Egg Roll Bowl Dinner: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe

Egg Roll Bowl Dinner: Craving the satisfying crunch and savory flavors of an egg roll, but without all the fuss and fried guilt? Then you’ve come to the right place! Imagine all the delicious fillings of a classic egg roll, deconstructed and served in a bowl for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

While the exact origins of the egg roll are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Chinese-American cuisine, evolving from the traditional spring roll. Over time, it has become a beloved staple, enjoyed for its crispy exterior and flavorful filling. But let’s be honest, sometimes we want that same deliciousness without the deep-frying commitment.

That’s where this Egg Roll Bowl Dinner shines. People adore this dish because it captures the essence of the classic egg roll – the savory pork (or your protein of choice!), the crunchy cabbage, the umami-rich soy sauce – all in a convenient and customizable format. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace this easy and delicious dinner solution!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 (14 ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, crispy wonton strips

Preparing the Pork and Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to brown our ground pork. I like using ground pork because it gives that classic egg roll flavor, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is!

1. Brown the Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left!
2. Drain Excess Grease: Once the pork is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy egg roll bowl! I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease. You can also use a paper towel to blot up any remaining grease.
3. Add Aromatics: Now, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked pork. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant. The smell of garlic and ginger cooking is just heavenly, isn’t it?

Adding the Vegetables and Sauce

Next up, we’re going to add the veggies and create that delicious, savory sauce that makes this dish so addictive. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the shredded carrots and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is slightly softened but still has a bit of crunch. We don’t want it to be mushy!
2. Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sriracha, ground ginger, and black pepper. This is our flavor bomb! Taste it and adjust the sriracha to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit it altogether.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Vegetables: Pour the sauce over the vegetables and pork mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Thickening the Sauce

To give our egg roll bowl that perfect saucy consistency, we’re going to use a simple cornstarch slurry. This is a trick I use all the time to thicken sauces quickly and easily.

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add the Slurry to the Skillet: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the pork and vegetable mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. This usually happens very quickly, within a minute or two. You’ll notice the sauce becoming glossy and clinging to the vegetables.
3. Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

Serving and Toppings

Now for the best part – serving and adding all those delicious toppings! This is where you can really customize your egg roll bowl to your own taste.

1. Serve: Spoon the egg roll bowl mixture into bowls. I like to serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or regular rice for a more substantial meal, but it’s also delicious on its own.
2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and crispy wonton strips (if using). Other topping ideas include chopped peanuts, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
3. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious and healthy egg roll bowl!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe even better:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. If you want it really spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes as well.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts.
• Protein Options: As mentioned before, you can easily substitute ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Make it Ahead: This egg roll bowl is great for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Low Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
• Add Some Crunch: If you don’t have wonton strips, you can use crushed chow mein noodles or even some chopped nuts for added crunch.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey.
• Saltiness Adjustment: Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. If it’s not salty enough for your liking, add a pinch of salt or a splash of soy sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this egg roll bowl recipe because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can easily customize it to your own taste preferences. It’s a weeknight dinner winner in my book!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, so it’s often even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions

While this egg roll bowl is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Pair it with a bowl of miso soup.
• Serve it in lettuce wraps for a fun and healthy appetizer.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

This recipe is a great source of protein and vegetables, and it’s relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you serve it over cauliflower rice. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this egg roll bowl recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple, satisfying, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature egg roll bowl. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Egg Roll Bowl Dinner is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights, or honestly, any night you’re craving something delicious, quick, and satisfying. I know I’ve said it before, but the sheer simplicity of this recipe, combined with the incredible flavor payoff, makes it an absolute must-try. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a healthier, tastier version in less time than it takes for the delivery driver to arrive!

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the speed and ease, it’s the versatility that really shines. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences. Watching your carbs? Load up on the veggies and go light on the rice. Need more protein? Add extra ground meat or even some tofu. Vegetarian? Simply omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts. The possibilities are truly endless!

And speaking of variations, let me share a few of my favorite serving suggestions. For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re a fan of creamy textures, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top adds a lovely tang. And for a bit of crunch, consider topping your bowl with some toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or even crispy wonton strips. I sometimes like to add a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

This Egg Roll Bowl Dinner is also fantastic for meal prepping. You can easily make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Just store the cooked meat and vegetable mixture separately from the rice to prevent it from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble your bowl. It’s a lifesaver on those days when you just don’t have time to cook.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Plus, it’s just plain fun to make!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family think?

Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing from you all and seeing your creative adaptations. Your feedback helps me improve my recipes and inspires other readers to give them a try. Sharing your culinary adventures is what makes this community so special.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your delicious Egg Roll Bowl Dinner and share it on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!