There's something so comforting about all those classic egg roll flavors, but without the extra steps of wrapping and frying. You still get that savory, slightly sweet, garlicky filling with tender cabbage and perfectly seasoned beef.
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of those quick, wholesome meals that comes together in one pan and tastes even better than takeout. It's light, full of texture, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Let's get cooking!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick one-pan meal ready in about 25 minutes
- Packed with flavor but light and balanced
- High-protein and low-carb friendly
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
- Great for meal prep
- No wrappers or frying needed
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground beef: Rich and flavorful, but ground pork or turkey works just as well.
- Coleslaw mix: A great shortcut that saves time and adds texture.
- Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty flavor you expect in egg rolls.
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you prefer a lighter salt level.
If your cabbage looks like a lot at first, don't worry. It cooks down beautifully in just minutes.
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp
- Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Stir to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don't overcook the cabbage. A slight crunch makes the dish more satisfying.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Cook over medium-high heat to keep everything from getting soggy.
- Stir frequently so the flavors blend evenly.
I've made this so many times, and it's always one of those meals that feels fresh, quick, and really satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- Add a splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavor.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Prep ingredients ahead and store them separately.
- Cook fresh for best texture.
- You can freeze it, but the cabbage will be softer when reheated.
Tips and Variations
- Low-carb option: Enjoy as is or serve over cauliflower rice.
- Add noodles: Toss in cooked noodles for a heartier version.
- Spicy twist: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Egg addition: Stir in a scrambled egg at the end for extra protein.
FAQs
Yes, it has all the same flavors, just without the wrapper.
Absolutely. Use tofu or plant-based ground instead of meat.
Ground pork is traditional, but beef or turkey works well.
📖 Recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal made with lean ground beef, cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It delivers all the savory taste of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
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.
- 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
This easy skillet dinner is perfect for busy nights and tastes great fresh off the stove. For extra crunch and flavor, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bowl warm on its own or over rice if you want something a little more filling.
It's perfect for quick dinners, light lunches, or even meal prep for the week. I love how it brings all those takeout flavors into a simple, homemade dish that feels just as satisfying.
Nutrition & Notes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: ~320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
This recipe has been tested to keep that perfect balance of savory flavor and fresh texture.
Reader Reviews or Testimonials
"This was so quick and flavorful. Better than takeout."
"Perfect for meal prep. Light but still filling."
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