If you’ve ever loved the crunchy, savory goodness of a classic egg roll but wanted something lighter and quicker, you are going to adore this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It captures all the familiar flavors of your favorite appetizer but swaps the wrapper for a bed of tender cabbage and pork, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or simple meal prep option. This dish delivers that irresistible umami punch with fragrant garlic, fresh ginger, and a touch of chili garlic sauce, all tied together by savory teriyaki sauce. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, so you’ll be savoring a delicious, comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, from the rich depth of ground pork to the refreshing crunch of coleslaw mix.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that wakes up the skillet and enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground pork: Provides a juicy, savory base that soaks up all the sauces beautifully.
- Garlic, minced: Brings pungency and warmth that’s essential for that classic Asian-inspired taste.
- Fresh minced ginger or ginger paste: Gives a bright, slightly spicy note that livens up the dish.
- Chili garlic sauce: Adds a gentle heat with a hint of sweetness, perfect for a subtle kick.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to bring out the true flavors.
- Good quality teriyaki sauce: Delivers a sweet and savory glaze that coats every bite delectably.
- Coleslaw mix: Offers a crisp and colorful crunch as the “bowl” and balances the richness of the pork.
- Scallions, diced: Brightens the finished dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork
Start by warming the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat—this step unlocks the oil’s signature nuttiness right from the beginning. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. The goal is to get the pork fully cooked with no pink showing, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Once browned, introduce the minced garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce, tossing everything together so the pork gets infused with vibrant, layered flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural meatiness. After the pork is cooked through, drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Vegetables
Next, stir in the teriyaki sauce—it’s the secret ingredient that adds that familiar balance of sweetness and umami you’ll love. Then, mix in the coleslaw blend, which instantly transforms this recipe into a colorful, healthy, and crunchy bowl. Sauté everything together until the cabbage just starts to soften but still keeps its delightful crispness, about 3 minutes. This quick cooking retains the veggies’ fresh texture and vibrant taste, making it far more exciting than a soggy stir-fry.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
To wrap up the cooking, toss in the diced scallions for a burst of freshness that really brightens the dish. Serve the egg roll mix straight from the skillet into bowls for an easy, comforting meal. If you want to get creative or keep things fun, scoop the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a handheld option that’s perfect for sharing.
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Egg Roll in a Bowl with extra garnishes enhances flavor and adds great texture. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch or adding fresh cilantro leaves to introduce a refreshing herbal note. A drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce amps up the heat if you like things spicy, or a squeeze of lime juice brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice turns it into a hearty, filling dinner. Another great choice is a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a crisp, cool contrast. If you’re serving family-style, a pot of miso soup alongside makes for a cozy Asian-inspired meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe as a filling for lettuce wraps with crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves, letting everyone build their own wraps at the table. Another idea is to layer it over noodles or ramen for a comforting twist on a noodle bowl. For lunchboxes, pack it cold or warm with a side of fresh veggies and a small container of extra sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second-day snack or meal.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but best reserved for before adding the fresh scallions, as they don’t freeze well. Store the pork and cabbage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh scallions to maintain the bright finish.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat through without drying out. Adding a splash of water or a bit more teriyaki sauce helps keep the dish moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cabbage soggy, but if you do, do it in short bursts and stir between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well in this recipe—just be mindful they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so keep a close eye when browning.
Is the coleslaw mix just cabbage?
Coleslaw mix typically includes shredded cabbage and carrots, which adds a great splash of color and a slightly sweet crunch, perfect for balancing savory pork.
Where can I find chili garlic sauce?
Chili garlic sauce is commonly found in the Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores, or you can grab it online. It’s a fantastic pantry staple that adds both heat and garlic flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap the ground pork for tofu or tempeh crumbles and use soy sauce or tamari instead of teriyaki for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still packs big flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level comes from the chili garlic sauce and can be adjusted to your liking. Use less for mild or add a bit more if you love a spicy kick!
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-tos because it combines crave-worthy flavors with speedy prep and cooking. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting without the fuss, this dish fits perfectly. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your rotation—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfyingly flavorful every bite is!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is a quick, flavorful, and low-carb dish that delivers all the classic flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Ground pork is cooked with garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce, then combined with crunchy coleslaw mix and teriyaki sauce for a savory, satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 ¼ pounds ground pork
Spices and Sauces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup good quality teriyaki sauce
Vegetables
- 10 ounces coleslaw mix
- 3 scallions, diced
Instructions
- Brown Pork: In a large nonstick skillet, warm the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, stirring often, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook briefly, then drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour in the teriyaki sauce and add the coleslaw mix. Stir everything together to combine well and cook until the cabbage softens slightly, approximately 3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Toss in the diced scallions and give it a final stir. Serve the mixture hot in bowls or use as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Enjoy your flavorful Egg Roll in a Bowl!
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for pork if preferred.
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce to taste depending on your spice preference.
- For a lower sodium version, use a low-sodium teriyaki sauce.
- This dish can be served with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
