Quick Description

This Egg Roll in a Bowl takes all the flavors of a traditional egg roll — savory ground meat, shredded cabbage, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce — and serves them in a quick stir-fry without the deep-fried wrapper. It’s high in protein, naturally low in carbs, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving takeout-inspired comfort food.


Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients List

Base

  • 1 lb ground pork, chicken, or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo/Whole30)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Extra sesame seeds
  • Chili flakes or drizzle of sriracha

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 scrambled eggs mixed in for extra protein
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter (for “Thai-style” flavor)

Instructions

  1. Cook Meat: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Add ground pork (or chosen meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Veggies: Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry 5–7 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
  4. Add Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Mix well and cook another 2–3 minutes until flavors meld.
  5. Finish & Garnish: Remove from heat. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes. Serve hot.

Additional Notes

  • Meal Prep Hero: This dish reheats well for 4 days, making it perfect for lunch prep.
  • Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

Dietary Info

  • High-Protein
  • Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly
  • Gluten-Free Option (use tamari or coconut aminos)
  • Dairy-Free
  • Paleo-Friendly Option

Brief Introduction

The classic egg roll is crunchy, savory, and satisfying — but deep-fried wrappers and heavy oil can weigh you down. This recipe skips the wrapper and focuses on the filling — the best part! What you get is a lighter, faster, and healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

“Egg Roll in a Bowl” became a viral favorite in the keto, paleo, and high-protein communities because it’s low-carb, loaded with veggies, and endlessly customizable.


Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Narrative Expansion)

Step 1: The Protein Base
Ground pork gives authentic flavor, but ground chicken or turkey keeps it lighter. Even ground beef works.

Step 2: The Flavor Foundation
Garlic and ginger are non-negotiable — they build the Asian-inspired flavor base. Sesame oil deepens it.

Step 3: The Veggie Crunch
Cabbage and carrots mimic the egg roll filling. Coleslaw mix is a great shortcut. Mushrooms or bell peppers add bulk.

Step 4: The Sauce
Soy sauce + rice vinegar = salty-tangy balance. Sriracha adds heat. Coconut aminos make it paleo/Whole30 friendly.

Step 5: The Finish
Toppings elevate it: green onions for freshness, sesame seeds for crunch, chili for spice.


Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Ground Pork: Swap with turkey, chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles.
  • Cabbage: Use napa cabbage, coleslaw mix, or bok choy.
  • Soy Sauce: Sub with tamari (GF) or coconut aminos (paleo).
  • Rice Vinegar: Sub with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Egg Roll in a Bowl with Eggs – Stir in 2 scrambled eggs at the end.
  2. Spicy Thai Version – Add peanut butter, lime juice, and chili flakes.
  3. Keto Egg Roll Bowl – Add extra ground meat + skip carrots.
  4. Vegetarian Bowl – Use tofu, edamame, or mushrooms.
  5. Egg Roll Stir-Fry Wraps – Spoon filling into lettuce wraps for handheld fun.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Store in fridge up to 4 days in airtight containers.
  • Freeze portions up to 2 months (reheat in skillet, not microwave, to avoid soggy cabbage).
  • Best for meal prep — stays flavorful without getting boring.

FAQs

Q1: Why is it called “Egg Roll in a Bowl” if there’s no egg?
The name comes from the egg roll filling — though adding scrambled eggs is a tasty option!

Q2: Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use tofu or tempeh, and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q3: What do I serve with it?
It’s filling on its own, but can be served over cauliflower rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.

Q4: Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add sriracha, chili paste, or crushed red pepper to taste.


Optional Personal Story

When I first started eating lower-carb, I missed takeout egg rolls badly. The crunch, the filling, the dipping sauce — it felt off-limits. But then I tried this version, and I realized the filling was the real star. Now, I make “Egg Roll in a Bowl” almost weekly — swapping proteins, adding veggies, and meal-prepping it for easy lunches.


Call-to-Action

If you loved this Egg Roll in a Bowl, share it with someone who misses takeout egg rolls but wants a healthier option. Try a variation — spicy Thai, keto, or vegetarian — and post your creations.