Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

If you’re a fan of all the delicious flavors in a classic egg roll but want to skip the hassle of wrapping and frying, then this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is going to become your new go-to meal. I absolutely love how this dish captures that savory, slightly sweet, and crunchy vibe without the mess of dough or deep-frying. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep that really satisfies the craving for takeout but with way less guilt.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the ground beef and coleslaw blend created that unmistakable egg roll taste with minimal effort. You’ll find it’s super versatile too — whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it hits the spot and leftovers reheat beautifully. Trust me, once you make this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, it’ll likely become a staple in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create that perfect balance of savory ground beef, sweet and crunchy vegetables, with a touch of spice and umami. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before cooking.

• Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for good flavor and juiciness, but leaner works too if you want less grease.
• Onion: Diced finely so it softens quickly without overpowering the dish.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic always boosts the flavor in this recipe.
• Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty flavor you find in traditional egg rolls.
• Carrots: Peeled and finely shredded to blend smoothly and add a bit of sweetness.
• Coleslaw mix: A convenient way to get cabbage and shredded veggies without the fuss of chopping.
• Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without extra texture.
• Garlic powder: Works alongside fresh garlic for a deeper flavor profile.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
• Ground ginger: This is the warm, spicy note that makes you think of authentic egg rolls.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Controls the saltiness while giving that rich umami flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Helps to cook and blend everything with a neutral taste.
• Green onions: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, mild oniony garnish.

Variations

I love making this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe just as it is, but sometimes I like to switch things up a bit depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be shy to personalize it to your taste.

• Swap the Meat: I’ve made it with ground turkey or chicken when I’m looking for a lighter option – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use tofu or tempeh with extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
• Spice it Up: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or increase the red pepper flakes for a more intense kick. My husband loves when I turn up the heat!
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped water chestnuts or toasted sesame seeds right at the end for more texture.

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Gently

Start by browning your ground beef over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Here’s a trick I discovered: don’t break the meat up too finely. Keeping the pieces larger helps give the dish a nice texture, and it makes it feel more hearty. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting too oily.

Step 2: Soften Onions and Garlic

After draining, return the skillet to the heat and toss in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them just until the onions become translucent and soft — about 3 to 4 minutes. The aroma here is where you’ll start smelling those classic egg roll flavors sneaking in.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Sesame Oil

Time for the veggies and flavor! Stir in the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix. I like to use a good pair of tongs to really mix everything well. Let this cook for about 5 minutes—this softens the cabbage just enough while still keeping a slight crunch, which I love.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Pour this seasoning blend over your meat and veggie mixture. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so those flavors can marry beautifully.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a handful of freshly chopped green onions — they add a bright, fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the rich meat and veggies. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I like to serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if I want to keep it low carb. A simple cucumber salad or some quick pickled veggies also brighten the meal and add some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside lettuce cups—like a hand-held taco. It makes for a neat presentation and adds a crunch that’s super satisfying. You can also layer it over rice noodles or serve it in a shallow bowl topped with a fried egg to turn it into an indulgent breakfast or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pack leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with good results. Just make sure to cool it completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheating is easy—just warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This keeps the vegetables from getting soggy like a microwave might cause. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine too; just add a splash of water and cover loosely to retain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings all the great flavors of my favorite takeout into a quick, healthy meal I can feel good about. I encourage you to try this recipe next time you want something tasty but straightforward — it’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a go-to in your meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even when you want to impress casual guests. I promise, once you’ve made this, it’ll be hard to go back to ordering traditional egg rolls!

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