If you’re craving the comforting flavors of an egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper, this Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the savory goodness and satisfying textures of the classic takeout favorite, using ground pork, crunchy cabbage, and bold seasonings to bring it all to life. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just want a tasty, lighter meal, this dish is quick to make, packed with flavor, and downright addictive from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is delightfully simple. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the savory base with tender ground pork or adding that satisfying crunch and color with fresh coleslaw mix. These essentials come together harmoniously to create a dish that tastes just like your favorite egg roll, minus the carbs.
- 1 lb ground pork: Provides a hearty, juicy foundation packed with flavor and protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil): Adds richness and helps to brown the meat beautifully while imparting a subtle toasted flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, diced: Gives a mild sweetness and soft texture that balances the dish perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth that makes every bite bursting with savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional): Adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Gives crunch, color, and volume, making it feel like a full-bodied meal.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Imparts deep umami and saltiness essential to authentic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that enhances the savory notes and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little spicy kick to brighten up the flavors.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Perfect garnish to add freshness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and nutty accent that makes every forkful exciting.
How to Make Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Pork
Start by heating your olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the pork is nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step sets a rich base packed with savory flavor that will carry the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the grated ginger. Allow them to cook gently with the pork for 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the onions soften and the garlic and ginger release their fragrant essences, making the mixture fragrant and inviting.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Carrots
Now, stir in the coleslaw mix—this shredded cabbage and carrots combo is what makes this dish feel fresh and crunchy. Cook everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring so the cabbage wilts just right without losing its lovely texture, marrying perfectly with the meat.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
It’s time to build those signature flavors by adding soy sauce, rice vinegar, a splash of sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Combine everything thoroughly and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully. Your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add freshness and crunch that elevate every bite. Serve it hot and watch this simple, wholesome Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe disappear from plates in no time.
How to Serve Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that bring brightness and a little textural contrast to the dish. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime if you want a tangy twist. These little touches can transform a simple bowl into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
This recipe holds its own as a complete meal, but if you want to complement it further, consider light and refreshing sides. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame pairs wonderfully, offering different textures and flavors while keeping the meal low carb and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg roll filling inside lettuce cups for a hand-held delight. You could also present it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles, which adds extra veggie goodness and makes the dish feel even more substantial. These presentation ideas keep things exciting and very satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked and cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, so you always have a delicious, wholesome meal ready at your fingertips.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Avoid microwaving for too long as it might make the cabbage soggy. A quick toss in a pan keeps the flavors bright and the texture satisfying every time.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will lighten the dish further while still providing great protein and flavor. Just be mindful they may cook a bit faster, so adjust timing accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe fits perfectly within keto diet guidelines since it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with healthy fats, especially if you use sesame oil and ground pork.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the ground pork with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils and use tamari or soy sauce without fish ingredients. The cabbage and spices will still deliver amazing flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. Leaving them out will result in a milder dish, while adding more brings a pleasant spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?
If you don’t have coleslaw mix, shredded green cabbage combined with grated carrots works just as well. You can also add thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a treat while being incredibly nourishing and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want that satisfying egg roll flavor without the hassle or carbs. Give it a try—you might find yourself coming back for seconds (and thirds!) very soon.
Print
Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, delicious, and healthy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. It captures all the savory flavors of a traditional egg roll without the carb-heavy wrapper, making it ideal for low-carb and keto diets. Ground pork is cooked with fresh cabbage, onions, garlic, and a savory soy-based sauce, then garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
Protein and Oils
- 1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sesame oil)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet with the cooked pork. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently so the cabbage wilts and softens evenly.
- Season the Dish: Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together so the cabbage and pork are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this low-carb, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- The grated ginger and red pepper flakes are optional, but they add wonderful depth and a bit of heat to the dish.
- Use sesame oil for cooking and finishing if you prefer a more authentic egg roll flavor.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
