Egg Roll In A Bowl

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I used to love ordering egg rolls from my favorite takeout place, but every time I did, I’d regret it afterward.

The greasy feeling, the bloated stomach, and the guilt of eating who-knows-what ingredients—it just wasn’t worth it.

So, I started making my own version at home, and it changed everything. All the flavors I love, none of the mystery ingredients, and I get to control exactly what goes in.

This egg roll in a bowl has everything that makes egg rolls so good—minus the deep-fried wrapper.

It’s packed with seasoned ground chicken, crisp-tender cabbage, carrots, and just the right balance of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

It comes together fast and works for any meal, whether I serve it over rice or just eat it straight from the pan.

The first time I made this, I wasn’t expecting much, but it disappeared off plates faster than anything else on the table. Even the picky eaters had nothing to complain about!

Over time, I’ve found easy swaps to make it work for different diets without losing any of the flavors. However you make it, this dish is simple, satisfying, and always a hit!

Table of Contents

Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken or beef
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar as an alternative)
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, but adds great flavor)
Chopped green onions, for topping
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If using tofu, crumble it and cook until slightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion with a small pinch of salt. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Return the cooked meat to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar, mixing everything well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
Drizzle with sesame oil if using, then serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips For Making Egg Roll In A Bowl

A few simple tricks can make this dish even better and easier to prepare. Here are some useful tips:

Prep the veggies ahead: Slice the cabbage, shred the carrots, and chop the onions before cooking to save time.
Use fresh garlic and ginger: The flavor is much stronger and better than pre-minced or powdered versions.
Cook in stages: Brown the meat first, then cook the veggies separately to get the best texture.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go and add more soy sauce, vinegar, or spices to match your preference.
Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you like a little heat.
Keep it from getting soggy: Cook the vegetables just until soft, not mushy, so they stay slightly crisp.
Use a large pan: A bigger pan helps everything cook evenly without overcrowding.

Variations For Egg Roll In A Bowl

This dish is easy to customize based on what you like or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:

Change the protein: Instead of chicken, try ground beef, turkey, or even crumbled tofu.
Try different veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for extra flavor and crunch.
Make it low-carb: Skip the rice and serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice.
Use coconut aminos: This is a great alternative to soy sauce if you want a slightly sweeter taste.
Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts for extra texture.
Turn it into a wrap: Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld version.

Side Dishes That Pair Well With Egg Roll In A Bowl

This dish is filling on its own, but adding a side can make it a complete meal. Here are some good options:

Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Cauliflower rice
Garlic green beans
Stir-fried broccoli
Asian cucumber salad
Miso soup
Roasted sesame asparagus

How To Store Egg Roll In A Bowl?

Keeping leftovers fresh is easy if you store them properly. Here’s how:

Refrigerate: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Avoid storing with rice: If serving with rice, store them separately so the rice doesn’t absorb extra moisture.

Does Egg Roll In A Bowl Reheat Well?

Yes, it reheats very well! The flavors blend even more after sitting, making leftovers just as tasty. For the best results:

Stovetop: Warm it in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Add moisture if needed: If it seems dry, sprinkle a little water or soy sauce before reheating.