Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

Introduction

Have you ever craved the crispy, savory goodness of an egg roll but didn’t feel like dealing with the frying or the mess? Well, I’ve got you covered with this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl! It’s everything you love about egg rolls—tender vegetables, flavorful ground meat, and that delicious soy-sesame sauce—without all the fuss. Think of it as an egg roll filling, but in a much simpler, lighter form. The best part? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes!

This dish has quickly become one of my go-to weeknight meals. It’s so easy to throw together, and it’s incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a fun dish to serve at a casual gathering, this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s customizable to your dietary needs—whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or just looking for a lighter alternative to traditional egg rolls, this dish has you covered.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a way to enjoy the flavors of an egg roll without the deep frying. It felt like the perfect solution! Since then, it’s become a staple in my house, and I often find myself making it multiple times a week. The combination of the savory soy sauce, crunchy veggies, and juicy ground meat is just so satisfying, and it’s surprisingly low maintenance. If you’re a fan of egg rolls (who isn’t?), then you’re going to love this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll be honest—Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of those recipes that’s so good, it feels like a cheat meal. But, it’s not! Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Super Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Seriously, who doesn’t love that?
• Healthy-ish Comfort Food: It’s packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls. It has all the comforting flavors but without the grease.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer chicken over beef or want to make it vegetarian, this recipe can handle it all!
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough to please picky eaters, but you can spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to add some heat.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping. Plus, it reheats beautifully!

The best part? It’s satisfying in all the right ways. The crunchy cabbage, tender ground meat, and savory sauce hit every craving you could possibly have, and you don’t even have to deal with the hassle of frying egg rolls. It’s like a cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that comes together in no time.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef (Turkey is a leaner option, but beef will give you that classic egg roll taste)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (for that delicious, nutty flavor)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (adds a bit of tang to balance the flavors)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger (brings a warm, aromatic depth)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for that extra layer of flavor)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Ground Turkey or Beef: The protein base for the dish, offering a savory richness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy veggies.
• Coleslaw Mix: This is your shortcut to a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, making prep super easy while giving the dish the signature crunch you expect from an egg roll.
• Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce: These two ingredients form the backbone of the sauce and provide that umami flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Helps balance out the richness of the sesame oil and soy sauce with a bit of acidity.
• Ginger and Garlic Powder: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, mimicking the classic taste of egg rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Get these out of the way first so they’re ready to go when you need them.
   • If you’re using whole cabbage and carrots, shred them finely. But to save time, I love using pre-packaged coleslaw mix that already has cabbage and carrots mixed together. It’s a huge time-saver!
2. Cook the Ground Meat:
   • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground turkey or beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks to help bring out its flavor.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Once your meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Add the Coleslaw Mix:
   • Stir in the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots). Toss the mixture around to combine. The cabbage will start to soften after about 3-4 minutes of cooking, but you want it to still retain a bit of crunch for texture.
5. Season with Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce:
   • Drizzle the sesame oil and soy sauce over the veggie-meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. At this point, you should start smelling the wonderful aroma of sesame oil mingling with the soy sauce. It’s like a party in your kitchen!
6. Add the Rice Vinegar and Spices:
   • Pour in the rice vinegar and sprinkle in the ginger, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Taste and Adjust:
   • Give everything a taste! Depending on your preferences, you might want to add a little more soy sauce, vinegar, or even a splash of sesame oil to suit your taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning here.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Once everything is cooked and the cabbage is tender but still crisp, remove the pan from heat. Serve your egg roll mixture in bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a fresh, crunchy element to each bite.

How to Serve

Here are some simple ways to serve this delicious Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• Serve over rice: This is an excellent way to stretch the dish. The savory filling pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed rice.
• Pair with a side of pickled vegetables: The acidity and crunch of pickled veggies, like cucumbers or radishes, add a nice contrast to the savory egg roll bowl.
• Enjoy with a drizzle of sriracha: If you like heat, a little sriracha or chili oil will add an extra kick to the dish.

You can also enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal. It’s the perfect dish for both weeknight dinners and meal prep!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this dish:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and green onions make a big difference in flavor and texture. They’ll give your dish that crunchy, satisfying bite!
2. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The cabbage should still have some crunch to it when you serve it. Overcooking will make it mushy, and we’re aiming for the perfect balance of tender yet crispy.
3. Make It Vegan: You can easily make this recipe plant-based by using tofu or tempeh instead of ground meat. Press the tofu first to remove excess moisture and then crumble it into the skillet.
4. Spice It Up: If you like more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish. You can also experiment with chili paste or Sriracha to give it more depth.
5. Batch Cooking: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe Variations

This dish is so versatile—you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a satisfying gluten-free meal.
• Low-Carb: To make this recipe even more low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice. You’ll still get all the flavor without the extra carbs!
• Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for a plant-based protein like tempeh or mushrooms. Both options will soak up the delicious flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil while providing that hearty texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add a spoonful of chili paste or chopped jalapeños to bring some extra heat. If you’re a fan of spicy food, this one’s for you!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with some side dishes or beverages for a complete meal:

• Side Dishes: Serve this with a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or a simple green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette.
• For a Heartier Meal: Pair it with some crispy roasted sweet potatoes or a bowl of miso soup to make the meal even more filling.
• Drink Pairing: A refreshing iced tea with a hint of lemon or a cold glass of sparkling water would pair wonderfully with the rich and savory flavors of this dish.

Freezing and Storage

You can easily store leftovers or make a big batch and freeze it for later.

• Storage: Store leftover egg roll in a bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It makes for a quick lunch or dinner when you’re in a pinch!
• Freezing: If you want to freeze it, allow the egg roll mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok: A large pan will help you cook everything evenly without overcrowding. A wok works especially well to give you that stir-fry-like texture.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the onion and mincing garlic with ease.
• Rice Cooker (Optional): If you’re serving this over rice, a rice cooker can make the process a breeze. Just set it and forget it while you make the rest of the dish!

FAQ Section

Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of beef or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken or even ground pork works well in this recipe. They will both absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil just as nicely as turkey or beef.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the meat and veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. Reheat it the next day and add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings right before serving.

Can I use frozen coleslaw mix?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage and carrots in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, but it won’t have the same rich, nutty flavor. You can also try adding a small spoonful of peanut butter to replicate the flavor a bit.

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Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, yet so satisfying, and I promise it’s going to be a hit with your family or friends. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram if you make it—I love seeing your creations! And, if you’ve got any questions, or if you made a fun tweak to the recipe, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Happy cooking, friends!