Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

If you love the irresistible flavors of an egg roll but want a quicker, healthier, and low-carb alternative, the Egg Roll in a Bowl is an absolute game changer. This dish captures all the crunchy, savory goodness of the classic appetizer, but without the hassle of wrapping or deep frying. Bursting with vibrant textures from shredded cabbage, carrots, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, it’s a one-skillet wonder that brings comforting, Asian-inspired layers straight to your plate. Trust me, once you try this Egg Roll in a Bowl, it will become your go-to weeknight dinner for its simplicity and mouthwatering taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a flavor-packed meal. Each item lends something special, whether it’s the deep umami from soy sauce, the fragrant warmth of ginger, or the fresh crunch from coleslaw mix. The balance of textures and seasonings is key to achieving that authentic egg roll flavor without the wrapper.

• Ground beef: The hearty base that brings richness and protein to the dish.
• Large onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens while cooking.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses a lovely aromatic punch that’s classic in Asian cooking.
• Sesame oil: Provides a nutty, toasty layer that elevates flavor instantly.
• Carrots, shredded: Brings a hint of natural sweetness and bright color.
• Coleslaw mix: A convenient combination of cabbage and shredded veggies for crunch and freshness.
• Onion powder: Enhances flavor with subtle savory notes.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness throughout the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle spicy kick for balance.
• Ground ginger: Imparts warming, zesty undertones typical in egg roll fillings.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone that ties everything together.
• Vegetable oil: Helps blend the sauce and cook ingredients evenly.
• Green onions (optional): A fresh, crisp garnish to finish off your dish beautifully.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it just loses its pinkness, but be careful to keep the pieces larger rather than breaking the meat into crumbles. This texture will add a satisfying bite to your Egg Roll in a Bowl. Once browned, drain off any excess grease for a less oily dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Return the browned beef to the stove and stir in finely diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent. This step layers in wonderful sweetness and aromatic depth, while keeping those meat pieces intact keeps things hearty and less mushy.

Step 3: Add Sesame Oil, Carrots, and Coleslaw Mix

Pour in 2 tablespoons of fragrant sesame oil, then add shredded carrots and the coleslaw mix. Using tongs, gently toss everything together so the oil coats the veggies and beef nicely. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage just starts to wilt but still has some crunch, bringing that classic egg roll texture right to your bowl.

Step 4: Combine Seasonings and Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this savory, spiced sauce over the skillet ingredients, stirring to evenly fluff and flavor every bite.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Lower the heat and allow everything to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and softens the vegetables just right, creating a comforting and satisfying Egg Roll in a Bowl.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

Garnishes

To brighten the dish and add a fresh note, sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving. They bring a pop of color and a crisp bite that complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also be a delightful touch.

Side Dishes

This Egg Roll in a Bowl shines best on its own as a hearty, all-in-one meal, but if you want to round out your dinner, light sides like steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice work beautifully. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can offer a refreshing balance to the warm and savory skillet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl in noodle bowls or small lettuce cups for some hands-on eating that captures the spirit of Asian street food. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of Sriracha can give it an extra exciting kick that your friends and family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or quick dinner option that’s just as delicious reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Divide cooled Egg Roll in a Bowl into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help retain moisture and brighten the flavors that sometimes mellow after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it fully and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Is Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free?

It can be, depending on the soy sauce you choose. Using gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce makes this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I add noodles to this dish?

You definitely can! Adding cooked rice noodles or even shredded ramen can make the dish extra hearty, though that shifts it from the classic low-carb style of Egg Roll in a Bowl.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but it’s very mild overall. You can always adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili sauce to dial up the spice.

What’s the best way to shred the carrots?

Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding blade works great. Fine shredding helps the carrots blend into the mix, contributing sweetness and color without overpowering texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of an Egg Roll in a Bowl after a busy day. It’s flavorful, quick, and satisfying, showing that you can enjoy your favorite takeout taste right at home with minimal fuss. I hope this recipe finds a special place in your kitchen rotation—it’s sure to become a beloved staple as much as it is in mine!

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