I absolutely love this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe because it captures all the tasty flavors of a traditional egg roll but without the fuss of rolling and frying. It’s a quick, one-pan dish that fits perfectly into busy weeknights, especially when you want something comforting yet lighter than takeout. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the combination of savory ground turkey, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant ginger all came together with minimal effort.
What makes this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe really worth trying is how versatile and satisfying it is—you can easily customize it for your taste buds, and it’s super freezer-friendly. Plus, you’ll find that it keeps well for lunches or dinners throughout the week, so you’re saving time and still enjoying a delicious homemade meal every day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and easy steps.
- Flavorful and Balanced: Savory turkey, fresh cabbage, and aromatic ginger make every bite delicious.
- Healthy and Customizable: Easily adapted to your dietary needs or preferred protein.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well refrigerated and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinner leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an important role in building the classic egg roll experience without the wrapper. Using fresh produce and well-seasoned turkey helps create that crave-worthy combo of textures and flavors.
- Olive oil: Divided use helps brown the turkey and soften the veggies evenly.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up all those delicious seasonings perfectly.
- Sweet onion: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth when finely diced.
- Shredded carrots: For natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced, for that unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Fresh ginger: Finely minced for warmth and a subtle zing that wakes up the dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps deglaze the pan to capture all those tasty browned bits.
- Cabbage: Shredded, the heart of the dish – prefer fresh cabbage for the best texture; coleslaw mix can work as a handy shortcut.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Tamari is my pick for flavor without too much salt and a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang that balances the savory flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential basics to bring all the flavors together.
- Toasted sesame oil: The finishing touch that brings a nutty aroma and richness.
- Optional garnishes (green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha mayo): I love these for texture and a little extra flair when serving.
Variations
I love customizing this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood that day; it’s a great base to play with flavors and ingredients. You can swap proteins or add whatever veggies you like to make it truly your own.
- Protein swaps: I’ve made it with ground beef, pork, and even tofu – all turn out great depending on what you have on hand.
- Vegetable additions: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas add a fun twist and extra color.
- Spice it up: A little extra chili paste or fresh jalapeño can give your bowl a nice heat kick.
- Low-carb or Whole30: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and skip rice for a paleo-friendly meal.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey. I always like to break it up into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring even browning and no clumps. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it’s almost completely cooked through—this step locks in flavor and creates those tasty browned bits that make this dish special.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Aromatics
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but not browned. Then add shredded carrots, garlic, and fresh minced ginger, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes. This mixture fills the kitchen with that irresistible savory aroma that makes you want to dig in already.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Cabbage
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape any browned bits off the pan’s bottom – this is where so much flavor hides! Now add the shredded cabbage along with soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well, cover the pan, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes until the cabbage softens but still retains a slight crunch depending on your preference.
Step 4: Finish with Sesame Oil and Serve
Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the top. Stir it in gently—it adds a fantastic nutty depth that transforms the dish. Serve your egg roll in a bowl over steamed white rice if you like, then sprinkle on green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a little extra oomph.
Pro Tips for Making Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Use Fresh Cabbage: I always shred my own cabbage because pre-shredded can sometimes be watery—fresh keeps the texture crisp and delicious.
- Don’t Overcook: I learned that cooking the cabbage too long makes the dish mushy; aim for tender-crisp for the best mouthfeel.
- Deglaze the Pan: Always add broth and scrape up those browned bits—it intensifies the savory flavor way beyond just salt and pepper.
- Finish with Toasted Sesame Oil: Adding it at the end preserves its nutty aroma, so don’t skip this step!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I’m all about simple but impactful additions. Thinly sliced green onions bring a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and that toasty nutty vibe which contrasts the soft cabbage beautifully. And if you like a little heat, a drizzling of sriracha mayo never fails to make my family go crazy for this recipe.
Side Dishes
I usually keep sides minimal since this dish is pretty filling, but a simple bowl of steamed white or brown rice complements it perfectly. Sometimes I add quick pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian-inspired slaw on the side for a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep things low-carb, just serve it straight out of the skillet—it’s so packed with flavor, you won’t miss a thing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when I want to impress guests, I’ve served this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in little lettuce cups as a fun, handheld option. It works great as an appetizer or light dinner! Another creative touch is plating it in shallow bowls topped with a fried egg or extra green onions, making it a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When I’ve done this, the flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better! Just avoid storing it too long to keep the cabbage from getting soggy.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the cabbage releases a lot of water when thawed, which can turn the dish mushy. If you really want to freeze leftovers, try separating the meat mixture and cabbage or freeze before adding broth and sesame oil, but expect some texture change after reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to help evaporate any excess moisture and keep the best texture. You can microwave it if you’re in a rush, but it tends to be softer and less crisp. A quick sauté with a tiny splash of soy sauce freshens it up nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef or pork instead of turkey in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef or pork are excellent substitutes and will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile but just as delicious. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to fully brown the meat before adding the veggies.
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Is this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce, which I actually prefer for its richer flavor and lower sodium. Just double-check your other ingredients like broth to ensure they’re gluten-free.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the ground turkey for tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and coconut aminos or soy sauce according to preference. The cabbage and seasoning combo still shine through.
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How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy?
I found that cooking the cabbage just until tender-crisp and not over-covering it helps a lot. Also, using fresh shredded cabbage instead of pre-packaged coleslaw mix reduces excess moisture. Cooking on medium-low heat and tasting periodically ensures perfect texture.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep ingredients ahead, like shredding cabbage and chopping aromatics, then cook everything when ready. Leftovers also reheat well, making it a convenient meal prep option for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat without any of the guilt or hassle. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s approachable, comforting, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. If you want a recipe that packs big flavor, is flexible in the kitchen, and keeps well for days, this one will quickly become a favorite in your household too. Give it a try—I promise you’ll enjoy every bite!
PrintEgg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper, featuring ground turkey, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a savory blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. It’s a quick, one-pan meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is almost fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Aromatics: Push the turkey to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the finely diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens, stirring occasionally. Add shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger, then cook for 2 minutes while stirring frequently to release their flavors.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender to your liking.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the egg roll in a bowl over cooked white rice if desired. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo for a spicy kick, if you like.
Notes
- Recipe update (11/6/23): Increased cabbage by 1 cup, soy sauce by 1 tablespoon, rice vinegar by 1 teaspoon, and salt by ¼ teaspoon for improved flavor balance.
- Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Avoid freezing due to water content in cabbage which can cause mushiness upon thawing.
- Reheating: Best warmed gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain texture; microwave reheating may result in a soggier dish.
- Cabbage Options: Freshly shredded cabbage is ideal, but pre-shredded cabbage or two bags of coleslaw mix can be used as alternatives.
- Soy Sauce Notes: Regular soy sauce is fine but can be salty; tamari is preferred for a gluten-free option and milder sodium. Coconut aminos work well for Whole30 diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg