Ugh, weeknights, right? It feels like a constant battle between wanting something super flavorful and actually having the time to make it. I used to stare into the fridge, craving that savory, satisfying crunch of an egg roll, but the thought of all that frying? No thank you! That’s exactly when I whipped up my very first “Egg Roll in a Bowl.” Trust me, it’s a total game-changer! It’s so quick, packed with amazing taste, and honestly, a much healthier, gluten-free way to get all that deliciousness without the fuss. This recipe has become my go-to, just like it was for Dr. Thompson when he needed a fast, wholesome meal after a long day at work. You’re going to love how simple and satisfying this Egg Roll in a Bowl is!
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver on busy nights! Here’s why it’s become a fast favorite:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. Talk about a weeknight win!
- Incredibly Easy: Just one skillet and simple steps. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, savory, and a little zingy all in one bite. It’s seriously satisfying!
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Packed with protein and veggies, and it’s naturally gluten-free. You can feel good about serving this!
Ingredients for Your Delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is surprisingly simple, but using the right stuff makes all the difference. You’ll want to grab:
- 1 pound of ground chicken or ground pork – your pick!
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (make sure to separate the whites from the greens for later!).
- 2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger – it really adds that zing!
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced – can’t skip the garlic!
- 16 ounces of coleslaw mix or just shredded cabbage if you have that on hand.
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce – this is where a lot of that savory goodness comes from.
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, or a little more if you love that nutty flavor.
- And for garnish, some chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds – totally optional but so good!
Mastering Your Egg Roll in a Bowl: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! Making this Egg Roll in a Bowl is honestly so straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together for such a flavor-packed meal.
First things first, grab a nice big skillet – a 10-inch one works perfectly. Pop it over medium-high heat and toss in your pound of ground chicken or pork. Get in there with a wooden spoon and break it all up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s cooked through, do yourself a favor and drain off any extra fat. Nobody wants a greasy bowl!
Next, toss in the white parts of your green onions, that fresh grated ginger, and the minced garlic. Give it a good stir, then pile in your coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Let that all cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the cabbage starts to get nice and tender.
Now for the magic sauce! Stir in your soy sauce and that lovely sesame oil. Let it all bubble together for just one more minute. And voilà! Your delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl is basically ready to go. Just divide it up into bowls, top with the leftover green onion tops, some fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Easy peasy!
For more amazing ideas on dishes like this, check out this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe.
Tips for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl
You know, making a fantastic Egg Roll in a Bowl isn’t just about following the steps; it’s about a few little tricks that really make it shine! First off, try to use fresh ginger and garlic if you can. It makes a HUGE difference in that aromatic punch. And don’t be shy with the coleslaw mix – I love how it wilts down and absorbs all those yummy flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture!
When you’re browning the meat, make sure to get a good sear on it; that adds another layer of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. And for goodness sake, drain that fat! Nobody wants a greasy mess. If you want to kick up the heat, a little Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way. For more tips on nailing chicken dishes, check out this guide on how to make chicken recipes like a pro!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients for our amazing Egg Roll in a Bowl! Sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe calls for, or maybe you want to tweak it a bit. Don’t sweat it! For the meat, if ground chicken or pork isn’t your jam, ground turkey is a fantastic substitute. It cooks up just as beautifully and takes on all those delicious flavors. We use canola oil or another neutral oil for cooking, but if you’re out, almost any cooking oil will do the trick in a pinch.
That coleslaw mix is key for that classic egg roll texture, but if you can’t find it, just grab a bag of shredded cabbage. It works perfectly! And the soy sauce? Make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake, or you can totally swap it for tamari if you need a gluten-free alternative. For those who love a little extra crunch, adding some chopped water chestnuts or bean sprouts is a total game-changer!
Thinking about other gluten-free goodies? You might love these gluten-free energy bites!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the best things about this Egg Roll in a Bowl is how awesome it is for meal prep! Seriously, you can totally make this ahead of time and have a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go all week. Just let the mixture cool down completely after you cook it. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Talk about saving time!
When you’re ready to reheat your Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ve got a couple of easy options. You can pop it back into a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s all warmed through. Or, if you’re in a super big hurry, just toss it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway. It reheats like a dream and tastes almost as good as when it was freshly made! For more make-ahead magic, check out these easy dinner recipes with make-ahead tips or these Taco Tuesday recipes with make-ahead tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I use different meat for my Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Absolutely! While ground chicken or pork are fantastic, feel free to swap them out. Ground turkey is a wonderful, lean option that works just as well. Some folks even like to use ground beef for a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning, no matter what meat you choose!
How can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl spicier?
If you love a little heat, this recipe is super easy to spice up! You can toss in some Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes right along with the soy sauce and sesame oil at the end. For a deeper spice, you could also add some minced jalapeño when you add the garlic and ginger. Taste as you go and find your perfect level of heat!
Is this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe low-carb?
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is naturally pretty low in carbs because we’re using coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage instead of noodles or rice. The main carb source comes from the veggies and the small amount in the soy sauce. If you’re really watching your carbs, just make sure to use a low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and skip any added sweeteners.
What if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
No worries at all! If you can’t find a pre-made coleslaw mix, just grab a head of green cabbage and shred it yourself. You can even throw in a little bit of shredded carrot for color and sweetness if you have it. It’ll give you that same delicious texture and flavor in your Egg Roll in a Bowl, you just might need to chop it a bit finer.
Nutritional Information for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Now, let’s talk numbers! This is just an estimate, of course, because how much you add and exact ingredient brands can change things a bit. But generally, one serving of this delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl is about:
- Calories: 353
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 25g
It’s a pretty balanced meal, right? For more healthy meal ideas, check out these healthy meals, recipes, and meal prep ideas!
Share Your Egg Roll in a Bowl Creations!
I just LOVE hearing from you guys! Did you try making this Egg Roll in a Bowl? How did it turn out? Did you add any fun twists or secret ingredients? Please, please, please leave a comment below and let me know! A star rating is super helpful too. And if you snapped a pic, absolutely tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your delicious creations and maybe even share them! You can also reach out through my contact page.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken or pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any fat.
- Stir in the whites of the green onions, ginger, garlic, and coleslaw mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the coleslaw becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil and cook for 1 minute more.
- Divide into bowls and garnish with cilantro, greens of green onions, and sesame seeds.
