Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, 30-Minute Meal)
When you’re craving bold, savory flavors but don’t want to commit to rolling, frying, or deep-cleaning your kitchen afterward, Egg Roll in a Bowl is the answer. This one-skillet meal delivers everything you love about a classic egg roll — tender meat, savory seasoning, garlicky cabbage, and rich umami flavor — without the wrapper or the hassle.
It’s fast, satisfying, and deeply comforting, all while being naturally low in carbs and incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a reliable 30-minute dinner that doesn’t disappoint, this recipe checks every box.
Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of those recipes that feels almost too easy for how good it tastes. Everything cooks in one pan, flavors build quickly, and the result is a dish that tastes like takeout — only fresher, lighter, and made entirely at home.
Why Egg Roll in a Bowl Is So Popular
This dish became a staple for good reason. It combines:
- Big flavor with minimal ingredients
- One-pan cooking and easy cleanup
- A healthy balance of protein and vegetables
- A flexible base that works with many diets
Unlike traditional egg rolls, which require wrapping and frying, this version strips the recipe down to its most delicious essentials. You still get the garlic, ginger, cabbage, and savory sauce — just in a faster, lighter format.
What Makes This a True One-Skillet Meal
Everything happens in one pan, and that’s not just convenient — it’s strategic. Cooking the meat first builds flavor directly on the skillet. When the vegetables hit the pan, they absorb those savory bits, creating depth without extra steps.
The sauce is added last, coating everything evenly and pulling the whole dish together. No boiling, baking, or separate prep required. Just one skillet, one spoon, and dinner on the table in half an hour.
Choosing the Best Protein
This recipe works beautifully with several proteins, making it easy to customize based on preference or what you have on hand.
Popular options include:
- Ground pork for classic egg roll flavor
- Ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option
- Ground beef for a heartier, richer taste
The key is using ground meat that browns well, creating flavor before the vegetables are added.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork, chicken, or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy-style sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Pour in soy-style sauce and rice vinegar.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook ground meat until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage and carrots and cook until tender-crisp.
- Add sauce and seasonings, toss well, and serve hot.
Notes
Tips for the Best Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Slice cabbage thinly for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables — they should stay slightly crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Use a large skillet to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
Flavor Variations to Try
Spicy Egg Roll Bowl
Add chili garlic sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
Extra Veggie Version
Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Low-Sodium Option
Use a reduced-sodium soy-style sauce and add extra ginger for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll in a Bowl is satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it:
- Over cauliflower rice
- With steamed jasmine rice
- Inside lettuce cups for added crunch
Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for meal prep lunches.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
This is the kind of recipe that saves weeknights. It’s fast without feeling rushed, healthy without feeling boring, and comforting without being heavy. Egg Roll in a Bowl is proof that simple cooking can still deliver bold, crave-worthy flavor.
Once you make it once, it quickly becomes a go-to meal you’ll return to again and again.
