Name: Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp sesame oil; ½ medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated; 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste; ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste; 1 tsp ground ginger; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ½ tsp granulated sugar; 1 Tbsp chopped green onion; ¼ tsp sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you love the crisp, savory flavors of a classic egg roll but want a quicker, lighter option without the wrapper, then you are absolutely going to adore this Egg Roll in a Bowl. It captures all the mouthwatering seasoning and texture of a traditional egg roll filling, but comes together in a single skillet for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish is simple to make, packed with vibrant veggies and savory beef, and seasoned just right to keep your taste buds dancing with delight.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl lies in its straightforward, modest ingredient list that delivers so much flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role — from the juicy ground beef to the crunchy cabbage and bright carrot, topped off with warm, aromatic sauces that bring it all together.

Lean ground beef (1 lb, 85/15): Provides rich, savory protein and a satisfying base for the dish.
Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Helps brown the beef and soften the veggies while adding a mild, fruity flavor.
Fine sea salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Offers a gentle mild heat that balances the rich beef.
Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that softens as it cooks.
Carrot (1 medium, julienned or grated): Brings a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to the bowl.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
Green cabbage (3 cups, thinly sliced): Acts as the “wrapper” with a lovely crisp-tender texture and mild flavor.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): Adds zesty spice, brightening the savory notes.
Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides a perfect salty and umami punch, anchoring the dish’s flavor.
Sesame oil (2 tsp): Lends a toasted, nutty aroma that’s signature to egg roll taste.
Granulated sugar (½ tsp): Balances the salty and savory with a touch of subtle sweetness.
Chopped green onion (1 Tbsp, optional): Adds fresh, sharp notes as a garnish.
Sesame seeds (¼ tsp, optional): Provide a delicate crunch and a nutty finish to your bowl.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds the foundation of your Egg Roll in a Bowl with rich, savory flavor. Season it with salt and pepper to create that perfect balance right from the start.

Step 2: Soften the Onion and Carrot

Next, stir in the finely diced onion and grated carrot pieces. Let these cook together with the beef for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often. This softens the vegetables and melds their natural sweetness into the savory beef, adding texture and a subtle pop of color that makes the dish visually inviting.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma

Once the onions and carrots have softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Garlic fills the pan with an intoxicating aroma, boosting the dish’s flavor depth and complexity without overpowering the delicate balance.

Step 4: Stir in the Cabbage and Sauces

Now it’s time for the star veggie — thinly sliced cabbage — along with ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Continue to sauté everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cabbage becomes tender but still retains just a little bite. These ingredients infuse the Egg Roll in a Bowl with authentic egg roll flavors, marrying savory, sweet, and nutty notes perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top if you’re using them. This final touch adds freshness and crunch, making each bite of your Egg Roll in a Bowl both flavorful and texturally delightful.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

Garnishes

A simple garnish of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds instantly elevates this dish. The green onions add a burst of color and a hint of sharpness, while the sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch and nuttiness that completes every mouthful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a fuller meal, or with a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad to keep things fresh. A bowl of miso soup alongside helps round out the comforting, savory experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl as a lettuce wrap filling. Spoon it into crisp butter lettuce leaves and eat with your hands for a fresh, interactive meal. Alternatively, pop it into warmed tortillas or pita pockets for a fusion handheld that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Egg Roll in a Bowl keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as tasty as fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the cabbage may soften slightly once thawed, but the flavors will stay bold and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain texture, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but watch closely to avoid overcooking the cabbage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a lighter alternative and still absorbs all the wonderful seasonings well. Just follow the same cooking steps and enjoy the twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. This simple swap keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if preferred. Add extra seasoning to maintain that savory kick and enjoy a veggie-packed version.

How spicy is Egg Roll in a Bowl?

This dish is mild by default, but you can easily spice it up with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to suit your heat preference.

What’s the best cabbage to use?

Green cabbage is traditional and recommended for its texture and flavor, but you can also try Napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter and softer bite.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is such a refreshing way to enjoy all the flavors you love without the fuss of wrappers or deep frying. It’s straightforward, packed with taste, and wonderfully comforting. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a new favorite for quick dinners that feel a bit special. Once you taste it, I bet you’ll be making Egg Roll in a Bowl again and again!