When I first discovered this egg roll in a bowl recipe, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so incredibly satisfying! All the flavors you love from crispy egg rolls – without the wrapper, without the frying, and ready in just one skillet. This has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I’m craving something flavorful but want to keep things keto-friendly and stress-free.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You get all those amazing Asian-inspired flavors – savory ground pork, crisp cabbage, aromatic garlic and ginger – all tossed together in a delicious sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!

Key Takeaways

• Lightning fast: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep work
• Keto-friendly: Low-carb, high-protein meal that keeps you satisfied
• One-skillet wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious dinner
• Incredibly versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables
• Meal prep champion: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully

Why You’ll Egg Roll

✨ Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, if you can brown meat and sauté vegetables, you’ve got this! No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.

✨ Flavor Explosion: Every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors that make egg rolls so irresistible.

✨ Incredibly Flexible: Swap the protein, add extra veggies, adjust the spice level – this recipe adapts to whatever you have in your fridge or whatever your family loves.

✨ Perfect for Busy Nights: When you need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, this one-skillet meal saves the day every time.

Ingredient Highlights & Notes

The magic of this dish starts with choosing the right ingredients. Ground pork is my absolute favorite here because it has just the right amount of fat to keep everything moist and flavorful, but ground chicken, turkey, or beef work beautifully too. The coleslaw mix is a total time-saver – you get perfectly shredded cabbage and carrots without any knife work!

The sauce is where the real flavor magic happens. A simple combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar creates that authentic Asian taste we’re craving. Fresh ginger and garlic are non-negotiable here – they add such incredible aromatic depth that you just can’t get from powdered versions.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
• 1 bag (14-16 oz) coleslaw mix (or 6 cups shredded cabbage plus 1 cup shredded carrots)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or coconut oil)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use coconut aminos for paleo/Whole30)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (this adds incredible nutty flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds (toasted are even better)
• Extra green onions, sliced
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment & Tools

• Large skillet or wok (12-inch works perfectly)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl (for the sauce)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce (2 minutes)
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and ground ginger. Set aside – having this ready makes the cooking process so much smoother!

Step 2: Brown the Meat (5-6 minutes)
Heat avocado oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. You’ll hear that lovely sizzling sound, and the meat should develop some crispy edges. Don’t rush this step – those golden bits add so much flavor!

Step 3: Add Aromatics (1-2 minutes)
Push the meat to one side of the skillet and add minced garlic and fresh ginger to the empty space. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant – your kitchen will smell amazing! Then stir everything together.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables (5-7 minutes)
Add the coleslaw mix and most of the green onions (save some for garnish). Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage starts to soften but still has a nice bite to it. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy!

Step 5: Sauce It Up (2 minutes)
Pour your prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more sriracha if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy (1 minute)
Remove from heat and garnish with remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. Serve immediately while it’s hot and fragrant!

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

 

• Don’t overcook the cabbage – it should maintain some crunch for the best texture contrast
• Let the meat brown properly – resist the urge to stir too frequently; those caramelized bits add incredible flavor
• Taste as you go – every brand of soy sauce is different, so adjust the seasonings to your preference

 

Delicious Variations

 

• Protein swaps: Try ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian version
• Veggie additions: Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts all work wonderfully
• Spice it up: Add fresh jalapeños, extra sriracha, or a dash of chili garlic sauce
• Make it heartier: Serve over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles

 

Dietary Substitutions

 

• Paleo/Whole30: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
• Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free!
• Lower sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and add more vinegar for tang
• Nut-free: Skip the sesame oil and use extra avocado oil instead

 

Serving Suggestions

This egg roll in a bowl is absolutely delicious on its own, but here are some fantastic ways to round out the meal:

• Over cauliflower rice for extra vegetables and to soak up that incredible sauce
• With a side of cucumber salad for a refreshing, cooling contrast
• Alongside some crispy baked tofu for extra protein
• With a cup of hot green tea or sparkling water with lime to cleanse the palate

For a fun family dinner, set up a little “bowl bar” with toppings like extra sesame seeds, sliced avocado, pickled vegetables, or crispy seaweed snacks!

Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Storage

This egg roll bowl keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making leftovers incredibly tasty!

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just note that the cabbage texture will be a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor remains fantastic.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until warmed through
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth
• From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat using either method above

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep all your vegetables and make the sauce up to 2 days ahead
• Cook the entire dish and reheat when ready to serve
• Brown the meat ahead of time and finish the dish quickly on busy nights

Nutrition & Macro Info

This egg roll in a bowl is a nutritional powerhouse! Each serving (recipe makes 4 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 8g (net carbs: 5g)
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Dietary Benefits:

• Keto-friendly and low-carb
• High in protein to keep you satisfied
• Packed with vegetables for vitamins and minerals
• Gluten-free (when using tamari instead of soy sauce)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
A: Absolutely! Just shred about 5-6 cups of cabbage and add a cup of shredded carrots. The coleslaw mix is just a convenient shortcut, but fresh cabbage works perfectly.

Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Add more sriracha to the sauce, toss in some diced jalapeños with the garlic and ginger, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. You could also add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for extra heat and flavor.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the ground pork with crumbled extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. You might want to add a bit more soy sauce or some vegetarian oyster sauce for extra umami flavor.

Q: Why is my cabbage too soft/mushy?
A: This usually happens from overcooking. Add the cabbage after the meat is fully cooked and only sauté until it’s tender-crisp. It should still have some bite to it for the best texture.

Q: Can I prep this for meal prep?
A: Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Divide into containers and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better over time!

Q: What’s the best way to get that authentic egg roll flavor?
A: The key is using fresh ginger and garlic, good quality sesame oil, and not overcooking the vegetables. That combination of aromatics with the slightly crunchy texture really mimics the egg roll experience.

Conclusion on Egg Roll

This egg roll in a bowl has truly become one of my most-requested recipes, and I think you’ll understand why after your first bite! It delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout dish while being incredibly healthy, budget-friendly, and quick enough for the busiest weeknights.

The best part? Once you master this basic recipe, you can make it your own. Try different proteins, add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level – the possibilities are endless. I love how this dish brings my family together around the dinner table, and I’m confident it’ll become a regular rotation in your home too.

Ready to get cooking? Gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready for a dinner that’s going to make everyone at your table incredibly happy. Don’t forget to snap a photo when you’re done – this colorful, vibrant dish is definitely Instagram-worthy!