Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic Chinese appetizer, offering all the mouthwatering flavors without the deep-fried wrapper. This one-skillet dish is quick, easy, and fits perfectly into Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors, it’s a wholesome meal you can whip up in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Alternative: Enjoy all the flavors of an egg roll without the deep-fried guilt.
- Diet-Friendly: Low-carb, gluten-free, and adaptable for Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup makes it even more convenient.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Ground Turkey:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until almost cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil to the empty side.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Vegetables:
- Stir in the shredded carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables in the sauce.
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Finish with Sesame Oil:
- Drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture and stir to combine. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for some heat.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?
Yes, a bag of coleslaw mix is a convenient shortcut that works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. How can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
4. What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is the most common choice, but you can use napa or purple cabbage for variation.
5. Can I add eggs to the dish?
Absolutely! Scramble a couple of eggs in the skillet before adding the cabbage for an authentic egg roll flavor.
6. How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and reduce the added salt.
7. What’s the best way to shred cabbage?
Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor with a shredding attachment for evenly thin slices.
8. Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a drizzle of Sriracha to spice it up.
9. Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, but you can skip it if unavailable.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve over cauliflower rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a versatile, flavorful, and healthy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With its vibrant mix of protein, fresh veggies, and bold seasonings, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of classic egg rolls in a lighter, low-carb format. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthy, one-skillet meal that delivers all the flavors of a classic egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper. Low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein and veggies, it’s the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., avocado oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey:
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until nearly cooked through. - Sauté Aromatics:
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty side, sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. - Combine Vegetables:
Add shredded carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in cabbage, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly to coat vegetables in the sauce. - Cook Until Tender:
Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender. - Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture, stir to combine, and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace turkey with tofu or tempeh and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
