Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl – A Quick Asian Food Favorite

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, an egg roll in a bowl is a great choice. This recipe takes the flavors of an egg roll but skips the wrapper, turning it into a simple, one-pan dish you can whip up in under 20 minutes. It’s made with ground meat, cabbage, and a sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout.

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You don’t need to be a chef to make this. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a healthy, satisfying dinner ready fast. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

You’ll need a few simple ingredients like ground meat, cabbage, and some key sauces to get started. Cooking is mostly about browning the meat, adding the veggies, and mixing in the sauce for flavor. Small tips can help you boost taste and keep the right texture.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant and the onion is softened.

Stir in the coleslaw mix and cook until the cabbage begins to soften, about 5 minutes.

Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using), stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Perfect Flavor

Don’t skip drizzling sesame oil at the end—it adds a deep, nutty flavor.

Use fresh green onions and sesame seeds as a topping for extra crunch and taste.

Be careful not to overcook the cabbage; it should stay slightly crunchy to keep the texture balanced.

Adjust soy sauce to taste, especially if you want it less salty or more flavorful.

If you like it spicy, add a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.

Customizing Your Egg Roll in a Bowl

You can easily change up this dish to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Switch the meat, add different veggies, or try new sauces and seasonings to make it your own. Here’s how you can customize each part.

Protein Variations

Ground pork is the classic choice, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer beef, lean ground beef works well and adds a richer flavor.

For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or tempeh crumbles. Cook them with the same spices to keep that savory taste. Shrimp is another great option if you want something different and quick to cook.

You can mix two proteins together, like pork and beef, for more taste. Just adjust cooking times since seafood cooks faster than meat.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Cabbage is the main veggie, but you can pile on more colors and textures. Shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or chopped green onions add sweetness and crunch.

Try mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or add snap peas for a bit of crunch and freshness. You can also toss in bean sprouts right at the end for some extra crispness.

If you like your dish spicy, adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes can boost the heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Sauce and Seasoning Ideas

Soy sauce or tamari is the base for the sauce, giving that classic salty flavor. You can add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for tanginess.

Ginger and garlic are essential for that egg roll taste. Feel free to increase or decrease them to your liking.

For a creamy kick, drizzle some spicy mayo or a bang bang sauce made with sriracha and mayo. If you prefer sweet over spicy, a small amount of hoisin or honey works great.

Don’t forget black pepper and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for the finishing touch. This keeps the flavors balanced and interesting.

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