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
- 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.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Veggies: Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry 5–7 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
- Add Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Mix well and cook another 2–3 minutes until flavors meld.
- 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
- Egg Roll in a Bowl with Eggs – Stir in 2 scrambled eggs at the end.
- Spicy Thai Version – Add peanut butter, lime juice, and chili flakes.
- Keto Egg Roll Bowl – Add extra ground meat + skip carrots.
- Vegetarian Bowl – Use tofu, edamame, or mushrooms.
- 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.