Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful recipe that combines all the delicious ingredients of an egg roll, without the need for deep frying or wrapping. This dish is perfect for those who love the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls but want a healthier, easier-to-make alternative. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in one bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and delicious Asian-inspired seasonings. The combination of ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a savory, umami-packed base, while the crunch of cabbage and carrots adds texture. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup easy and the cooking process stress-free. Plus, it’s customizable with optional garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds, allowing you to personalize it to your liking.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
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¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
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½ medium onion, finely diced
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1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
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1 tsp ground ginger
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp granulated sugar
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1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
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¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
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Add the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
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Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Protein Options: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a leaner alternative.
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Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of ground meat for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
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Add More Veggies: Include extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to increase the veggie content.
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Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the dish seems dry.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or even a combination of other vegetables for a vegetarian or vegan option.
4. What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas to add more color and texture to the dish.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a bit of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the dish to give it some heat.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
7. How do I get the cabbage to be more tender?
If you prefer softer cabbage, you can cook it for a few extra minutes to allow it to wilt more, or add a splash of water to steam it lightly.
8. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but be mindful that it will make the dish saltier. You may want to adjust the salt you add to the recipe.
9. Can I use other oils for cooking?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil, but the sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that enhances the dish.
10. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative or tamari sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and delicious alternative to traditional egg rolls, combining savory ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce all in one dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving the flavors of an egg roll without the frying. With easy ingredients and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful recipe that combines all the delicious ingredients of an egg roll, without the need for deep frying or wrapping. This dish is perfect for those who love the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls but want a healthier, easier-to-make alternative.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
½ medium onion, finely diced
1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Options: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a leaner alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of ground meat for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
- Add More Veggies: Include extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to increase the veggie content.
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
