If you love egg rolls but want a healthier, faster option, this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner staple. With all the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls minus the wrapper and deep-frying, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl, sometimes called “crack slaw” due to its addictive flavor, is a deconstructed version of the classic egg roll. Instead of wrapping the filling in dough and frying it, you simply cook all the delicious ingredients together in a skillet. The result is a lighter, low-carb meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
This dish has become incredibly popular in the keto and paleo communities, but honestly, anyone who enjoys quick, flavorful dinners will love it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
- 3-4 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
For Topping
- Sesame seeds
- Extra sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until nicely browned.
Once your pork is cooked through, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Dump in the entire bag of coleslaw mix and stir everything together. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Remove from heat and stir in most of the green onions, saving some for garnish. Divide among plates, top with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly quick, ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. The recipe is budget-friendly with mostly pantry staples, and a bag of coleslaw mix costs just a few dollars. You can easily swap proteins, adjust the spice level, or add extra vegetables based on what you have on hand. Packed with vegetables and protein, this dish is naturally low in carbs and fits into keto, paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free diets. Best of all, one pan means minimal cleanup.
Delicious Variations
Try using ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead of pork for different flavors. Add water chestnuts for extra crunch, mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or bell peppers for sweetness and color. You can boost the flavor with a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder, hoisin sauce for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb complete meal, over white or brown rice for a heartier option, in lettuce wraps for a fun handheld version, or with a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness.
Meal Prep and Storage
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook a double batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
What goes in an egg roll in a bowl?
What goes in an egg roll in a bowl?
An egg roll in a bowl typically contains the savory filling of a traditional egg roll, without the wrapper.
- Key ingredients include:Ground Meat: Ground pork is often used for a classic egg roll flavor, but ground beef, chicken, or turkey are also common.
- Vegetables: A mix of shredded cabbage and carrots is standard.
- Many recipes suggest using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience.
- Other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini can also be added.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger are essential for the signature Asian-inspired flavor.
- Sauce: The sauce is typically made with soy sauce (or a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos), sesame oil, and sometimes rice vinegar or other seasonings.
- Optional Egg: Some recipes include a scrambled egg mixed in for added protein and flavor.
Do you reheat egg rolls in a bowl?
Yes, you can reheat egg roll in a bowl. Here are a few methods:
- Skillet: For best results, reheat it in a greased skillet, sautéing until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, you can reheat it in the microwave.
- If the dish includes rice, it’s recommended to make fresh rice.
What is a good side for egg roll in a bowl?
Egg roll in a bowl can be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with several side dishes:
Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic accompaniment.
For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great choice.
Noodles: Soba noodles, lo mein, or rice noodles can be served with it.
Other Asian-inspired dishes: Egg drop soup, scallion pancakes, or a simple salad with an Asian dressing would complement the flavors well.
Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans are also good options.
What are common mistakes when making egg roll in a bowl?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Overcooking the cabbage: The cabbage should be cooked until it’s just wilted but still has some crunch. Mushy cabbage is a common pitfall.
- Not draining the meat: If you use ground meat with a higher fat content, it’s important to drain the excess grease to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.
Using a wet filling: Ensure your vegetables are well-drained to avoid a soggy dish.
Are egg rolls still good after 4 days?
Properly stored, leftover egg rolls can last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Egg roll in a bowl also lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Is egg roll in a bowl healthy?
Egg roll in a bowl is generally considered a healthy dish.
It is packed with protein and vegetables and is lower in carbs and fat than a traditional deep-fried egg roll because it omits the wrapper.
It can be adapted to fit various dietary needs, such as gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.
Can I freeze egg roll in a bowl?
Yes, you can freeze egg roll in a bowl.
It is a great recipe for meal prepping.
It’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
You can store it in the freezer for up to two to three months.
How to use leftover pork tenderloin?
While the search results focused on egg rolls, leftover pork tenderloin is very versatile. You can slice it thinly and add it to stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads. You could even use it as the protein in your next batch of egg roll in a bowl!
How to keep eggrolls hot and crispy?
To keep egg rolls hot and crispy, it’s best to avoid stacking them, as this can make them soggy.
If you need to keep them warm for a short period, you can place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in an oven set to a low temperature.
Double-frying is another technique used in restaurants to ensure extra crispiness.
What kind of cabbage is best for egg roll in a bowl?
You can use regular green cabbage, purple cabbage, or a combination of both.
Many recipes recommend using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which often contains both cabbage and carrots, for convenience.
Thinly sliced cabbage is preferred for a better texture.
Is egg roll in a bowl keto-friendly?
Yes, egg roll in a bowl is very keto-friendly.
By omitting the high-carb wrapper of a traditional egg roll and using low-carb vegetables, it becomes a great option for a keto diet.
To ensure it’s keto-compliant, use a sugar-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
How does egg roll in a bowl compare to an egg roll?
Egg roll in a bowl is essentially the deconstructed filling of an egg roll.
The main difference is the absence of the deep-fried wrapper.
This makes the bowl version a lighter and healthier option that is also quicker and easier to prepare.
What is the secret to a crispy egg roll?
The secret to a crispy egg roll lies in a few key details:
- Dry Filling: Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent sogginess.
- Proper Frying Temperature: The oil should be hot enough (around 350-375°F) to crisp the wrapper without burning it.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature.
- Vinegar in the Oil: Some suggest adding a little vinegar to the frying oil for extra crispiness.
- Double Frying: Frying the egg rolls once, then frying them again before serving is a professional trick for ultimate crispiness.
What is another name for egg roll in a bowl?
Egg roll in a bowl is sometimes referred to as “crack slaw,” particularly in keto and low-carb communities.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until nicely browned.
- Once cooked through, add the minced ginger and garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Dump in the entire bag of coleslaw mix and stir everything together. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
- Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat and stir in most of the green onions, saving some for garnish.
- Divide among plates, top with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
