Are you a fan of the savory, satisfying taste of an egg roll but want a healthier, low-carb option? Look no further! This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe has all the flavors you love from a traditional egg roll but skips the greasy wrapper, making it a lighter, more wholesome meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With easy-to-find ingredients, straightforward instructions, and minimal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to find out how you can whip up this delicious, nutritious, and customizable dish!
What is "Egg Roll in a Bowl"?
"Egg Roll in a Bowl" is a deconstructed version of the classic egg roll. Instead of wrapping the flavorful filling in a deep-fried shell, this recipe combines everything in a skillet, giving you the taste of an egg roll without the extra carbs and fat. This dish features ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and various seasonings that bring a burst of umami and spice to your plate. It’s a great meal prep option, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and can easily be tailored to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients List for "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
To make a classic Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Meat: 1 lb of ground pork, turkey, beef, or chicken.
- Cabbage: 3-4 cups shredded cabbage or a bag of coleslaw mix.
- Carrots: 1 cup shredded carrots.
- Onion: 1 small onion, diced.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Soy Sauce: 3-4 tablespoons (or use tamari for a gluten-free option).
- Sesame Oil: 1-2 teaspoons for that signature egg roll flavor.
- Green Onions: 2-3 stalks, sliced for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat.
Ingredients List for "Egg Roll in a Bowl" Sauce
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: 2-3 tablespoons.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to spice preference).
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): 1 teaspoon for a hint of sweetness.
- Water: 1-2 tablespoons, to thin the sauce if needed.
The sauce ingredients will give your Egg Roll in a Bowl an authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile. This sauce can be drizzled on top or mixed into the dish at the end of cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Options: Swap ground pork with turkey, chicken, or beef. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or mushrooms.
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option, or low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Cabbage Variations: Instead of green cabbage, try using Napa cabbage or a mix of green and purple cabbage for more color.
- Spice Level: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or even a dash of chili paste.
- Additional Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini can be added for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Low-Carb Options: For a keto-friendly twist, skip the carrots or substitute them with radishes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, shredding the carrots and cabbage (if not using a pre-shredded mix), and mincing the garlic and ginger.
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the diced onions. Sauté until they’re translucent, then add the garlic and ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Combine Meat and Vegetables: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the cabbage and carrots. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Pour this mixture over the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or spice to suit your preference.
- Garnish: Top with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
How to Cook "Egg Roll in a Bowl": A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking an Egg Roll in a Bowl is simple, quick, and requires only one pan. Here's a condensed guide to get you through each step:
- Brown the meat – In a large skillet, cook the ground meat until browned.
- Sauté aromatics – Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan, cooking until fragrant.
- Add vegetables – Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Mix sauce – Pour a flavorful sauce over the meat and veggies.
- Garnish and serve – Top with green onions and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Cabbage: Cabbage should be slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. Overcooking can make it mushy and watery.
- Skipping the Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and onions are essential for flavor. Don’t skip them, or the dish may taste bland.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is salty, so start with a little and add more if needed to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Cooking Everything at Once: Cooking the meat separately ensures that it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: If using a fatty ground meat, drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For the best dining experience, consider these tips:
- Serve Over Rice: While this dish is great on its own, you can serve it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve in Bowls: Presentation matters! Serving this dish in bowls helps capture all the flavors and makes it look more inviting.
How to Serve "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
Egg Roll in a Bowl can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or can be eaten as-is for a lighter, low-carb option. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad. This dish can also be meal-prepped for lunch by storing it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Presentation Ideas for "Egg Roll in a Bowl"
- Layered Bowls: Layer the rice, followed by the egg roll mixture, and top with green onions and sesame seeds for a picture-perfect bowl.
- Bento Style: Pair your Egg Roll in a Bowl with other Asian-inspired dishes in a bento box for an eye-catching meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding a touch of cilantro or basil can elevate both the flavor and the presentation.
"Egg Roll in a Bowl" Recipe Tips
- Use Pre-Shredded Cabbage: Save time by using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the meat and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice by adjusting the sriracha or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store Leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes! Substitute the ground meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
2. Is Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?
- Absolutely! Just make sure to avoid adding sugar or sweet sauces, and skip high-carb veggies.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze it. However, the texture of the cabbage may change slightly. Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. What’s the best way to reheat Egg Roll in a Bowl?
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
5. Can I use pre-made coleslaw mix?
- Yes, a bagged coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots works perfectly and saves time.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate quick and easy recipe that brings all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll into a convenient, healthier, one-pan meal. With its balance of protein, veggies, and bold Asian-inspired flavors, it’s sure to satisfy cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a low-carb dinner, or simply want a fast, nutritious meal, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any lifestyle. Try it out and see how this simple yet flavorful dish becomes a staple in your kitchen!
PrintEgg Roll In A Bowl Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a fast, flavorful, low-carb dish with seasoned ground pork, crisp cabbage, and a savory, tangy sauce. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a one-pan meal that's keto-friendly, paleo, and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage softens, about 5 minutes.
- Pour soy sauce and rice vinegar into the skillet, stirring to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add sriracha or chili flakes.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
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