Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, 30-Minute Meal)

If you love the savory, comforting flavors of a classic egg roll but don’t love deep frying, rolling wrappers, or dealing with a sink full of dishes, Egg Roll in a Bowl is about to become your new favorite dinner. This clever deconstructed version delivers everything you crave—tender cabbage, aromatic garlic and ginger, savory ground meat, and that unmistakable sesame-soy flavor—in a lighter, faster, and far more weeknight-friendly format.

Made entirely in one skillet and ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without sacrificing nutrition. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, endlessly customizable, and works beautifully for meal prep. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a gluten-free dinner idea, or simply trying to eat more vegetables, this dish checks all the boxes.

Unlike traditional egg rolls, which require wrappers and oil, this bowl focuses on what really matters: the filling. The result is a warm, hearty meal that feels indulgent while still being balanced and wholesome.

Why Egg Roll in a Bowl Is So Popular

Egg Roll in a Bowl has become a staple across food blogs and social media—and for good reason. It combines the comforting flavors of takeout with the simplicity of home cooking. You don’t need special equipment, hard-to-find ingredients, or advanced cooking skills. Everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can swap proteins, adjust seasoning levels, or add extra vegetables based on what you have on hand. It’s one of those recipes that feels forgiving and adaptable, which makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
4. Add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. It will look like a lot at first, but the vegetables will quickly wilt as they cook.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together so the vegetables and meat are evenly coated.
6. Cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Flavor Tips for the Best Egg Roll Bowl

• Slice cabbage thinly for the best texture and fastest cooking.
• Fresh ginger makes a noticeable difference compared to powdered.
• Don’t overcook—slightly crisp-tender cabbage gives the dish its signature bite.
• Taste before adding extra salt; soy sauce already adds plenty of seasoning.

Variations You’ll Love

Low-Carb & Keto:
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and stick with pork or chicken.

Vegetarian:
Swap the meat for crumbled tofu or sautéed mushrooms and add extra sesame oil for richness.

Spicy:
Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat.

Extra Veggies:
Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini all work well.

Serving Suggestions

Egg Roll in a Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it:

• Over cauliflower rice for a heartier meal
• With steamed jasmine rice for a more traditional feel
• Wrapped in butter lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner

Meal Prep & Storage

This dish stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often taste even better the next day.

Cultural Inspiration

While this dish isn’t traditional Chinese cuisine, it’s inspired by the classic American-Chinese egg roll filling. By removing the wrapper, it highlights the core flavors that made egg rolls popular in the first place—ginger, garlic, cabbage, and savory meat—while adapting them to modern dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

Egg Roll in a Bowl proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, bold flavor, and minimal cleanup, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and savory, this one-skillet wonder delivers every time.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A quick one-skillet meal with all the flavors of an egg roll, made lighter and faster without wrappers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Asian Inspired

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 1 head green cabbage thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
4. Add cabbage and carrots; cook until tender.
5. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; toss to combine.
6. Season to taste and garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes

Customize with your favorite protein or add extra vegetables.