There’s something incredibly satisfying about this simple stir-fry that bursts with familiar flavors yet feels so fresh and light. The Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe captures all the deliciousness of a classic egg roll without the hassle of wrappers, making it perfect for busy nights when you want big taste without the fuss.

A white bowl filled with a cooked mixture that has three main layers: the bottom layer shows light brown minced meat, mixed with thin, orange carrot strips, and light tan shredded cabbage. The middle layer has a blend of chopped green onions and fresh green cilantro leaves spread on top, with some sesame seeds sprinkled all over. A wooden spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl, partially covered by the mixture. Surrounding the bowl, on a white marbled surface, are small bowls with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. A gray cloth is placed near the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve found that this recipe is a go-to when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying without turning on the oven or digging out a ton of ingredients. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners — simple enough for anyone but packed with so much personality.

Flavor-packed but simple: You get that classic egg roll taste from the sauce and aromatics but without frying or prep stress.
Flexible protein options: Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or beef — you can switch based on what’s in your fridge or your mood.
Super quick prep and cook time: You can be at the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
Great for meal prep and leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for lunches or batch cooking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe plays its part to bring those iconic flavors to life, while keeping it fresh and healthy. Here’s why I love each of these simple staples and how to make the best choices when you’re shopping.

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh ground turkey meat, a quarter cup of chopped yellow onion in a simple white ceramic bowl, three peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of grated fresh ginger root, a loose heap of vibrant coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, another small white bowl holding golden toasted sesame oil, a tiny white bowl with bright red sriracha sauce, two green onions whole and sliced, a scattering of white sesame seeds in a white bowl, fresh cilantro sprigs arranged neatly, and a small mound of cooked cauliflower rice on a plain white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground turkey or chicken: Lean and mild, these proteins soak up the sauce beautifully and keep the dish light.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—freshly chopped gives that necessary crunch and flavor punch.
Garlic: A classic seasoning to brighten and deepen flavor with its savory aroma.
Fresh ginger: Gives a little zing and freshness that pairs perfectly with the garlic and soy sauce.
Coleslaw mix: The star veggie here—pre-shredded saves time, and the blend of cabbage and carrots contributes great texture and nutrition.
Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos): This is your umami punch, so picking a good quality one makes a difference.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a little adds a nutty, aromatic layer that makes the dish impossible to resist.
Sriracha or sambal oelek: Adds that gentle heat and tang—adjust the amount to how spicy you like it.
Green onions: For a fresh, mild onion bite on top—don’t skip the garnish, trust me.
Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro: Optional but highly recommended for texture and brightness.
Cooked cauliflower rice (optional): I like this as a low-carb side if you want to feel a little more full without adding grains.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tinker with it depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving, and it always turns out delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground turkey for ground pork—it adds a bit more richness that’s fantastic if you want a heartier meal.
Add an egg: I like to crack an egg into the skillet once everything else is cooked and scramble it right in for a protein boost and creamy texture.
Make it vegan: Swap the meat for diced tofu or tempeh, and use tamari or coconut aminos to keep everything flavorful without animal products.
Spice it up or tone it down: Adjust your sriracha or use chili crisp if you want an extra kick—and if you don’t like spicy, just skip it or use a milder sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

A white bowl holds two main layers: on the right is a fluffy, white cauliflower rice layer with a crumbly texture, and on the left is a cooked mix of ground meat and thin orange carrot strips, light brown onions, and pale green vegetables, topped with bright green cilantro leaves and sliced green onions scattered on top, along with black and white sesame seeds sprinkled over. The bowl is placed on a gray and white textured cloth, with silver forks resting nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, part of another similar bowl and green herbs are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat and Build Flavor

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground turkey or chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This takes about 5-6 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper—this is key since it forms the flavor base. Cooking the meat thoroughly but not overdoing it keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Veggies

Once the meat is mostly cooked, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir it all together and let the scents start to build—it smells amazing here! Then add your coleslaw mix along with the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha. Keep everything moving in the pan, cooking down the cabbage until it’s tender but still has some bite—usually another 5 minutes or so.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give everything a taste and tweak it if you need to—sometimes I add a splash more soy sauce or a little more heat here, depending on how I’m feeling. This step is where you make it perfect for you.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the mixture into bowls and sprinkle on sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. If you’re like me, you might want extra sriracha or even a drizzle of creamy yum yum sauce for that restaurant-style finish. Serve it alongside cauliflower rice if you want to keep it light but filling.

Top Tip

Having made this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in flavor and texture. These tips help you nail it every time, and avoid common pitfalls like soggy cabbage or bland meat.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure you use a big enough skillet so the cabbage steams instead of stewing — this keeps it crisp-tender.
Season the meat well upfront: Salt and pepper go into the ground meat at the start for a well-rounded base flavor.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh gives the dish a vibrant kick you won’t get from powders or pastes.
Don’t rush the cabbage: Cook it until just tender so it still has texture — mushy cabbage is a common disappointment I’ve seen go wrong.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with chopped green onions and sesame seeds because they add a lovely pop of color and crunch. Fresh cilantro is another favorite of mine—it brightens everything up. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle yum yum sauce or extra sriracha on top for more flavor and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe works great on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I like serving it with cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb. Simple steamed rice works too, or even a light Asian cucumber salad on the side for crunch and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this recipe in individual lettuce cups as a fun handheld option. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal prep, and people love customizing their bites with extra garnishes or sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually portion it out into single servings so reheating is a breeze, and it tastes just as good as when freshly made.

Freezing

This Egg Roll in a Bowl freezes surprisingly well. Just cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in a skillet over medium heat to keep the texture fresh—just a few minutes until warmed through. This prevents the cabbage from getting mushy like sometimes happens in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What protein can I use in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?

This recipe is very flexible! Ground turkey or chicken are common choices for a lighter dish, but ground pork or beef also work wonderfully if you want richer flavors. For a vegan version, tofu or tempeh are excellent substitutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Just double-check your other sauces to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overcrowd your skillet when cooking. Use a large pan so the cabbage can cook evenly and stay crisp-tender instead of steaming too much and turning mushy. Also, cook just until tender and not soft.

Can I add an egg to this recipe?

Yes! Adding an egg is a great way to boost protein and add creaminess. After cooking the meat and veggies, create a small well in the skillet, crack an egg in, and scramble it right in before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has become one of my favorite quick meals to make when I want something satisfying but not overly complicated. It’s flexible, flavorful, and comes together fast—which means you get to spend more time enjoying your food and less in the kitchen. I really hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that feels cozy and a little special with every bite.