, and no deep frying. Just real food, cooked quickly in one pan, and eaten happily from a bowl. That’s our kind of comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Flavorful: This entire Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. You barely have time to set the table before it’s ready to serve.
One-Pan Simplicity: You’ll only dirty one skillet. No baking trays, no steamer baskets, no drama.
Veggie-Loaded and Nutritious: Between the protein-packed meat and fiber-filled veggies, you’ll feel full and fueled.
Meal-Prep Gold: Leftovers reheat like a dream. Make a double batch and you’re set for a few days.
Ingredients Overview
To get started with your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, you’ll need some common ingredients that pack a punch:
Ground meat: Pork, beef, turkey, or chicken all work. Use what you love or what’s in the fridge.
Cabbage & Carrots: These bring the crunch and that egg roll flavor. Shredded or sliced thin.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for maximum flavor.
Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: For that salty, umami hit. Use low-sodium if preferred.
Sesame Oil, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings balance everything out with depth and warmth.
Tips for Ingredient Prep
Julienne Your Carrots: If you have a julienne peeler, awesome. If not, a box grater works great.
Cabbage Slicing Pro Tip: A sharp knife or mandolin gives you that fine, even shred that cooks perfectly.
Get Saucy Early: Measure out your soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices in advance so you can move fast when the skillet’s hot.
Substitutions and Alternatives
Need to tweak the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe? No problem:
Use Slaw Mix: Save time and grab pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store.
Swap the Protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, tofu—whatever you’re working with will do the job.
Go Soy-Free or Keto: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Skip sugar for keto. Need a Gluten Free Egg Roll in a Bowl? Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
Large Skillet or Wok: Room to stir is key.
Spatula: For breaking up meat and mixing.
Cutting Board and Knife: Prep like a pro.
Mandolin (Optional): Helps with uniform cabbage slices.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a skillet. Add your ground meat and break it apart. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Add Onions and Carrots: Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until onions are soft and carrots are tender.
Toss in Garlic and Ginger: Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Mix in Cabbage and Sauce: Add the cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sugar. Stir well and cook until the cabbage is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Add-Ins
Here’s where you take your bowl to the next level:
Add an Egg: Crack one in, scramble it, and stir it into the dish.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add savory depth.
Bell Peppers: Add color and sweetness.
Sriracha or Chili Flakes: Turn up the heat if that’s your thing.
Peanuts or Cashews: For crunch and contrast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
Don’t Overcook Cabbage: Keep it slightly crisp for that real egg roll texture.
Stir Often: You want even cooking and no sticking.
Season Smart: Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is hearty on its own, but also plays well with others:
Serve Over Rice: Regular or cauliflower rice are both great.
Add a Side: Try it with Roasted Cauliflower or an Asian-style salad.
Drizzle Sauce: Sweet & sour or peanut sauce takes it up a notch.
Toppings and Garnishes
Don’t forget the finishing touches:
Sliced Green Onions: Fresh and light.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Nutty and decorative.
Chili Oil: Adds flavor and flair.
How to Store Leftovers
Storage: Let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Reheat: Microwave or warm it in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the texture.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
Chop Early: Pre-cut your cabbage and carrots so dinner takes less than 10 minutes.
Double Up: Make a big batch and portion into lunch containers.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight and reheat for a fresh taste.
Variations by Dietary Needs
Eggroll in a Bowl Keto: Ditch the sugar and load up on protein and fats.
Gluten-Free Egg Roll in a Bowl: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Try tofu or a plant-based crumble.
How to Make It Spicy
For those who like it hot:
Sriracha: Drizzle on top or mix it in.
Chili Paste or Flakes: Add during cooking for consistent heat.
Spicy Sauce Add-Ons: Customize with hot sauces you love.
Kid-Friendly Modifications
Milder Flavors: Reduce garlic and skip the heat.
Small Cuts: Chop veggies into bite-sized pieces.
Familiar Additions: Serve over rice or mix in with noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meat? Absolutely. Any ground meat works great.
Can I use slaw mix? Yes, it’s a big time saver.
Can I dice the carrots? Sure. Diced or shredded—whatever works.
How long do leftovers last? Up to 3 days in the fridge.
Calories & Nutrition Breakdown
Each serving of our Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has approximately:
335 Calories
24g Protein
8g Carbs
23g Fat
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
Pair your bowl with:
Asian salad
Roasted veggies
Miso soup
Dumplings
Or try these: Cottage Cheese Eggs
What Makes This Recipe Unique
This isn’t just a lazy egg roll. It’s a smarter, faster, cleaner version with all the taste and none of the mess. We love how customizable it is—seriously, the options are endless.
Inspired by Takeout Favorites
Inspired by:
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Lo Mein
General Tso’s
Shrimp Fried Rice
And don’t miss our California Roll Bowls
More Recipes You’ll Love
Try more easy, delicious dishes:
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 onion finely diced
- 1 carrot julienned or grated
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions optional
- 1/4 tsp sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add diced onion and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until onion is translucent and carrot is tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well.
- Cook for another 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, pork, or tofu if preferred.
- For a keto version, skip the sugar and use coconut aminos.
- You can also add scrambled eggs, mushrooms, or spicy toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you’re looking for a flexible, fast, and family-approved dinner idea, this is it. Try this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe once and you’ll keep coming back. Got questions or tips? Leave a comment and let us know!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition facts are estimates. Always check your own labels and ingredients for accuracy.
