I still remember the first time I had an Egg Roll in a Bowl at a friend’s dinner party. It was a chilly evening, and the rich aroma filled the kitchen, wrapping around us like a warm hug. As we gathered around the table, I couldn’t help but feel excited about this dish. It offered all the flavors of traditional egg rolls but without the fuss of rolling and deep-frying. Not to mention, it felt lighter but still so satisfying! Since then, Egg Roll in a Bowl has become a staple in my home, especially for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a share of fresh, crunchy veggies and tender turkey—no need for extra plates or messy wrappers.
Why make this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition—all while being a breeze to prepare. Believe me, it ticks all the boxes for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. In just about 30 minutes, you whip up a vibrant, filling meal that feels indulgent without weighing you down. The combination of ground turkey and cabbage makes this dish a healthful powerhouse, packed with protein and fiber. Plus, kids love it! The savory, umami flavors combined with the tender crunch of veggies keep them asking for seconds. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to customize, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. You’re going to feel like a rock star when you nail this one!
How to make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Making Egg Roll in a Bowl is an enjoyable experience that requires minimal prepping and cooking time. Expect to spend about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. I usually keep my kitchen tidy, so having a large skillet is essential, as we’ll do most of the cooking in one pan. You only need a few ingredients, most of which you might already have in your fridge. It’s quick, satisfying, and the cleanup is simple!

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 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, see note)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (green parts only, thinly sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha Mayo (optional)
Step-by-step directions
Let’s get cookin’! Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cooking the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Stir and cook until it’s almost cooked through, which will take about 5-6 minutes. You want it to be browned, but not completely done since we’ll add more ingredients later.
Adding onions: Now, push the turkey to one side of the pan. Add the finely diced onion and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens, stirring occasionally.
Incorporating veggies: Toss in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes. The flavors really start to come alive here!
Building the base: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are flavor gold!
Adding cabbage and seasoning: Next, add the cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness. I love it when it’s still a bit crunchy, but feel free to cook it longer if you like it softer.
Finishing touches: Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle in the toasted sesame oil. Stir to combine, and you’re nearly there!
Serving up: Serve the Egg Roll in a Bowl over a bed of cooked white rice, if you’re using it. Top everything off with freshly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and if you’re feeling spicy, add a swirl of sriracha mayo.

How to serve Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl shines on its own, but you can always enhance the dining experience with some cute garnishes or side dishes. Pair this dish with simple steamed dumplings or crispy wontons for a fun Asian-inspired feast. You might also want to serve a light, refreshing cucumber salad on the side to balance the rich flavors. If you like a bit of crunch, some fried shallots sprinkle nicely on top.
How to store Egg Roll in a Bowl?
If you find yourself with leftovers (but let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist), just let the dish cool down a bit and transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors will still be delicious!
Tips for perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Make sure your turkey is just about cooked through before adding the other ingredients. It will finish cooking with the veggies.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic really amp up the flavors, so don’t skimp on those!
- Customize the cabbage: You can substitute green cabbage with Napa cabbage or even use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a time-saving hack.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and vinegar for your taste. If you like it saltier, add a splash more soy sauce.
- Make it saucy: If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the chicken broth by a couple of tablespoons.
Variations
- Protein swaps: You can easily replace the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each will bring its own unique flavors!
- Add more veggies: Feel free to sneak in any other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the turkey while cooking for an extra kick.
FAQs about Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even crumbled tempeh or tofu work wonderfully. Just adjust the seasoning based on the protein you choose.
Why is my cabbage too soggy?
Cooking cabbage too long can make it lose its crunch. Make sure to check the cabbage around the 12-minute mark to achieve your desired texture. If you like it crunchy, you can remove it even sooner.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’ll have a gluten-free version without sacrificing any flavor.
By now, you should be all set to tackle this delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal after a long day, this dish is a winner that everyone will devour! Happy cooking!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A deconstructed egg roll featuring ground turkey and fresh veggies, served in a bowl for a lighter, healthier meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 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
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (green parts only, thinly sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha Mayo (optional)
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Push the turkey to one side and add the diced onion and remaining olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cover. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until the cabbage reaches desired tenderness.
- Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
- Serve the mixture over cooked white rice, and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo if desired.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize the cabbage type as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: egg roll in a bowl, quick dinner, healthy recipe, ground turkey, Asian cuisine
