Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of your favorite takeout—lighter, faster, and deeply satisfying
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a clever, modern dish inspired by the classic Chinese-American egg roll. Instead of wrapping the filling in a fried shell, all the savory components are cooked together in one pan and served as a hearty, low-carb, gluten-free meal. The result is everything you love about an egg roll—savory meat, tender cabbage, aromatic garlic and ginger, and that unmistakable sesame-soy depth—without the extra oil or fuss.
This dish has become a weeknight favorite because it’s quick, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a warm, nourishing bowl that tastes indulgent but feels light and balanced.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Protein
- 500 g (1 lb) ground pork
(or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or grated
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: sriracha or chili oil
🔪 Preparation & Cooking
1. Prepare your ingredients
Before turning on the heat, prep all vegetables. Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures it softens evenly while keeping a pleasant bite. Grated carrots melt gently into the dish, adding subtle sweetness and color.
Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This quick sauce will tie everything together at the end.
2. Brown the meat
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil, then the ground pork.
Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until fully browned and slightly crispy in spots. Browning is essential—it builds deep, savory flavor that mimics the richness of a fried egg roll.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then push the meat to one side of the pan.
3. Build the aromatics
In the open space of the pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them—gentle heat preserves their aroma and sweetness.
Stir everything together so the aromatics coat the meat evenly.
4. Add vegetables
Add the cabbage and carrots in batches if needed. At first, the pan will look very full, but cabbage cooks down significantly.
Stir frequently and cook for 6–8 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. You want a texture similar to a well-made egg roll filling—soft, slightly crisp, and juicy.
5. Season and finish
Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss well to coat. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb and lightly glaze the vegetables and meat.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more soy sauce for salt, vinegar for brightness, or chili oil for heat.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy it:
- On its own as a low-carb meal
- Over steamed jasmine rice
- With cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- Wrapped in lettuce cups for extra crunch
👨🍳 Chef Tips for Best Flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Use a large skillet so the vegetables sauté instead of steaming.
- Toasted sesame oil goes last: Its aroma is delicate—adding it too early dulls the flavor.
- White pepper adds authentic egg-roll flavor; black pepper works but is slightly bolder.
- Fresh ginger is key—powdered ginger lacks the same brightness.
🌿 Variations & Customizations
Protein Swaps
- Ground chicken or turkey for a leaner dish
- Shrimp, finely chopped, for a seafood twist
- Crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version
Flavor Boosts
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness
- Stir in a teaspoon of miso for umami depth
- Finish with lime juice for a modern fusion touch
Extra Vegetables
- Mushrooms for earthiness
- Bell peppers for sweetness
- Bean sprouts for crunch
🥗 Make-Ahead & Storage
Egg Roll in a Bowl stores beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (texture softens slightly but flavor remains excellent)
Reheat gently in a skillet for best results.
🍷 Beverage Pairing
- Crisp lager or light pilsner
- Dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with lime and ginger
✨ Final Result
This Egg Roll in a Bowl delivers bold, savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s comforting without being heavy, nostalgic yet modern—a perfect example of how classic flavors can evolve into something healthier and just as satisfying.