Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a simple, fast meal that tastes like an egg roll without the wrapper. It uses ground beef, cabbage, carrots, and a few seasonings. You can make it in one pan and have dinner ready in about 20 minutes. If you like quick protein dishes, this goes well with other easy meals like cottage cheese egg bites for a full-day meal plan.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps flavors bold but simple. Browning the beef builds a rich base. Adding onion and carrot gives sweetness and texture. Cabbage soaks up the sauce and cooks quickly, so the dish stays tender. The mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil gives a clear Asian-style flavor without many steps. You can pair the idea with other bowl-style meals like BBQ chicken roasted sweet potato bowls to make a quick menu for the week.

Why you should try this recipe

Try this recipe because it is:

  • Fast: ready in under 30 minutes.
  • One-pan: few dishes to clean.
  • Flexible: you can change meat or add vegetables.
  • Family-friendly: simple flavors most people like.
    You can also swap it into a low-carb plan or make it to stretch ground beef across more meals, similar to swapping ingredients in dishes like banana cottage cheese pancakes when you change your plan.

How to make Egg Roll in a Bowl

Make this dish on the stove in a large skillet. Brown the beef first, then add onion and carrot, then garlic and cabbage. Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Stir and cook until cabbage is tender. Serve warm with green onions or sesame seeds.

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
  • ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Equipments Needed

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring spoons and cup

Step-by-Step Instructions :

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
  5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm.

How to serve Egg Roll in a Bowl

Serve it hot from the pan. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal.

How to store Egg Roll in a Bowl

  • Fridge: Place in an airtight container and keep for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Cool fully, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use lean beef so there is less grease to drain.
  • Slice cabbage thin so it cooks evenly and quickly.
  • Grate the carrot for faster cooking and even texture.
  • Taste before serving and adjust soy sauce or salt as needed.
  • If you want more sauce, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap ground pork, turkey, or chicken for the beef.
  • Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Add mushrooms, bell pepper, or snap peas for more veggies.
  • Make it vegetarian with crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
  • For more heat, stir in sriracha or chili paste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage works fine and saves prep time. Just drain any excess moisture first.

Q: Is this dish low carb?
A: Yes. Skip rice and it is low in carbs. It makes a good low-carb or keto option.

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in meal containers. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before eating.

Q: Do I need to drain the beef?
A: If the beef releases a lot of fat, you can drain a little. With lean ground beef (85/15), it usually cooks fine without draining much.

Conclusion

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is quick, tasty, and easy to change for your needs. For another take on this dish and extra tips, see Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe | The Kitchn. If you want a different version with simple swaps and serving ideas, check Egg Roll in a Bowl – Spend With Pennies.

Print

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A quick and simple meal that mimics the flavors of egg rolls without the wrapper, featuring ground beef, cabbage, and carrots.

  • Author: brahimhassouoo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free option available

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
  • ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
  5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm.

Notes

For a low-carb option, skip rice and serve as is. You can also swap in other proteins or vegetables based on your preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!