There is something incredibly satisfying about this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe that hits all the cravings of a classic egg roll, without the fuss of wrapping or frying. It’s a vibrant, savory medley of ground beef, crisp coleslaw mix, and bold Asian-inspired flavors that come together in just one pan. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this dish bursts with garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil, creating a comforting, flavorful feast that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tender ground beef to the crunch of the tri-color coleslaw mix, every component shines in this dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base without overpowering the dish.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick to brighten up the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a subtle sweetness.
- Grated garlic: Delivers deep aromatic notes that enhance the entire dish.
- Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty warmth that makes this recipe uniquely irresistible.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage to bring out all the flavors.
- Ground beef (85/15): Adds hearty protein and richness while keeping the dish juicy.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and texture as it softens in the pan.
- Matchstick carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and colorful crunch.
- Grated ginger: Brings fresh, zesty brightness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Green onions: Add freshness and a mild onion punch.
- Tri-color coleslaw mix: A satisfying blend of cabbage and carrots that wilts just enough for the perfect crunch.
- Brown rice: A hearty and wholesome base to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Wonton strips: Provide a fun, crunchy garnish that echoes the egg roll experience.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle on for extra texture and nuttiness with every bite.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated garlic, toasted sesame oil, and a generous pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper. This sauce is the heart of the dish, perfectly balancing salty, tangy, and sweet elements.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with salt and pepper, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until nicely browned and fully cooked through—this step builds rich, savory depth for the dish.
Step 3: Sauté the onions and carrots
Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the diced yellow onion and matchstick carrots. Season again with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies start to soften and release their sweetness.
Step 4: Add garlic, ginger, and green onions
Mix in the grated garlic, ginger, and thinly sliced green onions, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook just one more minute to let the fresh aromatics bloom, layering on complexity to the bowl.
Step 5: Wilt the coleslaw mix
Fold in the tri-color coleslaw mix with salt and pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still retains a pleasant crunch. This keeps the dish light and fresh, capturing that egg roll crispness without deep-frying.
Step 6: Combine with sauce and finish cooking
Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another couple of minutes to marry the flavors, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. This final step seals in all the vibrant tastes and aromas we’ve built.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, top each bowl with crunchy wonton strips, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add extra texture and bursts of flavor that make every bite exciting and authentic.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can also serve it alongside steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe inside crispy lettuce wraps for a hands-on dining experience. You could also layer it over noodles or rice noodles and drizzle a bit of sriracha mayo for a spicy kick. Presentation is a great way to keep this familiar dish feeling new and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the vegetables may soften a bit after freezing, but the vibrant flavors remain intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can help revive moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the veggies from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even cooked mushrooms to keep it plant-based while maintaining that savory richness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your other condiments. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can cook a little faster and tend to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit of oil to keep it moist.
What if I don’t have tri-color coleslaw mix?
No problem! Feel free to use any shredded cabbage mix or a combination of shredded green and purple cabbage with grated carrots to achieve a similar texture and color contrast.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?
This version is mild to moderate in spice. To ramp up the heat, add sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili oil either while cooking or as a finishing touch at the table.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, it’s hard to go back to takeout or more complicated dinners. It’s a wonderful, fuss-free way to enjoy all the best flavors of an egg roll in a quick, nutritious bowl. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare for a new favorite in your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Best Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional egg rolls by combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce in a single skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic (or garlic paste)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Main Dish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic (or garlic paste)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (or ginger paste)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 16 oz. bag tri-color coleslaw mix
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Brown rice
- Wonton strips
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons grated garlic, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and add a couple of large pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste until well combined.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef along with a couple of pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onions and Carrots: Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced small yellow onion and 1 cup matchstick carrots to the pan. Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 tablespoon grated garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release their flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage Mix: Add the entire 16-ounce bag of tri-color coleslaw mix to the pan. Season again with a couple pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains some crunch.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the egg roll in a bowl mixture over cooked brown rice. Garnish with crispy wonton strips, additional thinly sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.
- Optional: If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review to share your feedback!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to balance the sweetness to your preference.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Wonton strips add great crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
