There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that brings everyone together, and this recipe does just that! Picture it: you’re in the kitchen, the lively sounds of sizzling and chopping fill the air, and soon you’re serving up a delicious dish that brings smiles all around the table — Egg Roll in a Bowl. As you take that first bite, the savory flavors burst in your mouth, making it clear this dish is a hit. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or laid-back family gatherings, this recipe simplifies the classic egg roll into a satisfying and delightful bowl, without the hassle of rolling or frying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again!
Why make this recipe?
Let’s be honest: we all love good food, but we often don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s why this Egg Roll in a Bowl stands out. It’s a whirlwind of flavor that you can whip up in about 30 minutes! With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you create a meal that’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Lean ground beef and fresh veggies combine to offer a taste that kids and adults alike will adore. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without anyone batting an eye—cabbage never tasted so good! If you’re a beginner, this recipe is perfect for you. It requires minimal culinary skills, and I promise you will feel like a kitchen pro once you serve this stunning bowl.
How to make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Making this dish is a breeze! You’ll spend just 10 minutes prepping and another 10-15 minutes cooking, making it ideal for busy evenings. No special kitchen equipment is needed—just a large skillet and a good knife. I love how easy it is to customize and adjust based on what’s in your fridge, too.
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-step directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the diced onion and grated carrot; cook for 5–7 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Mix in the cabbage, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; sauté for another 5–7 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve warm.
How to serve Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Serving Egg Roll in a Bowl is as flexible as the recipe itself! I love to place a hearty scoop in a vibrant bowl, garnishing it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra crunch and a pop of color.
You can serve it alongside steamed rice or over quinoa for a more filling meal. If you want to keep it lighter, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies on the side. For those who love a bit of spice, serve it with sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side. The combinations are endless, and I bet everyone will leave the table satisfied!
How to store Egg Roll in a Bowl?
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), storing your Egg Roll in a Bowl is simple. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Need to save it for later? You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips for perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Don’t overcook the beef: Keep an eye on your ground beef to ensure it stays juicy. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Prep your veggies ahead of time: If you’re short on time, chop your onions, carrots, and cabbage earlier in the day, so everything’s ready when it’s time to cook.
- Customize the crunch: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra flavor kick.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasonings—everyone’s taste is different! Give it a quick taste to see if you need a touch more salt or soy sauce.
- Don’t skip the garnishes: The green onions and sesame seeds add a beautiful finish and enhance the overall flavor!
Variations
While the classic Egg Roll in a Bowl is simply delicious, don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste:
- Protein options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The flavors will still shine through!
- Rich in flavors: Try adding additional ingredients like crushed red pepper for heat, or a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
- Different greens: If cabbage isn’t your thing, try using other leafy greens like kale or bok choy for a unique twist.
FAQs about Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as different meats may cook a bit differently.
Why does my cabbage turn limp?
If you overcook the cabbage, it can become limp and lose its crunch. Make sure to sauté just until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite to it. This will give your dish that perfect texture!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, so when it’s time to cook, everything is ready to go. It’ll save you a ton of time when you’re ready to eat!
After trying this Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ll see it quickly become a go-to recipe. With its delicious taste, quick preparation, and fantastic versatility, it can accommodate any preference or occasion. So roll up your sleeves, trust the process, and enjoy the cooking adventure!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A simplified, flavorful take on traditional egg rolls without the hassle of rolling or frying. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the diced onion and grated carrot; cook for 5–7 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Mix in the cabbage, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; sauté for another 5–7 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve warm.
Notes
Customize with different proteins or veggies. Serve with rice, quinoa, or salad as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Quick Dinner, Healthy Recipe, Easy Meal Prep
