This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fun and tasty dish that gives you all the flavors of traditional egg rolls without the wrappers. With ground meat, fresh veggies, and a tasty sauce, it’s super satisfying!
It’s like a party in your bowl! 🥳 Honestly, I love how quick it is to make—just stir and simmer. Perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I used ground pork for its flavor, but you can easily swap it for ground chicken or turkey. Both are lighter options that still add great taste. You could also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is key here, but if you’re looking for something different or lighter, napa cabbage works too! It’s a bit more tender and has a milder flavor, which can be nice.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add a lovely color and sweetness. If you don’t have carrots on hand, you can use bell peppers, zucchini, or even a bit of chopped broccoli for crunch.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really make this dish shine, but in a pinch, you could use minced garlic from a jar and ground ginger. I find fresh adds the best flavor though!
Soy Sauce: For those needing gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another alternative that offers a slightly sweeter taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your vegetables just right is important! You want them tender but not mushy. Start by sautéing them after the meat and aromatics to keep their crunch. Here’s how:
- After adding the garlic and ginger to the skillet, give it a minute before adding the cabbage and carrots.
- Keep the heat on medium; this helps them cook evenly without burning.
- Stir occasionally, so they cook through but still retain some crunch. About 3-5 minutes should do it!
Enjoy watching those colors come alive while you cook, and remember that the veggies will soften a bit more while they rest too!
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl (Low-Carb Recipe)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey)
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 4 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
For the Flavor:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 15 minutes of cooking time. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful low-carb meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or chicken/turkey) to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s browned and fully cooked.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. This will give your dish a lovely aroma and flavor!
3. Mix in the Vegetables:
Now, stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots into the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. Don’t rush this step, as it helps develop the dish’s flavors.
4. Add the Flavor Boosters:
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix everything together well so that the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to give it a good stir!
5. Final Cooking:
Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the vegetables are cooked through but still crisp and crunchy!
6. Garnish and Serve:
After removing the skillet from heat, garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve your hot egg roll in a bowl immediately and enjoy your delicious low-carb creation!
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives to ground pork. You can also use ground beef or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How to Adjust for Spice
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the soy sauce. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of ginger or leave out the garlic if you’re sensitive to those spices.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook it as directed and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
