Want a quick and tasty dinner without the fuss? Egg Roll in a Bowl is my go-to. After a long day, I love throwing this delicious dish together. It combines all the flavors of classic egg rolls into a simple skillet meal. This recipe truly captures those savory flavors while being a breeze to whip up.
With just a handful of ingredients, you'll have a satisfying meal that cooks in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to use what you have on hand. You can enjoy this dish any night of the week, making it a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious in a hurry.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean up after your meal.
- Flavor Packed: Enjoy all the classic egg roll flavors without the hassle of rolling and frying.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Include plenty of veggies and protein, making it a well-rounded meal for your family.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on tastes or what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground beef – 1½ pounds. This is the base of the dish, providing a hearty protein source.
- Onion – 1 large, diced finely. It adds sweetness and flavor to the skillet.
- Garlic – 1 tablespoon, minced. Fresh garlic enhances the overall taste and aroma.
- Sesame oil – 2 tablespoons. This oil gives a rich, nutty flavor that is key to the dish.
- Carrots – ½ cup, peeled and finely shredded. They add color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Coleslaw mix – 16 ounces. This mix of cabbage and other veggies makes for easy prep and adds bulk.
- Onion powder – ½ teaspoon. It intensifies the onion flavor without extra chopping.
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon. This enhances the savory taste without extra prep.
- Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon. They give a subtle heat to the dish, adjustable to your preference.
- Ground ginger – 1½ teaspoons. Ginger adds warmth and enhances the dish's Asian flavor profile.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – ½ to ¾ cup. This introduces a salty, umami flavor; adjust to taste.
- Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons. It helps in cooking the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Green onions – Optional for garnish. They add a fresh touch and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Cook ground beef in a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Avoid breaking the beef into small pieces; keep it in larger chunks for better texture. Drain the grease and return the skillet to the stovetop.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Mix in the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Use tongs to combine everything and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Mix well and pour it over the meat and coleslaw mixture in the skillet.
Step 5: Simmer Together
Reduce the heat and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still have some crunch for the best texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dish hot, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. This adds a fresh flavor and makes the dish colorful.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Keep It Chunky – When cooking the beef, allow larger pieces to remain for a satisfying bite. This improves the dish’s overall texture and mouthfeel.
✓ Fresh Ingredients Matter – Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference compared to dried spices.
✓ Customize with Add-Ins – Add other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for extra nutrition and variety. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
✓ Monitor the Heat – Be careful not to overcook the veggies. They should be tender yet still retain some crispness for the best taste.
✓ Adjust the Seasoning – Taste as you cook and adjust the soy sauce and spices. Everyone's preference varies, and tailoring it to your taste will make it more enjoyable.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The combination of fresh vegetables and meat creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Sautéing the onions and garlic at the start ensures their flavors infuse the dish.
- Using coleslaw mix saves prep time and adds a variety of vegetables to the meal. The quick cooking method maintains a pleasant crunch, ensuring the dish is both satisfying and fresh.
- The sesame oil and soy sauce work together to create that beloved Asian flavor profile. This harmony of ingredients makes Egg Roll in a Bowl a flavorful alternative to traditional egg rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Roll in a Bowl
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both will work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time for leaner meats.
If the veggies cook too long, they may lose their crunch. Keep an eye on the dish and follow the timing closely for tender yet still crispy vegetables.
Yes, you can prepare Egg Roll in a Bowl in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
If you find the dish too salty, add a splash of water or a touch of sugar to balance the flavors. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables to dilute the saltiness.
This dish pairs well with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with a simple cucumber salad for added freshness.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Ground beef
- 1 large Onion, diced finely
- 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 0.5 cup Carrots, peeled and finely shredded
- 16 ounces Coleslaw mix
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground ginger
- 0.5 to 0.75 cup Low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- to taste Green onions, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large deep-sided skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Avoid breaking the beef into small pieces; keep it in larger chunks for better texture. Drain the grease and return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Use tongs to combine everything and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Mix well and pour it over the meat and coleslaw mixture in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still have some crunch for the best texture.
- Serve the dish hot, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Fresh ingredients matter; using fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor is recommended.
- Customize with add-ins such as bell peppers or snow peas for extra nutrition and variety.
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