Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe: A Quick, Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re a fan of the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls but want a healthier, low-carb alternative, you’re in for a treat! This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a game-changer. Made in one skillet in under 30 minutes, it captures all the flavors of the classic Chinese appetizer without the deep-fried wrapper. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Skip the fried wrapper and enjoy a lighter, nutrient-packed meal.
- Customizable: Use ground turkey, pork, chicken, or even tofu to suit your preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground pork, chicken, or beef)
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 8 cups shredded) – or use a coleslaw mix for convenience
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Optional Toppings for Serving
- Cooked white rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha mayo (mix sriracha with mayo for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until it’s almost cooked through.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Toss in the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to release the aromas.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the ¼ cup chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the dish!
Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings
- Add the shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix) to the skillet.
- Drizzle with soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil
- Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle with 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Stir to incorporate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl over cooked white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo if desired.
The Origins of Egg Roll in a Bowl
The Egg Roll in a Bowl is a modern twist on the classic Chinese-American egg roll, a dish that has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Traditional egg rolls are made by wrapping a mixture of vegetables and meat in a thin dough wrapper and deep-frying it until crispy. While delicious, the deep-frying process adds extra calories and fat, making it less ideal for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.
The concept of deconstructing popular dishes into bowl form has gained significant traction in recent years, thanks to the rise of low-carb and keto diets. By removing the fried wrapper and focusing on the flavorful filling, the Egg Roll in a Bowl was born. This dish retains all the savory, umami-rich flavors of the original egg roll but in a lighter, more nutritious format. It’s a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be adapted to fit modern dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
The popularity of this dish also stems from its simplicity and versatility. It’s a one-skillet meal that can be customized to suit various dietary needs, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian. The use of fresh ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and ginger not only adds vibrant colors and textures but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Over time, the Egg Roll in a Bowl has become a go-to recipe for busy families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Health Benefits of Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the standout features of the Egg Roll in a Bowl is its impressive nutritional profile. This dish is packed with wholesome ingredients that offer a wide range of health benefits. Let’s break it down:
- Cabbage: The star of this dish, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and may even help reduce inflammation.
- Ground Turkey: A lean source of protein, ground turkey helps build and repair muscles while keeping the dish low in fat. It’s also a good source of essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Carrots: These vibrant veggies are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for eye health, skin health, and immune function.
- Ginger and Garlic: Both are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They also add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds healthy fats and a rich, nutty flavor. It’s also a source of antioxidants.
By combining these ingredients, the Egg Roll in a Bowl becomes a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste.
Customizing Your Egg Roll in a Bowl
One of the best things about the Egg Roll in a Bowl is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for customizing this dish:
- Switch Up the Protein: While ground turkey is a popular choice, you can use ground pork, chicken, beef, or even plant-based options like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These not only add more nutrients but also enhance the dish’s color and texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. You can also top it with spicy mayo for an extra kick.
- Experiment with Sauces: While soy sauce and rice vinegar are classic choices, you can try other sauces like hoisin, oyster sauce, or even a splash of fish sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Serve It Your Way: Enjoy the dish as-is for a low-carb meal, or serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier option. You can also wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld version.
Tips for the Perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Use a Coleslaw Mix: To save time, use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage and carrots.
- Adjust the Protein: Swap ground turkey for ground pork, chicken, beef, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Double the Recipe: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutritional Information
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (without rice or optional toppings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
4. What Can I Serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. You can also pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad.
Why This Recipe Works
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy your favorite flavors in a healthier, more convenient way. By skipping the deep-fried wrapper and focusing on fresh, wholesome ingredients, you get a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of savory ground turkey, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe: A Quick, Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Favorite
This quick and easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a healthier twist on the classic Chinese appetizer. Made in one skillet in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and skips the deep-fried wrapper. Perfect for a low-carb meal or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish features ground turkey (or pork), fresh cabbage, and a savory sauce made with pantry staples like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
Ingredients
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
▢ 1 pound ground turkey (or pork)
▢ 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
▢ 1 cup shredded carrots
▢ 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
▢ 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
▢ ¼ cup chicken broth
▢ 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
▢ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
▢ ¾ teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving (Optional):
▢ Cooked white rice
▢ Green onions (green parts only, thinly sliced)
▢ Toasted sesame seeds
▢ Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté the Veggies: Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the onion and remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded carrots, garlic, and ginger, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
- Serve: Serve over cooked white rice (if using) and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo, if desired.
Notes
- Customize the Protein: Swap ground turkey for ground pork, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or extra sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a must-try. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply craving the taste of egg rolls without the guilt, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.