This Egg Roll Bowl recipe transforms your favorite Chinese appetizer into a satisfying, wholesome meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Packed with savory ground pork, crisp vegetables, and authentic Asian flavors, this deconstructed egg roll delivers all the taste without the wrapper or deep frying. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving takeout but want something healthier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 15 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is precious.
- Healthy Twist: All the flavors you love about egg rolls without the deep-fried wrapper. It’s naturally low-carb, packed with vegetables, and full of protein.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all the ingredients meld together.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like cabbage and ground pork keeps this dish affordable without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Pork: Creates the hearty, savory base of the dish. The fat content adds tremendous flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.
- Soy Sauce: Provides that essential umami foundation. Feel free to use coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative that adds a slight sweetness.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the flavor foundation – don’t skimp here!
- Fresh Ginger: Adds that distinctive zingy warmth that’s essential in Asian cooking. Fresh is truly best for this recipe.
- Napa or Green Cabbage: The star vegetable that gives the authentic egg roll texture and slight crunch. Napa has a milder flavor, while green cabbage offers more crispness.
- Baby Bok Choy: Adds a lovely mild flavor and pleasing texture contrast. The leaves wilt while the stalks retain some bite.
- Carrots: Provide a touch of sweetness, beautiful color, and classic egg roll authenticity.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Deliver an earthy depth and meaty texture that makes the dish more substantial.
- Chinese Rice Wine or Dry Sherry: Just a splash brings acidity and authentic flavor. Don’t worry – the alcohol cooks off!
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This finishing oil adds a nutty, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish. A little goes a long way.
- Scallions: The perfect fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a mild oniony bite.
Variations
This egg roll bowl is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:
- Protein Swap: Ground chicken, turkey, or beef work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Veggie Boost: Add water chestnuts for extra crunch, snow peas for sweetness, or bean sprouts for traditional egg roll texture.
- Spice It Up: Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil before serving, or add red pepper flakes during cooking for heat throughout.
- Sauce Variations: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for sweetness or a teaspoon of five-spice powder for complex warmth.
- Make It a Bowl: Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal that stretches the recipe further.
How to Make Egg Roll Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork along with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns, about 3 minutes. This technique seasons the meat from the inside out.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables soften, about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the cabbage, bok choy, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. I love how the pan gets filled with colorful vegetables that will soon cook down to perfection.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Pour in the remaining 2½ tablespoons of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. Stir occasionally while the vegetables cook down for 3-4 minutes. The key is to stop cooking while the vegetables are wilted but still have some crunch – this isn’t meant to be mushy!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced scallions over the top and serve your egg roll bowl piping hot. The fresh green onions add the perfect pop of color and fresh flavor.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables before starting to cook. This dish comes together quickly, and having everything ready ensures nothing overcooks.
- High Heat is Key: Keep your heat at medium-high to get a nice sear on the pork and quickly cook the vegetables while maintaining their crunch.
- Don’t Overcook: The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not soft. They’ll continue cooking slightly after you remove them from heat.
- Season to Taste: Asian condiments vary in saltiness, so taste before serving and adjust the soy sauce or add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Fresh Ginger Trick: Keep ginger in the freezer and grate it while frozen – it’s easier to handle and lasts much longer.
How to Serve
This egg roll bowl is versatile when it comes to serving options:
As a Main Dish
Serve in bowls just as is for a light, low-carb meal that’s surprisingly filling.
With Starches
Spoon over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to make the dish more substantial.
Accompaniments
Pair with crispy wonton strips on top for that egg roll crunch, or serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or duck sauce for dipping.
Meal Prep
Portion into containers for fantastic grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover egg roll bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the vegetables will lose some of their crisp texture. If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through. A microwave works too – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground pork with crumbled extra-firm tofu or tempeh. For extra flavor, press the tofu well and marinate it briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a touch of maple syrup before cooking.
What if I can’t find bok choy or shiitake mushrooms?
No worries! Regular button mushrooms work fine in place of shiitakes, and you can substitute spinach, kale, or just use more cabbage instead of bok choy. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This egg roll bowl is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. The cabbage and other vegetables provide fiber while keeping carb counts low.
How can I make this spicier?
For heat lovers, add sliced fresh jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce during cooking. Alternatively, drizzle with sriracha or serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce to let each person adjust their own spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Bowl brings all the flavors you love from Chinese takeout into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum nutrition. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want the guilt or wait time of delivery. The combination of savory pork, tender-crisp vegetables, and authentic seasonings creates a comforting meal that feels like an indulgence but supports your healthy eating goals. Give it a try tonight—I bet it becomes a regular in your weekly lineup!
PrintEgg Roll Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Egg Roll Bowl Recipe is an appetizer favorite transformed into a healthy, delicious meal. Packed with ground pork, napa or green cabbage, bok choy, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms, it is tossed in a savory and slightly sweet dressing, making it a flavorful and nutritious choice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 ounces ground pork
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce*
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 1/2 cups finely sliced napa or green cabbage
- 2 cups finely sliced baby bok choy
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 1/2 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 medium scallion, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start cooking the pork: Set a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and cook. Use a wooden spoon to break the pork into small pieces as it browns, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the skillet. Cook while stirring until the vegetables are soft, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add fresh vegetables: Stir in the cabbage, bok choy, shredded carrots, and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet, blending them with the pork and aromatics.
- Season and finish cooking: Pour in the remaining 2 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry), and toasted sesame oil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and bok choy are wilted but retain their crunch, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the dish hot, garnished with sliced scallions for a fresh touch.
Notes
- *I used coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- This Egg Roll Bowl Recipe is versatile and can be tailored with your preferred vegetables or proteins.
- It works great as a standalone dish or served alongside rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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