If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of a classic egg roll but want a quicker, lighter, and low-carb option, you’re going to love this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It’s like having all the best parts of that crunchy egg roll wrapper-free, with tender ground meat, crisp cabbage, and a perfect blend of savory seasonings tossed together in one delicious, effortless skillet meal. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish brings big flavor and super satisfying texture without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a starring role, giving you a dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor.
- 1 lb ground meat: Choose chicken, turkey, or beef as the savory, protein-packed base of the dish.
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups): Adds crunch and sweetness to balance the meatiness beautifully.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or matchstick-cut: Offers a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the bowl.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings depth and a gentle aromatic sweetness when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides punchy flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a hint of zing and warmth for that classic egg roll taste.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos): Delivers the signature salty umami that ties everything together.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Introduces a mild tang to brighten and balance the flavors.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Lends a nutty aroma and rich finish to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer of ingredients perfectly.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Start by Heating the Skillet
Begin with a large skillet over medium heat. Heating the pan properly ensures even cooking of the meat and vegetables, which is key to building layers of flavor in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
Add your choice of ground meat to the hot skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Be sure to break it up with a spatula as it browns so every bite will be perfectly tender and well-seasoned.
Step 3: Stir in the Onion
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step softens the onion and releases its sweetness, blending beautifully with the savory meat.
Step 4: Add Carrots, Garlic, and Ginger
Mix in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes. These ingredients bring vibrant color and add the signature zing that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 5: Incorporate Shredded Cabbage
Stir in the shredded cabbage and combine it well with the meat and vegetables. The cabbage will cook down slightly but should still have a nice crunch when the dish is finished.
Step 6: Cook Until Cabbage is Tender
Allow the mixture to cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften just enough to be tender while still retaining some crispness that gives this recipe its wonderful texture contrast.
Step 7: Add Sauces and Seasonings
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These are the magic ingredients that bring authentic egg roll flavors to your bowl, creating a wonderfully balanced, savory-sour profile.
Step 8: Combine Thoroughly
Stir well so every bite has a little bit of each flavor. This ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed, turning basic ingredients into an addictive meal.
Step 9: Season With Salt and Pepper
Add salt and black pepper to taste. This final touch brings out the natural flavors and rounds out the dish perfectly.
Step 10: Remove from Heat
Once everything is cooked and seasoned, take the skillet off the heat. This keeps your Egg Roll in a Bowl from overcooking and lets it stay vibrant and fresh-tasting.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil if you like. These simple garnishes add bursts of flavor and a pretty finish.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil instantly elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor profile. These small touches add freshness, crunch, and aroma, making every bite a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for those avoiding grains. You can also serve it alongside simple Asian-inspired sides, like cucumber salad or miso soup, for a well-rounded dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl inside large lettuce leaves to scoop it up like a taco. This adds a refreshing crunch and turns it into a hands-on meal perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before storing to maintain the texture and freshness of the cabbage and meat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispness of the cabbage and prevent it from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides cabbage and carrots?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to add your own twist to the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking times to avoid overcooking delicate veggies.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be easily made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which provide the same umami flavor without gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils to create a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as tasty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is mild by default. You can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers during cooking if you like things spicy.
What’s the best ground meat to use?
It really depends on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter dish, while ground beef adds a richer, heartier flavor. All work beautifully in this recipe and cook at similar rates.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want the comforting, delicious flavors of an egg roll without the fuss of frying wrappers or the extra carbs. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable, making it a dependable weeknight favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes one of your go-to meals. Enjoy every tasty, satisfying bite!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that combines ground meat, shredded cabbage, and vegetables, flavored with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe offers all the delicious taste of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it a low-carb, gluten-free, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 medium head cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups)
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or matchstick-cut
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Seasoning and Sauces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for Whole30)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for a minute or two.
- Cook ground meat: Add the ground meat to the pan and cook it for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns evenly and releases its juices.
- Sauté onions: Stir in the diced onion and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add carrots, garlic, and ginger: Mix in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to soften and blend flavors.
- Incorporate cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine it with the meat and vegetables.
- Cook cabbage: Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until the cabbage softens but remains slightly crisp and vibrant.
- Season dish: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the dish immediately while hot.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or add a drizzle of extra sesame oil for more flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Use lean ground meat to keep the dish lower in fat.
- This recipe can be customized with other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a Whole30-compliant meal, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick if desired.

