Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl takes the classic flavors of an egg roll—savory pork, crisp cabbage, and aromatic spices—and serves them up in a healthier, low-carb format. It’s a deconstructed version of a beloved appetizer, made simple for weeknight dinners with all the same satisfying crunch and tang.

This dish is perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle, but it’s also a great meal for those just looking for something quick and nutritious. By skipping the wrapper, you cut down on unnecessary carbs without sacrificing the bold, Asian-inspired flavors. Best of all, it’s cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Full Recipe:

  • 1 pound ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or beef)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the coleslaw mix, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Healthy, Quick, and Flavorful Weeknight Meal

When you crave the comforting flavors of an egg roll but want to keep things light and nutritious, look no further than the Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. This dish takes all the ingredients of a traditional egg roll – savory ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant spices – and deconstructs them into a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

The Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of the most popular low-carb alternatives to traditional Asian takeout dishes, particularly for those following specific dietary plans like keto, paleo, or Whole30. Its appeal lies in its versatility and health-conscious ingredients that deliver the same great taste of classic egg rolls without the deep frying or high-carb wrappers.

Why Egg Roll in a Bowl is Popular

Egg Roll in a Bowl has become a beloved recipe among home cooks for several reasons:

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly: The absence of an egg roll wrapper makes this dish naturally low in carbs, which is ideal for those on keto or low-carb diets. Instead of the usual carb-heavy shell, you enjoy a bowl full of nutritious ingredients like cabbage, ground meat, and aromatic seasonings.
  • Paleo and Whole30-approved: By using compliant ingredients like ground pork, sesame oil, and soy-free alternatives like coconut aminos, this dish easily fits into the paleo and Whole30 meal plans. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free (if you swap tamari for soy sauce), making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
  • One-pan convenience: Egg Roll in a Bowl is a one-pan meal, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the food. This makes it perfect for busy individuals or families who need a quick yet satisfying dinner option.
  • Meal prep superstar: Not only is this dish easy to make in large batches, but it also stores well. You can easily meal prep it for the week, as it reheats beautifully and can be served over different bases like cauliflower rice, regular rice, or even salad for variety throughout the week.
  • Customizable: Whether you prefer pork, chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences. You can add other vegetables, swap out spices, or adjust the heat level with red pepper flakes to match your personal taste.

Health Benefits of Egg Roll in a Bowl

The Egg Roll in a Bowl isn’t just a delicious alternative to the deep-fried original—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the key health benefits you can expect from this dish:

  • Rich in Protein: Ground pork is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall bodily maintenance. You can swap the pork with leaner options like ground turkey or chicken for a lower-calorie, high-protein meal.
  • High in Fiber: The cabbage and coleslaw mix provide a significant dose of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer. Adding vegetables like onions and green onions further boosts the fiber content.
  • Nutrient-dense: Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in vitamins C and K, both of which are essential for a healthy immune system and proper blood clotting. Other nutrients in the dish include B vitamins from the meat and garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Low in Carbs: Without the traditional egg roll wrapper, the carb content is greatly reduced, making this dish ideal for those watching their carb intake. Whether you follow a keto diet or simply want to limit your refined carb intake, this meal offers a perfect balance of protein, fat, and vegetables.
  • Healthy Fats: The sesame oil not only adds a rich nutty flavor but also provides healthy fats that are good for your heart. Healthy fats are important for brain function, hormone regulation, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins from the other ingredients in the dish.

Versatility of Egg Roll in a Bowl

One of the most appealing aspects of Egg Roll in a Bowl is its versatility. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, experimenting with new flavors, or just working with what’s in your fridge, this dish is incredibly adaptable. Here are some popular variations:

  • Protein Swaps: While ground pork is traditional, this dish works just as well with ground chicken, turkey, beef, or even shrimp. For a plant-based version, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even chopped mushrooms can provide a satisfying texture.
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Don’t limit yourself to just cabbage and carrots. You can add a variety of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas to boost the nutrient content and add more colors and flavors to your dish.
  • Spice it up: Adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or sriracha sauce. For a milder version, omit the spicy ingredients and let each diner add their preferred level of heat at the table.
  • Flavor variations: To switch up the flavor profile, try adding fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce for an umami boost. You can also experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh, aromatic twist.
  • Serve it differently: While Egg Roll in a Bowl is typically served as-is, you can serve it over steamed cauliflower rice, regular rice, or even noodles for a heartier meal. It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps or as a topping for a salad.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the biggest advantages of Egg Roll in a Bowl is its meal prep potential. This dish stores and reheats well, making it an ideal candidate for making ahead of time. You can double or triple the recipe and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop and can be paired with different sides to keep things interesting.

Here’s how to optimize this dish for meal prep:

  • Make in bulk: Double or triple the recipe and divide it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Freeze for later: If you want to freeze portions, simply cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Mix up the sides: To avoid meal boredom, switch up the sides you serve with the dish. Try cauliflower rice one day, brown rice another, and even a green salad on another day for variety.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Egg Roll in a Bowl is satisfying on its own, you can enhance the meal by pairing it with complementary sides or garnishes. Here are some ideas:

  • Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, serve the dish over cauliflower rice. It adds texture and bulks up the meal without adding extra carbs.
  • Rice or quinoa: For those who aren’t counting carbs, serve Egg Roll in a Bowl over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a more filling meal.
  • Lettuce wraps: Scoop portions of Egg Roll in a Bowl into large lettuce leaves to create a handheld version that’s fun and easy to eat. Butter lettuce or romaine hearts work best for this.
  • Toppings: Garnish your bowl with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha or hoisin sauce for extra flavor. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.
  • Side salad: A light cucumber salad or an Asian-style slaw with a tangy dressing would pair well with the savory flavors of Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Conclusion

The Egg Roll in a Bowl is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re following a specific diet like keto, paleo, or Whole30, or simply looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for busy weeknights or anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Not only does this dish give you the delicious experience of eating an egg roll, but it also saves you time and calories. With its simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s an ideal solution for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss. Add it to your meal plan today, and discover why Egg Roll in a Bowl has become a beloved go-to recipe for many!

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