There’s something magical about a dish that combines flavor, convenience, and a dash of nostalgia. Egg Roll in a Bowl is that dish for me. Growing up, I loved the crunchy, savory goodness of traditional egg rolls, but I often found myself wishing they were easier to make. Well, this deconstructed version takes all the delightful elements I cherished and transforms them into a one-skillet meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick, delicious, and packed with veggies – plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring the family together around the dinner table. You’ll find yourself not only enjoying the cooking process but also savoring the smiles it brings at the end.
Why make this recipe?
Let’s face it: life can get busy. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal commitments, you may not always have the time or energy to whip up complex meals. Egg Roll in a Bowl hits the sweet spot with its quick preparation – under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s not just easy; it’s also budget-friendly, making it a hit for families looking to manage their grocery bills without sacrificing taste.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can modify it based on whatever vegetables you have on hand or cater to specific dietary needs. And let’s not forget the kids! The combination of ground beef and crunchy veggies drenched in savory soy sauce is sure to be a favorite in your home. By the end of the meal, you will have a satisfied family and a clean kitchen.
How to make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prepping this meal feels more like a fun cooking adventure than an arduous chore. It usually takes around 25–30 minutes from start to finish, so you won’t have to wait long to dig in. The great news? You really don’t need any fancy equipment – just a large skillet and a spatula will do just fine. The ease of preparation makes it especially great for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a low-stress recipe that still delivers big on flavor.
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
Let’s jump right into creating this delicious meal! You won’t believe how simple it is.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it heats up, add the lean ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Now, stir in the finely diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Toss in the minced garlic and then cook for 30 seconds more, making sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Add in the thinly sliced cabbage along with the ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for another 5–7 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender and slightly wilted.
Once everything looks perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite!
How to serve Egg Roll in a Bowl?
This dish shines on its own, but you can always jazz it up even more. Consider serving it over a bed of jasmine or brown rice for added texture. You can also experiment with garnishes. A drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add some heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Top it with a fried egg for extra protein and richness; the runny yolk adds a glorious creaminess.
Pair your egg roll bowl with a simple side salad or some steamed edamame to create a well-rounded meal. Trust me; it’ll be a family favorite before you know it!
How to store Egg Roll in a Bowl?
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be a rarity with this dish), storing them is a breeze! Place the cooled egg roll mixture in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure it goes into a freezer-safe container, where it’ll last for about 2–3 months.
To reheat, you can pop it into the microwave or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The aroma will fill your kitchen again, making you crave it all over as it warms!
Tips for perfect Egg Roll in a Bowl
Don’t overcook the beef: To avoid a dry texture, cook the ground beef until it’s just browned and no longer pink.
Slice your veggies evenly: This ensures that everything cooks uniformly. If you cut them too thick, they may not soften appropriately during cooking.
Experiment with spices: The soy sauce and sesame oil are great flavor bases, but feel free to add some hoisin sauce or even a splash of rice vinegar for a unique twist.
Mind the heat: If you cook on high heat without stirring, you can burn the garlic or scorch the beef. Keep everything moving in the pan!
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a couple of variations to consider:
Substitute the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, swap in tofu or a blend of your favorite mushrooms!
Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets for added color and nutrition.
Adjust the flavors: Go for a teriyaki-inspired twist by adding pineapple chunks and some teriyaki sauce to bring in a touch of sweetness.
FAQs about Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I substitute ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
What if I can’t find soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also experiment with coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative that still brings that savory umami.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
There you have it! Egg Roll in a Bowl is full of flavor and makes the perfect weeknight meal that comes together in no time. Enjoy cooking, and more importantly, enjoy eating!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A deconstructed version of traditional egg rolls, packed with veggies and flavor, made in a single skillet.
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. As it heats up, add the lean ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the finely diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and then cook for 30 seconds more, making sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add in the thinly sliced cabbage along with the ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for another 5–7 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender and slightly wilted.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Consider serving over rice or adding garnishes like sriracha or a fried egg for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Egg Roll in a Bowl, Easy Dinner, One Skillet Meal, Family Recipe