Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

Did you know that Americans consume over 250 million eggs annually? If you're craving a quick, deconstructed Asian-inspired dish that'll revolutionize your weeknight cooking, you'll want to master the Egg Roll in a Bowl. This one-pan wonder transforms traditional egg roll flavors into a low-carb, protein-packed meal that's both satisfying and lightning-fast to prepare. Intrigued by the promise of restaurant-quality taste without the heavy wrapper? Keep scrolling to unlock the secrets of this culinary game-changer.

Recipe Highlights

• A protein-packed one-pan meal featuring ground pork, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, ready in under 20 minutes.
• Brown ground pork in a hot skillet until caramelized, add minced garlic, then mix in coleslaw and season with soy sauce for authentic egg roll flavors.
• Customize the dish by substituting ground pork with chicken or turkey, and add optional spices like red pepper flakes or sriracha for personal taste.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option with simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and adjust seasonings to transform this deconstructed egg roll into a restaurant-worthy, low-carb meal that delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors.

History

Although egg rolls have deep roots in Chinese cuisine, the Egg Roll in a Bowl represents a modern American adaptation that ingeniously deconstructs a classic takeout favorite.

You'll trace this dish's evolution from traditional Chinese dim sum to Chinese-American restaurant menus, where crispy deep-fried wrappers became a staple. The deconstructed version emerged from low-carb and health-conscious cooking trends, stripping away the calorie-dense wrapper while preserving authentic flavors.

Key historical influences include:

• Chinese immigrant culinary innovations
• American dietary adaptation trends
• Rise of quick, nutritious meal solutions

You'll appreciate how home cooks transformed a restaurant appetizer into a practical weeknight meal.

The Egg Roll in a Bowl captures the essence of its predecessor: savory ground meat, crisp vegetables, and bold seasonings—minus the extra oil and carbohydrates. It's a testament to culinary creativity and nutritional mindfulness.

Recipe

Egg Roll in a Bowl transforms the classic takeout favorite into a quick, nutritious, and low-carb meal that delivers all the vibrant flavors of a traditional egg roll without the heavy, deep-fried wrapper. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy home cooks looking to enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired dish that comes together in less than 20 minutes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few key ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a protein-packed meal that satisfies your craving for something savory and satisfying, all while keeping things light and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 bag coleslaw mix (14 oz)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and break it into small pieces as it cooks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and nearly cooked through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and release its flavor.

Next, add the coleslaw mix to the skillet, stirring to combine with the ground pork. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together thoroughly. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and the pork is fully cooked. The goal is to maintain a slight crunch in the vegetables while ensuring the meat is completely done.

When preparing Egg Roll in a Bowl, remember that the key to success isn't overcooking the cabbage. Watch the skillet carefully and taste as you go, adjusting seasonings as needed.

For added heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. The dish can be easily customized with different proteins like ground chicken or turkey, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Cooking Steps

You'll kick off your Egg Roll in a Bowl by browning the ground pork in a large skillet, breaking it into small, uniform pieces as it cooks until it's nicely caramelized and just before fully done.

Next, you'll add the minced garlic and quickly stir it through the meat, allowing its aromatic notes to bloom and infuse the protein with rich flavor before introducing the crisp coleslaw mix.

Finally, you'll pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together and letting the ingredients marry in the pan, creating a quick, one-skillet meal that captures all the classic egg roll flavors without the heavy wrapper.

Step 1. Brown Ground Pork

Begin your culinary journey by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to transform ground pork into a deliciously browned base for your Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Add the ground pork directly to the hot skillet, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small, uniform pieces. This technique ensures even cooking and helps develop a rich, caramelized exterior.

• Break meat into 1/2-inch crumbles
• Spread meat evenly across skillet surface
• Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop golden-brown edges
• Stir and flip meat to expose uncooked sides
• Continue cooking until no pink remains (internal temperature of 160°F)

Listen for the sizzle and watch for the meat to turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating it's perfectly prepared for your dish.

Step 2. Add Minced Garlic

After browning the ground pork to a perfect golden hue, it's time to infuse your Egg Roll in a Bowl with aromatic depth by adding minced garlic.

Sprinkle 2 minced garlic cloves directly into the skillet, spreading them evenly across the browned meat. The key is to release the garlic's essential oils without burning, so keep the heat at medium and stir continuously for about 60 seconds.

You'll notice the kitchen filling with a rich, pungent aroma that signals the garlic is perfectly sautéed. Watch for a light golden color and a fragrant smell—these are your cues that the garlic is ready.

This step transforms your simple ground meat into a flavor-packed base, adding complexity and depth to the entire dish. The minced garlic will create a foundational layer of taste that elevates the entire Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Step 3. Add Coleslaw Mix

With the garlic's aromatic essence now permeating the skillet, grab your bag of coleslaw mix and prepare to transform your Egg Roll in a Bowl.

Carefully pour the entire 14-ounce bag into the pan, using tongs or a wooden spoon to distribute the shredded cabbage evenly over the seasoned ground pork. The mix will start to soften immediately, releasing its crisp texture and subtle sweetness.

• Stir constantly to prevent sticking
• Ensure even heat distribution
• Aim for a tender-crisp cabbage consistency

Watch for visual cues: the cabbage should brighten and become slightly translucent but retain a slight crunch. This process takes just 3-5 minutes, creating a perfect base for your deconstructed egg roll experience.

Keep the heat at medium-high and continue moving ingredients around the skillet.

Step 4. Pour in Soy Sauce

Soy sauce, the liquid umami bomb, is about to elevate your Egg Roll in a Bowl from good to phenomenal.

Measure out exactly 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, ensuring a precise flavor balance that'll transform your dish.

Pour the soy sauce directly over the sizzling pork and cabbage mixture, watching it create a glossy, caramel-like coating that clings to every ingredient.

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss and distribute the sauce evenly, allowing each ingredient to absorb the rich, salty depth.

The soy sauce will help:

• Enhance the meat's natural flavors
• Add moisture to the dish
• Create a glossy, appetizing sheen
• Provide a traditional Asian-inspired seasoning

Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure complete flavor integration.

Step 5. Season With Sesame Seeds

A fragrant sprinkle of sesame seeds transforms your Egg Roll in a Bowl from a simple skillet meal to a restaurant-worthy dish.

Toasted white or black sesame seeds add a nutty, aromatic dimension that elevates the entire recipe's flavor profile. Lightly toast the seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, which you'll sprinkle evenly across the top of your finished dish:

• Toast seeds until light golden brown
• Distribute seeds uniformly across the skillet
• Use as a final garnish just before serving
• Optional: Mix white and black sesame seeds for visual interest

The seeds provide a delightful crunch and authentic Asian-inspired finishing touch that makes your home-cooked meal feel professionally prepared.

Final Thoughts

Because Egg Roll in a Bowl combines convenience and flavor, you'll find this recipe is a game-changer for quick, satisfying meals.

You'll appreciate how easily this dish comes together, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—swap proteins, adjust seasonings, and make it your own signature dish.

Pro tips for perfecting your Egg Roll in a Bowl:

• Keep your skillet hot for optimal browning
• Don't overcook the cabbage
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
• Experiment with different protein options

Whether you're meal prepping or craving something fast, this recipe delivers nutrition and bold Asian-inspired flavors without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.