Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, 30-Minute Meal)
If you love the bold, savory flavors of a classic egg roll but don’t want the mess, oil, or extra calories of frying, Egg Roll in a Bowl is about to become your new favorite dinner. This one-skillet recipe delivers everything you crave—garlic, ginger, tender cabbage, savory meat, and umami-rich sauce—in a fast, flexible, and incredibly satisfying way.
No wrappers. No deep fryer. No complicated steps.
Just one pan, simple ingredients, and a dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Egg Roll in a Bowl has earned its popularity for a reason. It’s comforting but light, bold yet balanced, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, meal prepping for the week, or just need a reliable weeknight meal, this recipe checks every box.
Why Egg Roll in a Bowl Works So Well
At its core, this dish is a deconstructed egg roll. By removing the wrapper, the flavors shine even more.
Here’s why it’s such a winner:
- One skillet means minimal cleanup
- Cooks fast with everyday ingredients
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free adaptable
- Packed with vegetables and protein
- Big flavor without heaviness
Everything cooks in layers, allowing flavors to build without overcomplicating the process.
The Inspiration Behind Egg Roll in a Bowl
Traditional egg rolls are filled with seasoned meat, cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger, then wrapped and fried. Egg Roll in a Bowl takes those same ingredients and cooks them together in a skillet, preserving all the flavor while skipping the wrapper and oil.
The result is lighter, faster, and easier—perfect for modern weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
- Ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Green onions
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- Shredded carrots
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chili crisp or red pepper flakes
- Sriracha or spicy mayo
Simple ingredients, layered intentionally, create deep flavor.
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in green onions (white parts), cabbage, and carrots.
- Cook until vegetables soften but still have slight crunch.
- Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook 2–3 more minutes until everything is well coated and flavorful.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground meat in a large skillet with oil.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage and carrots; cook until tender-crisp.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar; toss to combine.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
Choosing the Best Protein
One of the best things about Egg Roll in a Bowl is how flexible it is.
Great protein options include:
- Ground pork (classic and richest flavor)
- Ground chicken (light and lean)
- Ground turkey (balanced and budget-friendly)
- Ground beef (bold and hearty)
You can even use plant-based ground alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Cabbage Options That Work Best
Cabbage provides the bulk and texture of the dish.
Best choices:
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced
- Napa cabbage
- Coleslaw mix (for convenience)
Coleslaw mix is a favorite because it already includes carrots and saves prep time.
Flavor Balance: Garlic, Ginger & Sauce
The heart of this dish lies in its aromatics.
- Garlic brings warmth and depth
- Ginger adds brightness and bite
- Soy sauce delivers umami
- Sesame oil provides richness
A small amount of each goes a long way. The key is balance—not overpowering any single flavor.
Tips for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl
Use a large skillet.
Crowding traps steam and makes vegetables soggy.
Don’t overcook the cabbage.
You want tender-crisp, not mushy.
Add sesame oil at the end.
This preserves its aroma and flavor.
Taste before serving.
Adjust salt, soy sauce, or vinegar as needed.
Spice Level Variations
Make it mild or spicy—it’s up to you.
- Mild: Skip chili flakes and hot sauce
- Medium: Add red pepper flakes
- Spicy: Finish with chili crisp or sriracha
Heat should enhance the dish, not overpower it.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll in a Bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it:
- Over steamed rice
- Over cauliflower rice
- Wrapped in lettuce cups
- Alongside cucumber salad
It adapts easily to different eating styles.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep.
- Stores well for up to 4 days
- Flavors deepen overnight
- Reheats beautifully
Divide into containers and pair with rice or veggies for easy lunches.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Skillet over medium heat
- Microwave in short bursts, stirring between
Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.
Healthy Benefits
Egg Roll in a Bowl is naturally nutrient-dense:
- High in protein
- Loaded with vegetables
- Lower in carbs than traditional egg rolls
- Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets
It’s comfort food that still feels good to eat.
Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Staple
- Fast
- Forgiving
- Affordable
- Family-friendly
Once you make it once, it becomes part of your regular rotation.
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, 30-Minute Meal) delivers everything you love about classic egg rolls in a lighter, easier, and more versatile form. It’s bold, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—proof that simple ingredients cooked well can create something truly crave-worthy.
This is the kind of recipe that saves busy nights and still feels exciting every time you make it.
