If you love the flavors of a classic Chinese egg roll but prefer to skip the deep-fried wrapper, you are in for a treat with this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It combines all the savory goodness of ground turkey, crisp cabbage, and authentic seasonings into one simple, skillet-made dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. This low-carb, crowd-pleasing recipe delivers the perfect balance of tender meat, crunchy veggies, and bold Asian-inspired sauces without the fuss of assembling and frying wrappers, making it a wholesome dinner favorite you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe relies on straightforward, everyday pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, creating satisfying textures, and adding vibrant colors that make the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided: Used for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein that absorbs the savory flavors beautifully and keeps the dish light.
- 1 small sweet onion finely diced: Adds a mild, aromatic sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a tender crunch and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced: Gives that essential pungent depth and aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger: Infuses a zesty brightness that elevates the Asian flavor profile.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps deglaze the pan, capturing rich browned bits.
- 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded): The star vegetable, providing bulk, crunch, and essential nutrients.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: Brings savory umami and a touch of saltiness to tie all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish and cuts the richness.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Gives a nutty, fragrant finish that’s signature to many Asian dishes.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s almost fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial to develop flavor and texture while setting the stage for the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Carrots
Push the cooked turkey to one side of the pan and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in shredded carrots, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring frequently, allowing those fragrant flavors to bloom.
Step 3: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to lift all the caramelized bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Scrape gently to incorporate these deeply flavored bits into the dish—this little trick adds an irresistible savory depth.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Seasonings
Now, add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting the cabbage steam and soften for 12 to 15 minutes. This steaming stage softens the cabbage perfectly without turning it mushy.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil
Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the mixture and give it a final stir to distribute that wonderful nutty aroma throughout. Your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding vibrant garnishes like thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only adds an appealing crunch but also layers of fresh flavor that brighten the entire dish. For a spicy kick, a drizzle of sriracha mayo transforms it into a creamy, fiery treat.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own thanks to its hearty components, but serving it over steamed white rice can make it even more satisfying, especially when feeding a crowd. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully as a tender, subtle base that soaks up the savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating your Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe inside crispy wonton cups or lettuce wraps for bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering. Alternatively, spoon it over toasted bread or grain bowls for an unexpected twist that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your egg roll bowl leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick dinner for busy weekdays.
Freezing
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the cabbage initially to preserve its texture after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps maintain moisture and keeps the cabbage tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground pork provides a richer flavor and slightly more fat, making the dish even more indulgent while still being delicious.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger really brightens up the flavors and adds authentic zest, but in a pinch, a small amount of ground ginger can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground turkey for tofu crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or serving with spicy sriracha mayo on top.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage?
A sharp chef’s knife works perfectly, or you can use a box grater or mandoline slicer for faster, consistent shredding.
Final Thoughts
If you are craving all the warmth, flavor, and satisfaction of an egg roll but want something quicker and healthier, this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe will become your new go-to. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and bursting with those signature tastes you love – give it a try and watch it become a comforting staple in your kitchen!
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Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick, flavorful, and low-carb alternative to traditional deep-fried egg rolls. Made with ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, it delivers all the satisfying flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Cooked in one skillet in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ 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 Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor to the dish.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Remove the pan from heat and drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Scoop the egg roll in a bowl mixture into serving bowls. Optionally, serve over cooked white rice and top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork for turkey if preferred.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Shred the cabbage finely for easier cooking and better texture.
- The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
