Egg Roll in a Bowl
This egg roll in a bowl recipe is a one-pot, Asian-inspired stir-fry with chunks of beef and tender-crisp veggies in a savory, perfectly seasoned sauce.
Who needs takeout when you can whip up this Egg Roll in a Bowl in 20 minutes flat? All the flavors of your favorite egg roll – savory, juicy meat, tender-crisp cabbage, and that irresistible punch of garlic, ginger, and soy – but without the wrapper or the deep frying! It’s quick and ridiculously tasty. The perfect dinner for busy nights, this one-pan wonder will have you coming back for seconds… and thirds!
Our Best Cooking Tip
Layer your flavors and keep your textures! Brown the meat until you get those golden, caramelized bits — that’s where the deep flavor lives. Then, when cooking the veggies, sauté them just until they’re tender-crisp to keep that satisfying crunch.
EGG ROLL IN A BOWL RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Our egg roll in a bowl recipe takes everything normally stuffed inside an egg roll and places it in a bowl – like an egg roll stir fry. With a combination of coleslaw mix, ground beef, and a delicious blend of spices, there will be no reason to order take out.
ADDITION
For added protein, you can add eggs to your egg roll in a bowl and scramble them in the skillet while you are cooking the rest of the ingredients.
MAKING THIS EGG ROLL IN A BOWL RECIPE
Preparing an Egg Roll in a Bowl is a straightforward process, but incorporating a few strategic tips can elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
MEAT SELECTION & PREP
Choice of Meat: This recipe uses ground beef but ground pork, chicken or turkey are all excellent alternatives that can offer varied flavor profiles.
Cooking Technique: You’ll want to brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it fry up until no longer pink. Resist the urge to break it up too finely — those bigger, juicy chunks give the dish a satisfying bite. And if your pan’s getting crowded? Brown the meat in batches. Trust us, that extra step is worth it for those caramelized golden bits that make every bite burst with flavor.
ADDING THE VEGETABLES
Pre-packaged coleslaw mix and pre-shredded carrots are your best friend here. They streamline preparation and introduces a blend of cabbage and carrots. The onion, cabbage and carrots are traditional egg roll veggies, but you can add in others as well. Peas, edamame, or bean sprouts make a nice addition. You could also incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms, water chestnuts, bean sprouts or bamboo shoots to add complexity.
Cooking Consistency: Don’t overcook the vegetables. Sauté them until they are tender yet retain a slight crunch. This balance ensures a pleasant texture and prevents the dish from becoming overly soft.
FLAVOR ENHANCEMENT
Garlic and ginger are non-negotiable – that punchy, aromatic base makes all the difference.
Sauce Composition: Low-sodium soy sauce lets you control the salt. Add a dash of sesame oil for that nutty flavor, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat. Taste and adjust according to your heat tolerance – you’re the boss.
HOW TO SERVE EGG ROLL BOWLS
No matter how you serve it, Egg Roll in a Bowl is all about big flavors, easy prep, and endless versatility. So mix it up, try something new, and most importantly – enjoy every last bite.
For a no fuss way of serving, pile this dish high in a bowl and dig in with chopsticks (or a fork – we won’t judge) while it’s hot. The beauty here is in its ease and bold flavors. Top with green onions as well as sesame seeds and, if you like heat, a drizzle of sriracha.
Other options are to drizzle with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce or tamari for a salty punch, sweet chili sauce for a sweet-spicy kick or hoisin sauce for a touch of sweet-savory magic. For a handheld twist, spoon your egg roll filling into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce cups. Top with chopped peanuts, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of hoisin or sriracha mayo for a restaurant-style finish.
DISHES THAT PAIR WELL
This deconstructed egg roll is a delicious main course on its own, but there are plenty of sides you could add for a larger meal. Try our homemade fried rice or garlic bread for two tasty options for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
For an American Chinese food themed night, instead of ordering in, cook up these super delicious recipes: Chicken lo mein, Bang bang shrimp, Beef and broccoli, General Tso chicken, Firecracker chicken
MORE ASIAN INSPIRED RECIPES
Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Orange Chicken Recipe
FUN PRESENTATION IDEAS
DIY Egg Roll Bowl Bar: Set up a customizable station with different toppings and sauces so everyone can build their own flavor-packed bowl.
Serve in Edible Bowls: Hollow out bell peppers or use lettuce cups for a playful, edible serving vessel.
STORING EGG ROLL BOWLS THAT USE COLESLAW MIX
FRIDGE: STORED UP TO FOUR DAYS
To store egg roll bowls effectively, start by letting it cool completely to avoid moisture build-up. Once cooled, transfer the dish to airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer in the refrigerator. For added convenience, portion the dish into meal-sized servings, making reheating quick and easy.
FREEZER: STORED UP TO THREE MONTHS
If you plan to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers. To retain the best texture, avoid freezing garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds and add them after reheating.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
When reheating, you can use the microwave in one to two minute intervals, stirring in between, or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming, or reheat directly from frozen over low heat on the stovetop. Avoid refreezing thawed portions to maintain quality.
Egg roll in a bowl is essentially a deconstructed egg roll. It’s all the yummy, seasoned beef and veggies from the center of an egg roll combined with a savory, Asian-inspired sauce. This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and cooks up easily all in one pan.
EGG ROLL BOWL RECIPE FAQS
What sauce goes with egg rolls?
There are plenty of favorite sauces that are often served with egg rolls. Sweet chili sauce, hoisin, sriracha sauce, and plum sauce are tasty choices.
Do you put eggs in egg roll in a bowl?
While our recipe for egg roll in a bowl doesn’t include eggs, you can certainly add a scrambled egg to this great recipe for added protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why did my cake crack while rolling?
- Roll the cake while it's still hot with a powdered sugar towel. Let it cool in the rolled shape to prevent cracking.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, make up to 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated and add the ganache and peppermint just before serving.
- → Can I freeze this cake roll?
- Freeze without ganache for up to 2 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- → Why use gel food coloring?
- Gel gives brighter color without adding too much liquid that could affect the cake texture.
- → What if I don't like peppermint?
- Skip it or replace with sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate shavings for decoration.