There’s something deeply comforting about the flavors of an egg roll—the savory pork, the crisp cabbage, the hint of garlic and ginger—all wrapped in a crispy shell. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave those same bold flavors without the fuss of rolling and frying. That’s where this Egg Roll in a Bowl comes in. It’s everything you love about the classic takeout favorite, but faster, lighter, and just as delicious. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash. (A win in my book!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Ground pork – The star of the show! It’s rich and flavorful, but you can swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Coleslaw mix – A shortcut that saves time. No need to shred cabbage and carrots—just grab a bag from the store.
- Soy sauce – For that umami depth. Use tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option.
- Sesame oil – A little goes a long way! It adds that signature nutty aroma.
- Garlic & ginger – Fresh is best here. Grate them right into the pan for maximum flavor.
- Green onions – For a fresh, bright finish.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional) – If you like a little heat, don’t skip this!
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Brown the pork. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the aromatics. Stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (Your kitchen will smell amazing!)
- Toss in the coleslaw mix. Pile it in and stir-fry until the cabbage softens slightly but still has a bit of crunch—about 3–4 minutes.
- Season it up. Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything together. Taste and adjust as needed—maybe an extra splash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with green onions and a drizzle of chili garlic sauce if you like it spicy. That’s it—dinner is served!
Pro Tip: If you want extra crispiness, let the mixture sit undisturbed for a minute or two in the pan—those caramelized bits are golden nuggets of flavor!
Now that you’ve got the basics of this delicious egg roll in a bowl recipe down, let’s dive into some pro tips and variations to make it your own!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Protein swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully if you’re not using pork.
- Veggie boost: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spice it up: A dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes will give this dish a nice kick.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter meal.
- Extra umami: A splash of fish sauce or oyster sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.
What to Serve With Egg Roll in a Bowl
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some perfect pairings:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Crispy wonton strips for texture
- Quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots
- A simple side of steamed edamame
- Hot and sour soup or miso soup
Storage & Reheating Tips
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (though the cabbage texture may soften slightly).
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the flavors. The microwave works too – just cover and stir halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat or use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh. Add extra mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written! Just be sure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari works great).
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Definitely! A 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix is a perfect time-saver.
How can I make this more authentic tasting?
Try adding a teaspoon of five-spice powder or a splash of sesame oil at the end for that classic egg roll flavor.
There you have it – everything you need to know to make the most delicious egg roll in a bowl! This recipe has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen because it’s so quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. I love how versatile it is – you can really make it your own with different proteins and veggies. The best part? You get all those amazing egg roll flavors without any of the fuss of wrapping and frying. I hope this becomes a favorite in your home too. Happy cooking!
PrintThe BEST Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Author: Trusted Blog
Description
A delicious and easy deconstructed egg roll packed with flavor and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.