There is nothing quite like the bold, savory flavors of an Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe to satisfy those cravings for a crunchy, flavorful meal without all the fuss of wrapping and frying. This dish brilliantly captures the essence of your favorite egg roll fillings in a quick skillet meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes. Packed with ground beef, shredded veggies, and a luscious soy-ginger sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome and is guaranteed to become one of your go-to meals when you want comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the hearty ground beef to the crispy coleslaw mix, every item brings something special that elevates the dish.
- Ground beef (1½ pounds): The rich, savory base of the dish, providing protein and hearty flavor.
- Large onion, diced finely: Adds sweetness and sharpness that perfectly complements the meat.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): A punch of aromatic depth that blends beautifully with the other seasonings.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Offers a toasty, nutty flavor that makes this dish feel authentically Asian-inspired.
- Carrots, peeled and finely shredded (½ cup): Bring a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Coleslaw mix (16 ounces): This crunchy cabbage and carrot blend adds bulk and texture, mimicking the crispness inside an egg roll wrapper.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Supplements the fresh garlic for a more rounded garlicky taste.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, balanced heat that wakes up the palate.
- Ground ginger (1½ teaspoons): Gives a warm, zesty kick that’s signature to Asian cuisine.
- Low sodium soy sauce (½ to ¾ cup): Provides umami depth and savory saltiness, controlling the overall salt level.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to sauté the ingredients smoothly without overpowering the sesame oil’s flavor.
- Green onions (optional): A fresh, mild onion touch to garnish and brighten up the finished dish.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s no longer pink. The key here is to avoid breaking the meat into tiny pieces; keeping it chunkier will create better texture and mimic the satisfying meaty bites you’d find inside a traditional egg roll.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease, then return the skillet to the stove. Toss in the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until the onions become soft and translucent. The onions will add a lovely sweetness and soften the intensity of the garlic.
Step 3: Mix in Sesame Oil, Carrots, and Coleslaw
Drizzle in the sesame oil, then add the shredded carrots and the coleslaw mix. Using tongs or a sturdy spoon, gently combine everything. The veggies will begin to soften and release their natural juices, melding their flavors with the meat over about 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Combine the Seasonings and Sauce
In a small separate bowl, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this vibrant mixture over the beef and veggie blend, stirring well so that every bite is infused with these aromatic, savory notes.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish Cooking
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften just enough while still maintaining a bit of crunch, and lets the flavors fully marry into that familiar egg roll taste we all love.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions sprinkled over the top add a pleasant crispness and vibrant color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. You can also add a few sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty accent.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or cauliflower rice if you’re looking to keep things low-carb. A light cucumber salad or edamame beans also make refreshing sides that complement the flavorful main without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside lettuce cups for easy handheld bites. Another idea is to top it over crispy wonton chips to add crunch and a playful contrast. Either way, it’s an easy dish to adapt for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stores very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunch options.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture of the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce while reheating can revive some moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe and provide a lighter alternative while still soaking up all the delicious seasonings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to keep all the wonderful flavor without gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize the dish with extra veggies.
How spicy is this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
The heat comes from a small amount of red pepper flakes, which is mild but noticeable; you can easily adjust or omit them to suit your preferred spice level.
Is sesame oil necessary?
While not absolutely mandatory, sesame oil contributes a distinctive nuttiness that’s key to achieving the classic egg roll flavor vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights and anytime comfort food cravings strike. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that doesn’t sacrifice satisfaction while being quicker and less messy than a traditional egg roll. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how simple ingredients can transform into a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal. Happy cooking!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe offers a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional egg rolls. Combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory Asian-inspired seasonings sautéed together in a skillet, it delivers all the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced finely
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Vegetables
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely shredded
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ – ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce (about ½ cup used)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is no longer pink, being careful to keep the meat in larger chunks rather than breaking it down into small pieces.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Drain excess grease from the skillet and return it to the stove. Add the finely diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent. Keep the ground beef in large pieces during this process.
- Add Sesame Oil and Vegetables: Pour in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, then add the shredded carrots and coleslaw mix. Use tongs to combine everything thoroughly, and cook for approximately 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
- Mix Seasonings and Soy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Simmer and Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking everything together for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm as a flavorful, low-carb meal.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- You can add shredded cabbage to enhance texture and nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
