If you love the flavors of a crispy takeout egg roll but wish it came in a big, cozy, weeknight-friendly bowl, this Egg Roll in a Bowl is your new go-to. It’s savory, garlicky, a little sweet, and full of caramelized cabbage, tender ground pork (or beef), and pops of fresh green onion on top.

All the crunchy, umami-packed goodness you crave is cooked in one skillet with simple ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you just want a lighter low-carb dinner that doesn’t feel like “diet food.” Pile it into bowls as-is, over rice, or with noodles and you’ve got comfort food that still feels fresh.

What Makes Egg Roll in a Bowl So Irresistible?

Traditional egg rolls are all about that seasoned filling: savory meat, cabbage, aromatics, and a salty-sweet sauce. Egg Roll in a Bowl takes that best part and turns it into the whole meal. Instead of wrapping and frying, you sauté everything in one pan until the cabbage is tender with golden edges and the meat is deeply browned.

This style is irresistible because it’s endlessly adaptable. You can keep it low-carb by serving it as-is, bulk it up with rice for a heartier bowl, or add extra veggies from your fridge. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, so lunch the next day is already taken care of.

Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground pork or ground beef
This is the rich, meaty backbone of the dish. Pork is classic for egg rolls, but beef or even ground turkey works if you prefer something leaner.

Sesame oil
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds that unmistakable nutty, restaurant-style aroma that makes the whole skillet smell incredible.

Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the meat and veggies with bold flavor and helps mimic the seasoning inside a traditional egg roll filling.

Ginger
Ground or freshly grated ginger adds warmth and a little zing, balancing the richness of the meat and sesame oil.

Soy sauce
This is the salty, umami base of the sauce. It seasons the meat and cabbage all at once and gives that signature takeout flavor.

Rice vinegar
A splash of rice vinegar brightens everything up and keeps the bowl from tasting too heavy by adding gentle acidity.

Brown sugar or honey
Just a touch of sweetness rounds out the salty and tangy flavors, creating that classic sweet-and-savory egg roll taste.

Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
Bagged coleslaw mix (cabbage with carrots) keeps prep quick while still giving you all the crunchy-tender vegetable goodness.

Shredded carrots (if not in the mix)
If your coleslaw mix doesn’t include carrots, a handful of shredded carrots adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.

Green onions
Sliced green onions sprinkled over the bowl at the end add freshness, mild onion flavor, and a bright green pop.

Garlic or onion powder
A pinch boosts the depth of flavor in the meat and sauce, making the whole dish taste like it’s been simmering for longer than it has.

Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha
For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. You can keep it mild or make it spicy, depending on who’s eating.

Eggs (optional)
Scrambling an egg into the pan adds extra protein and even more “egg roll” vibes, plus a bit of silky texture.

Sesame seeds (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and extra nuttiness, making each bite feel a little more special.

Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving, optional)
If you’d like to turn this into a bigger meal, spoon it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or low-carb cauliflower rice.

How To Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Meat for Maximum Flavor

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if your meat is very lean, then add the ground pork or beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and crispy in spots and no pink remains. This deep browning is where a ton of flavor develops.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in a little garlic or onion powder and the crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. Let everything toast briefly in the rendered fat so the flavors bloom.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Right in the Pan

Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a small spoonful of brown sugar or honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. The liquid will bubble and reduce slightly, coating the meat in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce.

Step 4: Add Cabbage and Carrots

Add the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and carrots straight into the skillet. At first the pan will look very full, but the veggies will wilt down as they cook. Toss everything together so the cabbage can soak up the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender-Crisp

Cook, stirring frequently, for 5–7 minutes or until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite. You’re aiming for slightly caramelized edges and a mix of soft and crisp textures throughout the pan.

Step 6: Optional Egg Roll Twist

If you’re adding eggs, push the cabbage and meat mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them until just set, then fold them into the rest of the mixture.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame and Green Onions

Turn off the heat and drizzle the skillet with toasted sesame oil. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a little more soy sauce, vinegar, or spice if needed.

Step 8: Serve Your Egg Roll in a Bowl

Spoon the mixture into bowls and serve as-is for a low-carb dinner, or pile it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Add extra sriracha or chili oil on top if you like it spicy.

How to Serve and Store Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is at its best right out of the pan, when the cabbage is hot and the edges are still a little caramelized. Serve it in warm bowls, topped with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for those who like more heat. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a bit of brightness.

Leftovers keep very well, making this a fantastic option for meal prep. Let the mixture cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems a little dry after reheating, splash in a teaspoon or two of water or soy sauce to refresh the texture.

What to Serve With Egg Roll in a Bowl?

Steamed White or Brown Rice

A scoop of fluffy rice turns this into a hearty, family-friendly rice bowl that stretches the filling a bit further.

Cauliflower Rice

For a lighter, low-carb option, serve your egg roll mixture over cauliflower rice. It soaks up the sauce beautifully without adding many carbs.

Easy Asian Slaw

Pair your bowl with a crunchy side of Easy Asian Slaw for extra veggies and texture that echo the flavors of the main dish.

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

Roasted veggies like Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes make a colorful, nutrient-packed side that balances the savory bowl.

Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet-tart Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes add juicy bursts of flavor and pair wonderfully with the savory meat and cabbage.

Egg Drop Soup or Broth

A light soup on the side turns this into a cozy takeout-style dinner at home without much extra effort.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries

If you’re feeding a crowd that loves comfort food, serve with Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries for a fun fusion dinner.

Want More Bowl Dinner Ideas?

If this Egg Roll in a Bowl becomes a regular on your menu, you might love trying other big-flavor bowls from ChefAlchemy. They’re just as satisfying and perfect for weeknights:

Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce for smoky-sweet beef with a silky drizzle.
Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn & Creamy Sauce when you’re craving something spicy and hearty.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle for a sweet-heat combo that feels super fresh.
Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowls when you want something bright, fruity, and summery.
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus & Creamy Garlic Sauce for a protein-packed bowl that’s both elegant and easy.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast on busy weeknights.

And when you make it, come back and let me know how it went! Did you keep it classic with pork, or try ground turkey or beef? Did you pile it over rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it straight from the bowl?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on these recipes. Questions are always welcome too—we’re all about making weeknight cooking easier and more delicious.

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