Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Healthy, Flavorful One-Pan Wonder

If you love the savory crunch of an egg roll but want to skip the deep-fried wrapper, this Egg Roll in a Bowl is your answer. Packed with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables, this dish delivers all the classic flavors of your favorite takeout appetizer in a lighter, low-carb format. Ready in just 30 minutes and cooked in a single skillet, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re following a keto, gluten-free, or simply health-conscious diet, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your needs.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Essential Tools and Equipment

To make this recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Skillet or Wok: A wide, deep pan ensures even cooking and enough space to stir-fry the vegetables without overcrowding.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for finely dicing onions, mincing garlic, and shredding cabbage and carrots.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision matters for balancing the salty, tangy, and umami flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces.

Each tool plays a critical role. The skillet’s ample surface area helps vegetables cook evenly, while a sharp knife speeds up prep work. Measuring tools ensure the perfect harmony of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spices.

Preparation Tips for Efficiency

• Prep Ahead: Shred the cabbage and carrots a day in advance to cut down on active cooking time.
• Batch Mince Garlic and Ginger: Save extra minced garlic and ginger in the fridge for future recipes.
• Protein Swaps: While ground turkey keeps the dish lean, ground pork or chicken work equally well for varied flavor profiles.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this flavorful dish:

For the Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken, pork, or beef)
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth (to deglaze the pan)
• 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (added at the end for depth)

Optional Toppings for Serving:

• Cooked white rice
• Thinly sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha mayo (for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. For a leaner dish, drain excess fat before proceeding.

Sauté the Vegetables
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. Stir in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze the Skillet
Pour in the chicken broth, using the spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth to the dish.

Add Cabbage and Seasonings
Stir in the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.

Finish the Dish
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil, stirring to combine. This final touch enhances the dish with a nutty aroma.

Serve
Spoon the mixture over cooked rice (if using) and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor and texture.

Now that your Egg Roll in a Bowl is ready, let’s explore the best ways to serve it, mistakes to avoid for optimal flavor, and side dishes that complement this dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the savory turkey and cabbage mixture over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, carb-free meal, spoon the mixture into crisp butter lettuce leaves or romaine hearts. The fresh crunch mimics the texture of an egg roll wrapper.
• Bowl Style: Keep it simple by serving it as a standalone bowl, topped with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for heat.
• With Extra Sauce: If you love saucy dishes, mix a little extra hoisin sauce or teriyaki glaze into the skillet before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go wrong with a few missteps. Here’s how to perfect your Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if your skillet is small.
• Skipping the Sesame Oil: This finishing oil adds a nutty depth—don’t omit it or substitute with plain oil.
• Underseasoning: Cabbage absorbs a lot of flavor, so taste before serving and adjust with extra soy sauce or rice vinegar if needed.
• Overcooking the Cabbage: Cook just until tender-crisp (about 12–15 minutes). Mushy cabbage loses its satisfying crunch.
• Using Pre-Shredded Coleslaw Mix: While convenient, pre-packaged mixes often lack freshness. Shredding your own cabbage and carrots ensures better texture and flavor.

8 Perfect Side Dish Recommendations

Pair your Egg Roll in a Bowl with these complementary sides for a complete meal:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic choice that balances the dish’s bold flavors.
2. Kimchi – Adds a spicy, fermented tang that cuts through the richness.
3. Miso Soup – A light, umami-packed starter that enhances the Asian-inspired theme.
4. Edamame – Tossed with sea salt, these young soybeans provide a protein-rich snack.
5. Asian Cucumber Salad – Thinly sliced cucumbers in a rice vinegar dressing offer a refreshing contrast.
6. Baked Spring Rolls – A crispy, lighter alternative to deep-fried egg rolls.
7. Stir-Fried Green Beans – Quick-cooked with garlic and soy sauce for extra crunch.
8. Fortune Cookies – A fun, sweet finish to round out the meal.

How to Adjust for Dietary Preferences

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap ground turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth.
• Paleo/Whole30: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and omit rice vinegar (or use apple cider vinegar).
• Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or extra sriracha to the skillet.

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to for busy nights, meal prep, or even a quick lunch. By avoiding common pitfalls and pairing it with the right sides, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Egg Roll in a Bowl, let’s ensure you can enjoy it beyond the first serving. This section covers storage best practices, answers to common questions, and final tips to make this dish a regular in your meal rotation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage keeps your leftovers tasting fresh while maintaining the ideal texture:

• Refrigeration:
  Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing (Not Recommended):
  While you can freeze this dish, the cabbage becomes watery and limp upon thawing. If you must freeze it, store in a sealed container for up to 1 month, but expect a softer texture when reheated.
• Reheating for Best Results:
  • Skillet Method: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through (about 5 minutes).
  • Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to avoid uneven heating.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Enhance Flavor: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the cabbage to absorb more of the savory sauce.
• Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily for meal prep or crowds. Use a large Dutch oven if doubling to accommodate the extra volume.
• Cabbage Alternatives: Swap green cabbage with Napa cabbage for a milder taste or bok choy for added tenderness.
• Extra Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips just before serving for contrasting texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground pork offers a richer flavor, while ground chicken keeps it lean. For a plant-based version, try crumbled firm tofu or tempeh.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check labels on other sauces (like hoisin or sriracha mayo) to ensure compliance.

3. How can I make this spicier?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes while cooking, or drizzle with chili crisp or sambal oelek before serving.

4. Why does my cabbage turn out soggy?
Overcooking is the culprit. Cook just until the cabbage is tender-crisp (about 12–15 minutes), and avoid covering the skillet for the entire time.

5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts work well. Add them with the carrots to ensure even cooking.

6. What’s the best way to shred cabbage quickly?
Use a mandoline slicer or the shredding attachment on a food processor. Alternatively, slice thinly with a sharp knife.

7. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the Sauté function for the turkey and veggies, then add cabbage and cook on High Pressure for 1 minute, followed by a quick release.

Final Thoughts

Egg Roll in a Bowl is more than a quick dinner—it’s a customizable, nutrient-packed meal that satisfies cravings without compromise. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a family, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With its 30-minute timeline, minimal cleanup, and adaptable ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Pro Tip: For an extra restaurant-quality touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Egg Roll in a Bowl

This Egg Roll in a Bowl has all the delicious flavors of your favorite Chinese appetizer but skips the deep-fried wrapper! Made in one skillet and ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb and healthy dinner is easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 4

Calories: 293kcal

Ingredients

For the Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small sweet onion finely diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 small head cabbage about 8 cups shredded
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked white rice
• Green onions green parts only, thinly sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha mayo

Instructions

Cook the Turkey:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground turkey and cook until almost done, about 5-6 minutes.

Cook the Vegetables:

• Push the turkey to one side of the pan.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in shredded carrots, garlic, and ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Deglaze the Skillet:

• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add Cabbage and Seasonings:

• Stir in shredded cabbage, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking.

Finish the Dish:

• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in toasted sesame oil.

Serve:

• Serve the egg roll mixture over white rice (if using).
• Top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo for extra flavor, if desired.
• Notes
• Prep Ahead: This dish can be prepared a couple of days in advance for better flavor. Shred the carrots and cabbage a day ahead to save time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the cabbage will become mushy after thawing. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for the best texture or in the microwave if needed.
• Cabbage Tip: Freshly shredded cabbage is recommended for the best results.