Name: Egg Roll in a Bowl: Quick, Flavorful, Low-Carb Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15) (Can substitute with ground turkey.); 3 cups Green Cabbage (Thinly sliced.); 0.5 medium Onion (Finely diced.); 1 medium Carrot (Julienned or grated.); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 0.5 tsp Fine Sea Salt (Adjust to taste.); 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Adjust to taste.); 1 tsp Ground Ginger; 0.25 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free.); 2 tsp Sesame Oil; 0.5 tsp Granulated Sugar (Optional.); 1 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion (Optional.); 0.25 tsp Sesame Seeds (Optional.)

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As I stood in the kitchen rummaging through my pantry, my passion for homemade food led me to a quick but delicious solution: Egg Roll in a Bowl. This wonderful dish captures the essence of those crispy egg rolls I adore, minus the time-consuming wrappers. With vibrant veggies, savory ground beef, and a hint of Asian flair, it’s a low-carb, one-pan meal that not only fits seamlessly into my busy weeknights but also shines as a meal prep superstar! Perfect for those craving something hearty without the carbs, this recipe offers all the comfort without the calories. Curious how you can whip this up in under 30 minutes? Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Flavorful Fusion: This dish brings together vibrant vegetables and tender beef, delivering a taste reminiscent of your favorite take-out.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet healthy.

Versatile Ingredients: Switch up the proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand—ground chicken, bell peppers, or even snap peas work beautifully!

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With no wrappers, this dish keeps your carb count low while still being filling and satisfying, making it great for anyone following a keto lifestyle.

One-Pan Wonder: Who doesn’t love easy clean-up? This recipe saves time both in cooking and cleaning, leaving you more moments to enjoy your meal.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Ingredients

For the Base

Lean Ground Beef (1 lb 85/15) – The rich main protein source can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Green Cabbage (3 cups, thinly sliced) – Acts as the crunchy base mimicking the traditional egg roll wrapper.

For the Vegetables

Onion (½ medium, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and depth; green onions are a great milder substitute.
Carrot (1 medium, julienned or grated) – Brings color and crunch; coleslaw mix can be used for convenience.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.

For the Seasoning

Fine Sea Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust to taste.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp) – Adds a gentle heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
Ground Ginger (1 tsp) – Provides a warm spice note that elevates the dish.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – Contributes umami flavor; use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Sesame Oil (2 tsp) – Adds a rich, distinct Asian flavor.
Granulated Sugar (½ tsp) – Balances flavors if desired; optional for stricter diets.

For Garnish

Chopped Green Onion (1 Tbsp, optional) – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Sesame Seeds (¼ tsp, optional) – Provides visual appeal and a delightful crunch.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by finely dicing half a medium onion, julienning one medium carrot, and thinly slicing three cups of green cabbage. This vibrant medley will be the foundation of your Egg Roll in a Bowl, enhancing both flavor and texture. As you prepare, gather all ingredients to make cooking seamless and efficient.

Step 2: Cook Beef
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add one pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Look for an appealing golden-brown color, indicating it’s ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the beef is cooked, stir in your prepared onion, julienned carrot, and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften slightly. The kitchen should fill with delicious aromas, signaling that you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Incorporate Cabbage
Now, add the thinly sliced green cabbage to the skillet, along with one teaspoon of ground ginger. Toss everything together and stir-fry for roughly 4-5 minutes. You want the cabbage to wilt down and become tender but still maintain a bit of crunch, reflecting the essence of traditional egg rolls.

Step 5: Season
Pour in a quarter cup of low-sodium soy sauce and two teaspoons of sesame oil over the mixture. If desired, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors. Stir thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. The vibrant colors and enticing scents will make your Egg Roll in a Bowl irresistible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Egg Roll in a Bowl to serving dishes. Top with a tablespoon of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch, if you like. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so dig in and savor the delightful combination of flavors!

How to Store and Freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the texture.

Freezer: Cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Always ensure the Egg Roll in a Bowl is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Meal Prep: For convenient meals, portion the dish into single servings and store in the refrigerator for easy access throughout the week.

What to Serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Looking to round out your meal with delicious sides that elevate this quick, flavorful dish?

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant, fluffy rice complements the savory flavors of the Egg Roll in a Bowl, providing a satisfying base.
Garlic Sesame Green Beans: The crispness and vibrant flavor of these green beans contrast beautifully with the warm dish, adding freshness and crunch.
Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad brings a cool, tangy element that balances the warmth of the egg roll, making each bite even more exciting.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A drizzle of this sweet and spicy sauce adds an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting touch, and the umami notes align perfectly with the Asian-inspired flavors.
Spring Rolls: Feel free to indulge in some crispy spring rolls for that extra crunch factor; they can be dipped in sweet and sour sauce to amplify your meal!
Chilled Sake: This smooth, traditional Japanese rice wine pairs wonderfully, accentuating the dish’s flavors without overpowering them. There’s nothing like raising a glass to good food and great company!

Egg Roll in a Bowl Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Egg Roll in a Bowl! Here are some delightful twists to make it your own.

Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. The dish remains hearty and delightful!
Crispy Crunch: Try adding water chestnuts for an unexpected crunch that plays well with the tender beef and veggies. They’ll elevate the texture in every bite!
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to boost the nutrition. The extra colors not only make the meal vibrant but also add different flavor profiles.
Whole30 Friendly: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a Whole30 compliant twist that retains the umami taste without the added sugar or soy.
Spice It Up: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes if you’re craving a spicy kick. A little heat can elevate the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh cilantro or basil just before serving for a fresh herbal note that complements the savory aspects of the dish.
Make It Veggie: Go plant-based by using mushroom or tempeh instead of meat. The umami from mushrooms gives a delicious depth to the dish!
Noodle Inspired: For a twist reminiscent of pad thai, add zoodles or rice noodles right before serving to fill things out and add a new dimension.

Feel free to explore these ideas, and maybe even combine a few! You can enjoy comforting homemade meals that cater to your cravings while keeping things exciting. For more inspiration, check out my suggestions on meal prep ideas or explore the magic of veggie swaps to keep your dishes fresh and flavorful!

Make Ahead Options

Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can chop your vegetables (onion, carrot, and cabbage) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. The ground beef can be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef in a skillet, add the prepped veggies, and follow the remaining cooking instructions. This makes it easy to enjoy a nutritious, low-carb dinner without the hassle, ensuring the dish remains just as delicious as when prepared fresh!

Expert Tips for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep Ahead: Begin by chopping your vegetables in advance and storing them in the fridge. This saves time on busy cooking nights!

Check the Beef: Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding vegetables—undercooked meat can ruin the flavor and safety.

Soy Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste preferences to avoid an overly salty Egg Roll in a Bowl. Consider low-sodium options if needed.

Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrition without becoming too carb-heavy.

Storage Solutions: For meal prep, portion into individual containers and store in the fridge—this dish keeps well for up to 4 days!

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ground beef for this recipe?
When selecting ground beef for your Egg Roll in a Bowl, I recommend using leaner cuts like 85/15 or 90/10 to reduce excess fat. Look for fresh meat that is bright red in color, with minimal dark spots. This ensures that your dish will taste delicious without excess greasiness!

What’s the best way to store leftovers of Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet to maintain that delightful texture instead of a microwave, which can make it a bit soggy.

Can I freeze Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do so, allow the Egg Roll in a Bowl to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet until warmed through.

What if the dish is too salty?
That’s a common issue, and it can be easily fixed! If you find your Egg Roll in a Bowl is too salty, consider adding a bit of extra fresh cabbage or carrots to balance out the flavors. Alternatively, you can mix in a splash of water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness a bit.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Very much so! To make your Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free, simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari, which is naturally gluten-free. You can also check that any pre-packaged vegetables or sauces you use are labeled gluten-free for added peace of mind.

How can I add more veggies to my Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables! I often add bell peppers, snow peas, or even mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely and add them to the skillet in the right stages—harder veggies first with softer ones following, so everything cooks evenly.