Name: Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground meat of your choice; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix; 1/2 cup matchstick carrots; 3 green onions, sliced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

A delicious deconstructed egg roll that delivers all the flavor without the deep frying. This one-pan wonder transforms the popular appetizer into a quick, healthy main dish that’s packed with protein and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving Chinese takeout but want something healthier. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a low-carb, high-protein meal that satisfies cravings without the guilt. The dish is incredibly versatile—customize it with your choice of protein, adjust the spice level to your preference, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home. It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and naturally gluten-free when made with tamari instead of soy sauce. Plus, the one-skillet preparation means minimal cleanup!

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground meat forms the protein foundation of this dish. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tofu or plant-based ground makes an excellent substitute.

Onion adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the dish. When sautéed, it creates a flavorful base that enhances all the other ingredients. Yellow or white onions are perfect here, but red onion can add a slightly different flavor profile if that’s what you have on hand.

Sesame oil brings that distinctive nutty, toasty flavor that’s essential to Asian cuisine. Just a small amount adds tremendous depth and authenticity. Dark sesame oil has a stronger flavor than light, but either will work.

Rice vinegar provides a gentle acidic note that brightens the entire dish. This mild vinegar balances the savory elements with its subtle sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.

Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that’s characteristic of Asian cooking. Fresh ginger provides the brightest flavor, but ground ginger works well too when you’re in a hurry.

Soy sauce brings that essential umami flavor and saltiness. Low-sodium versions allow you to control the salt level better. For a gluten-free option, tamari makes a perfect substitute.

Hoisin sauce contributes a complex sweet and savory element with hints of five-spice. This thick sauce adds body to the dish while providing depth of flavor. If unavailable, a mixture of equal parts soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey can approximate the flavor.

Coleslaw mix is the convenient shortcut that makes this recipe so quick to prepare. This pre-shredded mix of cabbage and sometimes carrots mimics the filling of traditional egg rolls without all the chopping.

Matchstick carrots add color, nutrients, and a slight sweetness to the dish. Their texture holds up well to stir-frying, providing a pleasant crunch.

Green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor as a finishing touch. The white parts add a sharper taste, while the green tops contribute color and a milder flavor.

Salt and pepper allow you to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference, enhancing all the flavors already present in the dish.

Directions

Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables:
Stir in the chopped onion, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is tender.
Add the Cabbage and Carrots:
Add the coleslaw mix and matchstick carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Season the Dish:
Stir in the minced ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Finish and Serve:
Add the sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as is, or with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories. The dish comes together quickly with just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat.

Variations

Spicy Egg Roll Bowl: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to bring some heat.

Vegetarian Egg Roll Bowl: Substitute the meat with 14 oz of crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground.

Keto-Friendly Version: Replace the hoisin sauce (which contains sugar) with 1 tablespoon of almond butter mixed with a dash of five-spice powder and a sugar substitute.

Loaded Egg Roll Bowl: Top with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips, or a fried egg for extra texture and flavor.

Thai-Inspired: Swap the soy and hoisin sauce for fish sauce and red curry paste, then finish with chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld together.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. The texture of the cabbage may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains excellent.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain some crispness in the vegetables. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare a double batch and portion into containers with cauliflower rice or regular rice for ready-made lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground meat with an equal amount of crumbled extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove excess moisture), tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The seasoning and vegetables provide so much flavor that you’ll hardly miss the meat.

What can I use if I don’t have coleslaw mix?

If coleslaw mix isn’t available, you can easily make your own by thinly slicing about 4-5 cups of green cabbage (or a combination of green and purple) and adding 1/2 cup of shredded carrots. For an even quicker option, other pre-cut vegetables like broccoli slaw can work with slightly different but still delicious results.

Is Egg Roll in a Bowl keto-friendly?

This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto diets with minor modifications. Ensure your hoisin sauce is low in sugar or replace it with a keto-friendly alternative like coconut aminos mixed with a sugar substitute. Serve it as is without rice or noodles to keep the carb count down.

What can I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?

While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles depending on your dietary preferences. For appetizers, consider pairing with spring rolls, a light Asian slaw, or a simple miso soup to complete the meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño when you add the other seasonings. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference. You can also serve hot sauce on the side so each person can customize their spice level.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and accommodates additional vegetables well. Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts for crunch, or bean sprouts. Just be mindful that harder vegetables may need to be added earlier in the cooking process.

Why is my Egg Roll in a Bowl too watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from the cabbage releasing water during cooking. To prevent this, avoid overcrowding the pan (cook in batches if necessary), use higher heat for a quicker stir-fry, and don’t cover the pan while cooking. If it’s still too watery, continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate the liquid.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

This dish is excellent for meal prep! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the flavors often improve over time. For the freshest experience, consider storing the sliced green onions separately and adding them just before eating.

What makes this healthier than traditional egg rolls?

Traditional egg rolls are wrapped in dough and deep-fried, which adds significant calories, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. This deconstructed version eliminates the wrapper and frying process while retaining all the delicious filling ingredients, resulting in a much lower-calorie, lower-carb dish that’s packed with vegetables and protein.

Conclusion

Egg Roll in a Bowl brings all the flavor of your favorite Chinese appetizer to the dinner table as a healthy, satisfying meal. This clever deconstructed dish delivers the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory seasonings in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional egg rolls—with none of the deep-frying mess or added calories.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you’re following a specific diet plan, feeding picky eaters, or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, this versatile dish can be customized to suit your needs while maintaining its delicious core flavors.

From busy weeknights to meal prep Sundays, Egg Roll in a Bowl deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring—sometimes the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones that bring a fresh twist to familiar flavors.