Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that just hits all the right notes – savory, a little spicy, and packed with veggies, all without the fuss of wrapping and frying an actual egg roll. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but quick, and trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to customize to your taste.
What makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stand out for me is how it captures all the flavors of a classic egg roll but in a healthier, no-mess format. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers work like a charm for lunches or busy days when you need a nourishing meal fast. Once you make it, you’ll see why I keep going back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe plays a key role, balancing texture, flavor, and aroma. Shopping for fresh veggies and pantry staples like sesame oil and soy sauce will make all the difference in nailing those classic egg roll flavors.
- Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for a bit of fat that keeps the mixture juicy without being greasy.
- Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the beef and adds sweetness.
- Minced garlic: Fresh is best – it wakes up the whole dish.
- Sesame oil: This is your flavor bomb – adds that nutty, authentic Asian touch.
- Carrots: Finely shredded to blend nicely with the cabbage and add natural sweetness.
- Coleslaw mix: A convenient combo of shredded cabbage and carrots; if you want, you can shred fresh cabbage yourself.
- Onion powder: Boosts that savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: A little extra garlicky goodness.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat – adjust to your spice level.
- Ground ginger: Essential for that warm, slightly spicy zing you expect in egg rolls.
- Low sodium soy sauce: I usually go with about half a cup, but taste as you go.
- Vegetable oil: For cooking and blending flavors smoothly.
- Green onions (optional): For garnish and fresh bite at the end.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to tweak ingredients or swap things out based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary preferences.
- Ground turkey or chicken: I’ve tried swapping in turkey for a leaner dish, and it works wonderfully with the seasonings.
- Tofu or tempeh: For a vegetarian twist, crumble firm tofu or tempeh and cook it up the same way — just watch for moisture.
- Extra veggies: Me personally, I like adding bell peppers or snap peas for a bit of crunch and color.
- Lower sodium option: Reduce soy sauce and add a splash of coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat with Care
Start by heating a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. The key here is to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink but keep the pieces chunkier instead of breaking it down too finely. You’ll want some texture that mimics the chewy bits inside an egg roll. Once browned, drain any excess grease before moving on.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Return the skillet to the heat and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them down until the onions turn soft and translucent – this brings out their sweetness and builds a lovely base flavor. Keep those beef chunks larger for the best texture contrast in every bite.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables and Sesame Oil
Now add your sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix. Using tongs, stir everything together so the oil coats all the veggies and beef evenly. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to soften the cabbage slightly without losing that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
In a small bowl, whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this savory mixture over your skillet contents, stirring gently to combine. Reduce the heat and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken a bit.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Garnishes
I always love topping my bowl with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant pickup, and sometimes I sprinkle on a few sesame seeds for that little extra nuttiness. If you like heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch more red pepper flakes never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic on its own, but I do like to pair it with steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. Sometimes a side of simple miso soup or a crunchy cucumber salad rounds the meal out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in light lettuce cups — it turns it into a fun, hands-on experience that everyone enjoys. You could also layer it over a bed of rice noodles for a noodle bowl twist or even stuff it inside warm pita pockets for a fusion spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last about 4 days. When I reheat, I stir frequently on the stovetop so the beef doesn’t dry out. I recommend adding a little splash of soy sauce or water while reheating to keep everything juicy and fresh-tasting.
Freezing
Freezing this dish works pretty well if you do it right. I let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you defrost, I find it reheats best gently on the stovetop rather than microwaving straight from frozen to keep the veggies from getting mushy.
Reheating
Reheating on medium heat with a splash of soy sauce or broth works wonders. Keep stirring to rewarm evenly — this keeps the ground beef tender and the veggies crisp-ish. If you’re short on time, microwaving in short bursts with a loose cover works too, but I prefer the stovetop method for texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Just adjust seasonings as needed, and sauté your chosen protein until browned before adding the veggies. This keeps the same great flavor with a plant-based spin.
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Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes! Using coleslaw mix instead of wrappers and skipping rice or noodles makes it naturally low-carb. You can even pair it with cauliflower rice to keep things keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- What if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you can use another neutral oil like vegetable or canola, but keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as rich or nutty. A touch of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on at the end can help add back some of that signature taste.
- How spicy is the recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them according to your heat preference. I usually stick to about half a teaspoon for a gentle warmth, but feel free to add more if you love spicy food!
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the veggies and sauce components ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the beef just before serving for the best texture, or assemble and reheat gently if you want a full make-ahead meal. It’s great for batch cooking and meal prep!
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is one of those go-to dinners that feels both homey and a little special. I love how it’s fast, forgiving, and bursting with familiar flavors without all the fuss of making egg rolls from scratch. If you give it a try, I’m pretty sure you’ll keep it saved for those busy nights when you want something delicious and nourishing on the table fast.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a flavorful, low-carb twist on the classic egg roll, offering all the delicious flavors without the wrapper. Made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, it’s a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. The dish captures the essence of an egg roll using simple, wholesome ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced finely
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Vegetables
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and finely shredded
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ – ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce (about ½ cup used)
Spices
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink. Avoid breaking the meat into very small pieces to retain texture.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Drain excess grease from the pan. Return the skillet to the stovetop and add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, maintaining larger pieces of meat throughout.
- Add Vegetables and Sesame Oil: Stir in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix using tongs to combine well. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Prepare and Add Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, low sodium soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this sauce evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cook everything together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and ensure the dish is heated through.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
- If serving with rice, store the rice separately or mix it in before refrigerating to maintain texture.
- Add a splash of soy sauce when reheating to refresh the flavors.
Keywords: egg roll in a bowl, low carb egg roll, ground beef recipe, easy stovetop dinner, Asian-inspired stir fry
