🥢 Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe (Quick, Healthy & Low Carb)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: 280 kcal
Cuisine: Asian-American
Course: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
🥬 Quick Overview
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe combines all the bold, savory flavors of traditional egg rolls—without the wrapper or deep-frying. It’s a healthy, low-carb, one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground pork, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic-ginger sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for meal prep, keto, and busy weeknights alike.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a game changer for anyone who loves the taste of crispy egg rolls but wants a quicker, lighter, and low-carb option. Here’s why you’ll want this recipe on repeat:
- ✅ Ready in Just 20 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- ✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Keeps its flavor and texture beautifully for 3–4 days.
- ✅ Healthy & Balanced – High in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with fiber-rich veggies.
- ✅ Customizable – Works with any protein—pork, chicken, turkey, or tofu.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients with takeout-level flavor.
- ✅ Family-Approved – Mild, flavorful, and easy to spice up or down.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base
- 1 lb ground pork (or use ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned (about 1 cup)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Extra sliced green onions
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Crispy wonton strips (optional, not low-carb)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground pork and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed, but keep a little for flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add diced onion and cook another 2 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add shredded carrots and chopped cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still has a slight crunch.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour over the mixture and stir to combine.
For a thicker texture, add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes more until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
Remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil and half of the green onions.
Serve hot, topped with sesame seeds, green onions, and lime wedges.
🕒 Total Cooking Time: About 20–25 minutes start to finish.
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Balance Texture: Don’t overcook the cabbage—keep it tender-crisp.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of salt to the meat before adding sauce to build layers of flavor.
- Use Sesame Oil Wisely: Add it at the end to preserve its nutty aroma.
- Double the Sauce: Perfect if you’re serving this dish over rice or noodles.
- Optional Egg: Crack in one egg near the end and scramble it into the mixture for extra protein.
- Pre-Shredded Mix Shortcut: Save time with a 14 oz bag of coleslaw mix instead of prepping fresh cabbage.
🌶️ Flavor Variations & Twists
Keep your meals exciting with these creative spins:
- Keto Version: Use coconut aminos, skip sugar, and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Spicy Thai Style: Add chili paste, lime juice, and fresh basil leaves.
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki and top with pineapple chunks.
- Extra Crunchy: Add toasted almonds, crispy shallots, or wonton strips (if not low-carb).
🍚 What to Serve With It
While this dish stands strong on its own, here are some sides that complement it beautifully:
For Traditional Meals:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Asian cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Steamed edamame with sea salt
For Low-Carb Meals:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Simple cucumber salad
Flavor Boosters:
- Drizzle of Sriracha mayo
- Small side of kimchi
- Extra soy-rice vinegar dipping sauce
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
This recipe stores and reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep!
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.
Freezer:
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Best Reheating Method:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain texture.
🥗 Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Net Carbs | 7 g |
💬 Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredients.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground pork with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based crumbles for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Q2. How do I make this keto or Whole30-friendly?
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, skip the brown sugar, and avoid cornstarch. You can also add more cabbage and protein to stay full longer.
Q3. Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best texture.
Q4. What meat works best for this recipe?
Ground pork gives the most authentic flavor, but ground chicken, turkey, or beef are excellent substitutes.
Q5. How do I make it spicier?
Add more sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil at the end for extra heat.
🍴 Conclusion
This Egg Roll in a Bowl delivers all the comforting, savory, and satisfying flavors of your favorite takeout egg rolls—without the wrapper or guilt. With its quick cook time, easy prep, and flexible ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or low-carb lifestyles.
Once you try this easy one-pan meal, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
💬 Have you made this recipe? Share your favorite twist in the comments below!
