Egg Roll In A Bowl Recipe

If you're craving all the flavors of an egg roll but want to skip the carbs and deep frying, then you're in for a treat! This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe brings the delicious taste of a traditional egg roll in a healthy, easy-to-make, and keto-friendly form. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep ideas, this dish has got you covered. Stick around as we go through each step to create this low-carb wonder. Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

What Is "Egg Roll in a Bowl"?

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a deconstructed version of the classic Chinese egg roll, minus the wrapper and frying. It consists of all the familiar ingredients such as ground pork (or your choice of protein), shredded cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and a variety of seasonings. This stir-fry style dish is cooked in one pan, making it a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for any time of the week. It’s not only healthier but also easier to prepare and customize, whether you're sticking to keto, low-carb, paleo, or Whole30 diets.

Ingredients List for Egg Roll in a Bowl

To make this delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey as alternatives)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cups of shredded cabbage (you can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for paleo/Whole30)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that authentic egg roll flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick (optional)

These ingredients give you a perfect balance of flavor and texture, but the great part about this recipe is that it's super flexible, allowing you to substitute and vary ingredients according to your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Shrimp is another tasty option for seafood lovers.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground "meat." You can also bulk it up with more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the salt content, and cut back on any added salt in the recipe.
• Whole30/Paleo: Swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos and avoid using rice vinegar (opt for apple cider vinegar instead). Ensure that your hot sauce is compliant with the guidelines.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli to give it a more nutrient-packed twist.
• Carb Add-ins: If you're not worried about carbs, you could serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients and substitution options covered, let's walk through the cooking process for Egg Roll in a Bowl step by step:

How to Cook Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Ground Meat
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork (or your choice of protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed and sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Vegetables
   Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook down for 5-7 minutes, until they soften but still have a slight crunch. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Season the Mixture
   Pour in the soy sauce (or your alternative), rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated with the seasoning.
5. Reincorporate the Meat
   Add the cooked ground pork back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
6. Garnish and Serve
   Once everything is cooked and well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. If you like it spicy, drizzle with Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Vegetables: You want the cabbage and carrots to retain some crunch, so don’t overcook them. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently to avoid a soggy texture.
• Not Draining the Meat: If your meat releases a lot of fat while cooking, you may want to drain some of it off before continuing with the rest of the recipe. Too much grease can make the dish overly oily.
• Forgetting to Taste: Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning based on your preference for salt, spice, and sweetness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving your Egg Roll in a Bowl, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to take your presentation and serving style up a notch.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

1. Solo as a Bowl: This dish is satisfying enough to be served on its own. Spoon it into a bowl and enjoy as-is for a simple, low-carb meal.
2. Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: If you want to bulk it up a bit, serve your egg roll mixture over a bowl of steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
3. In Lettuce Wraps: For a fun and light presentation, scoop the mixture into large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or iceberg) and eat it taco-style!
4. In Tortillas or Wraps: For a fusion twist, wrap the egg roll mixture in soft tortillas or low-carb wraps for a quick and easy meal on the go.

Presentation Ideas for Egg Roll in a Bowl

1. Colorful Garnishes: Use bright green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha or hoisin sauce to add color contrast and make your dish pop visually.
2. Serve in Bowls with Chopsticks: For a fun, Asian-inspired touch, serve the dish in bowls with chopsticks, even if it’s a deconstructed egg roll.
3. Layer the Ingredients: If you're serving to guests, you can plate the dish by layering the ingredients neatly – start with the cabbage mixture, then top with the ground meat, and garnish last for a refined presentation.

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Add More Spice: If you like your food on the spicier side, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or stir in some chili paste to kick up the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Egg Roll in a Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge, and it will last for up to four days.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, as long as you stick to low-carb soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is very keto-friendly.

Q: Can I use frozen veggies?
A: Yes, frozen shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can work well, but it may release more moisture, so make sure to adjust the cooking time.

Q: Can I omit the sesame oil?
A: Sesame oil adds a lot of authentic flavor to the dish, but if you're allergic or don't have it on hand, you can skip it or use olive oil instead.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A delicious, low-carb Egg Roll in a Bowl that’s packed with flavor and super easy to make. Whether you're looking for a healthy dinner option, a meal-prep friendly recipe, or a customizable dish that caters to various dietary needs, this recipe has something for everyone. Be sure to give it a try and experiment with the variations to make it your own!

Now it's your turn to get in the kitchen and give this recipe a whirl. Enjoy!

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