There's something absolutely brilliant about taking all the incredible flavors of your favorite egg roll and transforming them into a hearty, satisfying bowl meal. I discovered this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe during one of those busy weeknights when I was craving takeout but needed something healthier and faster than waiting for delivery.
This deconstructed version gives you all that savory, gingery goodness with tender ground meat and crispy cabbage, but without the wrapper and deep frying. It's become our family's go-to when we want comfort food that doesn't leave us feeling heavy afterward.
Why You'll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl will revolutionize your weeknight dinner game because it delivers all those complex Asian flavors in just one pan and under 20 minutes. The combination of seasoned ground meat, crispy-tender cabbage, and that perfect blend of ginger and garlic creates this incredible umami-rich experience that satisfies every craving.
My teenagers actually cheer when they see me pulling out the cabbage for this dish, which tells you everything you need about how addictive these flavors are. Plus, it's naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, making it perfect for anyone watching their carb intake without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
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What You'll Need
These simple pantry staples come together to create something that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests, proving that the best recipes often start with the basics.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 large head green cabbage, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional Extras
You can top this with sesame seeds for extra crunch, or add a drizzle of sriracha if you like things spicy - my husband loves adding a handful of shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness.
This easy egg roll in a bowl is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Brown Your Protein Foundation
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and crispy in spots.
Build the Flavor Base
Push meat to one side of the pan and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
Add the Star Ingredient
Add chopped cabbage to the pan in batches if needed. It will seem like a lot at first, but it cooks down quickly as the moisture releases.
Quick tip: How do I keep my keto egg roll in a bowl from getting soggy? Cook the cabbage over medium-high heat and don't cover the pan - this helps the moisture evaporate quickly, keeping your vegetables crispy-tender instead of mushy.
Season to Perfection
Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
Finish and Garnish
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions, saving some for garnish. The residual heat will soften them perfectly without overcooking.
Aliana's Top Tip
Here's the secret that makes this unstuffed egg roll bowl absolutely perfect: don't rush the browning process on your meat, and resist the urge to stir it too much at first.
Let it develop those gorgeous caramelized bits that add so much depth to the final dish.
Also, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking because this recipe moves fast once you begin.
I learned this the hard way after burning garlic while frantically trying to chop cabbage - now I have everything ready to go before I even heat the pan.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Easy Swaps
Ground beef or turkey work beautifully instead of pork, and you can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce if you're avoiding soy. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves time if you're in a pinch, though fresh cabbage gives better texture. Ground ginger powder works too - just use about half the amount.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore that perfect texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you're in a hurry. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together.
What to Serve With Egg Roll in a Bowl
This egg roll in a bowl is perfect over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal, or serve it with steamed regular rice if you want something more filling. My family loves it with a side of crispy roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to balance all those rich, savory flavors.
FAQs About Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I make this lean and green egg roll in a bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the cabbage from getting mushy?
Cook over medium-high heat without a lid, and don't overcook - you want it tender but still with a slight crunch.
Can I freeze this unrolled egg rolls recipe?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for best results.
What's the best meat for egg roll in a pan recipes?
Ground pork gives the most authentic egg roll flavor, but ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work wonderfully too.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more easy weeknight winners, my inside out egg roll variations offer different protein and vegetable combinations that keep dinner exciting. My unwrapped egg roll recipe collection includes everything from spicy versions to kid-friendly adaptations, while my one-pan Dinner ideas cover all those busy night essentials. These egg rolls in a bowl recipe variations have become our family's comfort food rotation.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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Pairing
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