If you’re craving all the bold flavors and satisfying crunch of a traditional egg roll but want a quicker, lighter, and low-carb option, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures the essence of that classic takeout favorite, transforming it into a skillet meal packed with juicy ground pork, crisp cabbage, and a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes. This dish is a delicious, fuss-free gem that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime comfort food calls your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to capturing the vibrant taste and satisfying texture in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the crunchy water chestnuts adding delightful contrast to the rich, savory ground pork base enhanced by bold sauces.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor that sets the tone for the dish.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and a tender bite that softens during cooking.
- Ground pork: The hearty, juicy protein that forms the base; can be swapped with chicken, beef, or turkey if preferred.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that brightens every bite.
- Ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty warmth essential to authentic Asian flavors.
- Water chestnuts: These add a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with tender cabbage.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts the rich elements of the dish.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness that enhances the overall savoriness.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce blend.
- Sriracha: Packs heat and a touch of sweetness for that signature spicy kick.
- Coleslaw mix: Combines cabbage and shredded carrots, offering vibrant color and crunch.
- Carrots: Additional sweetness and texture that complement the cabbage perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Black sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch and beautiful visual contrast when garnished.
- Green onions: Fresh, sharp notes that brighten and finish the dish.
- Mayonnaise and extra sriracha: Combined for a creamy, spicy drizzle that adds indulgence and ties everything together.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onion and cook it until translucent and tender, usually 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds a sweet and savory foundation, softening the onion just enough to awaken its natural sugars.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Pork
Next, add the ground pork to your skillet with the onions. Stir frequently to break up the meat and ensure even browning. Cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the pork properly creates deep flavor and a beautiful texture crucial to this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Water Chestnuts
Once the pork is browned, stir in minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—the garlic and ginger will release their aromatic oils while the water chestnuts bring a satisfying crunch that keeps each mouthful lively.
Step 4: Mix in the Sauces
Pour the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha directly into the skillet. Combine everything thoroughly so the meat and veggies are coated evenly with these bold, flavorful sauces. This combination offers the perfect balance of tang, sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
Step 5: Cook the Cabbage and Carrots
Add the coleslaw mix and the grated or matchstick carrots to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for around 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your goal is tender cabbage with a little bite left, complemented by the natural sweetness of the carrots. This step brings incredible freshness and crunch.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning adjustments. When you’re happy with the flavor, sprinkle sliced green onions and black sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add layers of freshness, color, and a subtle nutty crunch that makes the dish feel complete.
Step 7: Prepare the Sriracha Mayo
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with one to two tablespoons of sriracha, adjusting based on your preferred spice level. Stir until smooth and creamy. This drizzle is a heavenly finishing touch that bumps up the flavor and richness, balancing the vinegar and spice seamlessly.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add both flavor and visual pop. Don’t skip the sriracha mayo drizzle—it’s like a spicy hug wrapped around every bite that amps up richness and ties everything together.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice for a more substantial meal. For a low-carb option, serve alongside sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad for freshness and contrast. Light pickles or kimchi can also bring a delightful tang and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside avocado halves or atop crispy lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option. You can also spoon it over cauliflower rice for a grain-free twist. For gatherings, serve it buffet-style with all the toppings and sauces laid out so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the dish completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that texture may soften a bit, but the flavor remains intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispness of the cabbage without overcooking. Alternatively, microwaving works fine—just heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat. Add a fresh drizzle of sriracha mayo for a bright finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or turkey all work beautifully in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. Just cook them through as you would pork, and feel free to adjust spices or sauces depending on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free or substitute it with a gluten-free alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the flavors without worry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils to add protein. Just brown your chosen substitute well and proceed with the recipe as written for a tasty vegetarian version.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The sriracha adds a moderate heat that can be tailored to your liking. You can reduce the amount or omit it altogether if you prefer mild flavors. Alternatively, add more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes to kick up the spice.
What is the best way to get a crunchy texture in this dish?
Including water chestnuts and coleslaw mix is essential for crunch. Avoid overcooking the cabbage—cook just until tender but still crisp. Serving with fresh green onions and sesame seeds also adds wonderful texture.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s flavorful, quick, and feels like a special treat without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want the comfort of a classic egg roll without the hassle of frying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your kitchen too—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick and delicious low-carb dish that captures the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Featuring ground pork, crunchy water chestnuts, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s perfect for a healthy, easy weeknight meal. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha gives it a balance of umami, sweetness, and heat, and the fresh green onions and black sesame seeds add beautiful garnish and texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 lb. ground pork (can substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 8 oz water chestnuts, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
- ½ cup grated or matchstick carrots
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sriracha
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes and Sauce
- Black sesame seeds
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 Tablespoons sriracha (for sriracha mayo)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes, gently stirring to prevent burning.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground pork (or your choice of ground meat) to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently until meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if necessary to prevent sogginess.
- Add Aromatics and Water Chestnuts: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to release the flavors.
- Combine Sauces: Pour in the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the flavorful sauce base.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the coleslaw mix and shredded carrots to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and vegetables are tender but still maintain some crunch.
- Adjust Seasoning & Garnish: Remove skillet from heat and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Top with thinly sliced green onions and sprinkle black sesame seeds over the dish for texture and flavor.
- Prepare Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, adjusting the spice level to your preference. Stir until smooth and well combined. Drizzle this spicy mayo over servings before eating for a creamy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can swap ground pork for ground chicken, beef, or turkey according to preference or dietary needs.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Adjust sriracha quantities in the dish and mayo to control the heat level.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts or water chestnuts as garnish.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve on its own for a low-carb meal or alongside steamed rice for a more filling option.
