Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work wonderfully in this recipe. Turkey and chicken will give you a lighter flavor profile, while pork will taste most similar to traditional egg rolls. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your coleslaw mix ingredients to ensure it doesn't contain any gluten-containing additives, though most plain mixes are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to make it even healthier?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking. For extra nutrition without changing the flavor profile too much, you can also add finely chopped spinach.

Why is my dish too watery?

This can happen if your coleslaw mix was very fresh and had high water content. To fix it, simply cook a few minutes longer with the lid off to allow excess moisture to evaporate. For future batches, you can also salt the cabbage mix and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the skillet, then pat it dry.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 bag (14-16 ounces) prepared coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot mixture); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Seasonings and Sauces; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup soy sauce (divided, plus more for serving if desired)

This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe transforms all the delicious flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout appetizer into a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes! It’s a perfect low-carb, high-protein meal that delivers big on taste without all the fuss of wrapping and frying traditional egg rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – faster than delivery and perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re tempted to order takeout.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ground beef and pre-packaged coleslaw mix keeps this dish affordable while still feeling like a restaurant-quality meal.
Healthier Option: All the flavors you crave from an egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper, making this a lower-carb, higher-protein alternative that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment of your evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor as the base of this dish. Lean ground beef works best to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Ground Ginger: Adds that distinctive warm, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes. It brings authenticity without requiring fresh ginger.
Garlic Powder: Provides convenient aromatic flavor without the need for mincing fresh garlic, though fresh would work beautifully too!
Soy Sauce: The savory, umami foundation that ties all the flavors together. I recommend adding it in two stages to build layers of flavor.
Coleslaw Mix: The genius shortcut ingredient that eliminates all the chopping! This pre-shredded cabbage and carrot mix perfectly mimics the filling of traditional egg rolls.
Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast as a finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Egg Roll Bowl? Here are some delicious options:

Protein Swap: Try ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken instead of beef for different flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh for the ground beef.
Spice it Up: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts for added texture and nutrition.
Keto-Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s completely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle the ground ginger and garlic powder over the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Pour in half of the soy sauce and mix well, allowing the meat to absorb those fantastic flavors.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the coleslaw mix and stir well to combine with the seasoned beef. The cabbage will start to wilt down almost immediately.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. As the cabbage softens, add the remaining soy sauce to keep building flavor. The dish is ready when the cabbage has reached your desired tenderness – about 3-5 minutes for slightly crisp, or 5-7 minutes for softer cabbage.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top and serve immediately. For extra flavor, offer additional soy sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: For the best texture that mimics actual egg rolls, keep the cabbage slightly crisp rather than cooking it until completely soft.
Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess fat after browning the beef ensures your dish isn’t greasy and allows the flavors to shine through.
Add Soy Sauce in Stages: This builds deeper flavor than adding it all at once. The first addition flavors the meat, while the second seasons the vegetables.
Taste Before Serving: Cabbage varies in size even in pre-packaged mixes, so you might need to adjust the soy sauce to get the perfect balance.

How to Serve

This versatile dish works beautifully in several serving styles:

Simple Bowl

Serve it straight from the skillet into bowls for a complete low-carb meal.

Over Rice

For heartier appetites or those not watching carbs, serve over steamed white or brown rice.

Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held option that adds even more crunch.

Toppings Bar

Set out extra toppings like crispy wonton strips, sesame seeds, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce and let everyone customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Remember not to defrost before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. A splash of soy sauce while reheating helps refresh the flavors. Microwave reheating works in a pinch – just cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work wonderfully in this recipe. Turkey and chicken will give you a lighter flavor profile, while pork will taste most similar to traditional egg rolls. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your coleslaw mix ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives, though most plain mixes are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to make it even healthier?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts during the last few minutes of cooking. For extra nutrition without changing the flavor profile too much, you can also add finely chopped spinach.
Why is my dish too watery?

This can happen if your coleslaw mix was very fresh and had high water content. To fix it, simply cook a few minutes longer with the lid off to allow excess moisture to evaporate. For future batches, you can also salt the cabbage mix and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the skillet, then pat it dry.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe proves that healthy, homemade meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes, you can enjoy all the flavors of your favorite takeout appetizer in a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s become my go-to recipe when I’m craving Chinese food but want to stay on track with healthier eating. Give it a try tonight – I bet it will become a regular in your dinner rotation too!