If you’re craving the flavors of a traditional egg roll but prefer a healthier, low-carb version without the deep frying, this egg roll in a bowl recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it an easy-to-make, one-pan meal, but it’s also ideal for weeknight dinners and meal prep. Packed with protein, veggies, and Asian-inspired seasonings, this dish quickly becomes a favorite for those following keto, gluten-free, or paleo diets.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This deconstructed egg roll in a bowl comes together in just 20 minutes and offers several benefits:
- Healthy: It’s lower in carbs than traditional egg rolls and packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage.
- Quick & Easy: Since it requires minimal prep and just one skillet, clean-up is a breeze.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to fit different diets and flavor preferences. Additionally, the dish can be paired with other light appetizers to create a complete meal.
Furthermore, this dish delivers the savory, umami flavors you love from egg rolls while being more nutritious. Ingredients like cabbage bring essential nutrients to the meal, making it even more appealing for health-conscious eaters. If you want to learn more about the benefits of cabbage, check out this guide.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients and their benefits:
- Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken): Lean, protein-rich, and flavorful.
- Cabbage: A low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that’s loaded with vitamins C and K.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and richness to the dish. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor and offers antimicrobial benefits.
- Sesame oil: This provides the nutty, traditional Asian flavor that makes this dish stand out.
To make the dish more filling, serve your egg roll in a bowl over rice. If you’re trying to keep it low-carb, you can easily swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Learn how to make the perfect rice for this dish here.
If you’re planning a party or want to create a more diverse menu, consider serving this dish alongside this quick and cheesy Rotel dip. Both dishes are easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests.
How to Make an Egg Roll in a Bowl Step-by-Step
To create your egg roll in a bowl in just a few minutes, follow these easy steps:
- Cook the meat: First, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add your choice of ground meat and cook until browned. Be sure to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Add vegetables: Next, stir in the onions, garlic, and shredded carrots. As you continue to cook, make sure the onions turn translucent, and the carrots soften.
- Add cabbage: After that, toss in the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. If you like a bit of heat, add a drizzle of Sriracha or sprinkle on red pepper flakes.
Variations and Add-Ons for Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Therefore, here are some ways you can switch things up:
- Change up the protein: You can swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add more vegetables: Additionally, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to boost the nutritional value.
- Extra toppings: For more crunch and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped peanuts or drizzling hoisin sauce.
- Serve with rice: For a more substantial meal, you can serve it over brown rice, or if you prefer, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
If you’re looking for a light starter to pair with this meal, consider easy smoked salmon appetizers. Smoked salmon pairs wonderfully with the Asian flavors of this recipe and can be a great way to kick off your meal.
Egg Roll in a Bowl for Special Diets
This dish is highly adaptable, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs:
- Keto-friendly: To keep it low-carb, skip the rice and soy sauce, opting for coconut aminos and cauliflower rice.
- Gluten-free: You can easily use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Paleo: Swap sesame oil for avocado oil, and use coconut aminos for a compliant sauce option.
No matter what your dietary needs are, this recipe can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips for Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Therefore, here’s how to make it last:
- Storage: First, keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
For meal prep, simply portion the dish into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu will work well in this recipe. However, make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Can I use store-bought slaw mix instead of shredding cabbage and carrots?
Absolutely! A pre-shredded slaw mix saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How long will this dish last in the fridge?
Stored properly, this egg roll in a bowl will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe keto-friendly or gluten-free?
Yes! By using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and pairing it with cauliflower rice, this recipe becomes keto-friendly. For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Top Tips for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should still have some crunch for texture.
- Adjust the soy sauce to taste. If the dish is too salty, balance it out with a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar.
- Add heat with Sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like spicy food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the egg roll in a bowl is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional egg rolls, offering all the flavors without the carbs. As a result, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit many different diets, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how simple it is to bring the bold flavors of Asian cuisine to your table, without the extra work of rolling and frying egg rolls!