If you adore the flavors of a classic egg roll but want something quicker, lighter, and absolutely bursting with fresh, savory goodness, the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is going to become your new kitchen favorite. This dish delivers all the satisfying elements of the traditional egg roll filling but skips the wrapping and frying, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy, healthy, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays its part in building that perfect balance between savory, tangy, and fresh notes you crave.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean protein base that soaks up all the flavors and cooks up tender but hearty.
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced, whites and greens separated): The whites add a mild onion flavor during cooking, while the greens bring a fresh pop when garnishing.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that brightens the whole dish with a gentle spice.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for deep, savory aroma and classic umami taste.
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage): Provides crunch, volume, and a light sweetness to contrast the savory meat.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that lifts and melds all flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (or to taste): Adds that unmistakable nutty richness that feels luxurious despite the simplicity.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a delicate crunch and visual appeal, plus a bit of earthy flavor.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
Start by heating a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and healthy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Cabbage
Next, stir in the whites of the green onions along with the grated fresh ginger and minced garlic. These aromatics release amazing scents that signal you’re on the right track. Toss in the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and cook, stirring every so often, until the cabbage softens and becomes tender—about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Season and Finish Cooking
Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture. Stir everything together well and let it cook for one more minute to marry the flavors. This final step brings out the depth and nuttiness that makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Divide the savory mixture into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, the greenness of the sliced green onions, and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. These finishing touches add freshness, color, and delightful textural contrasts.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they take this bowl from simple to spectacular. Cilantro adds a bright herbal punch, green onions offer a fresh crunch, and sesame seeds contribute nuttiness and a subtle bite. You could even add a drizzle of spicy sriracha for some heat or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a crisp cucumber salad to add a cooling contrast. For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside potstickers or spring rolls for a fun, Asian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stuffed inside lettuce cups for a handheld delight that’s great for parties or casual dinners. Or scoop it onto crispy wonton chips for an appetizer style snack. Presentation options are as versatile as your cravings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe keeps really well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making for even better lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze any extra portions for convenience. Place cooled leftover mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the egg roll mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems a bit dry. Fresh garnishes can be added after reheating to keep that fresh, bright finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground pork or beef can be great alternatives and will give the dish a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that different meats may produce varying amounts of fat, so drain as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and wholesome.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and crunch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so veggies stay crisp-tender.
How spicy is this dish?
The Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is naturally mild, but you can easily add heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to suit your taste buds.
What makes this dish healthier than traditional egg rolls?
Since this recipe skips the deep-fried wrapper and relies on fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s lower in calories and fat while still packing all the delicious flavors you love. It’s a fantastic option for a nourishing, light meal that’s full of texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying—a perfect way to enjoy all the classic tastes of an egg roll without the extra fuss or guilt. Trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends with your kitchen creativity. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
PrintEgg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and healthy deconstructed version of the classic egg roll. This dish features ground chicken sautéed with fresh ginger, garlic, and shredded cabbage, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, making it perfect for a low-carb, protein-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced, whites and greens separated)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Vegetables
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (or to taste)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Stir in the whites of the green onions, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and coleslaw mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and becomes tender, about 5 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the skillet and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the egg roll mixture into bowls and garnish with the green parts of the green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground pork, turkey, or beef for variations.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If coleslaw mix is unavailable, finely shredded green and purple cabbage with some shredded carrots will work well.