This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe captures the classic flavors of traditional egg rolls without the deep-fried wrapper. Prepared in a single skillet in under 30 minutes, it’s a convenient and healthier alternative that’s both keto and paleo-friendly.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha Mayo
Directions
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Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and shredded carrots, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook the Cabbage: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted to your preference.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
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Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the mixture, stirring to incorporate.
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Serve: Serve the egg roll mixture over cooked white rice if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Nutrients
- Calories: Approximately 215-335 kcal
- Protein: 16-28 grams
- Total Fat: 6-14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7.5-22 grams
- Fiber: 1.75 grams
- Sugars: 3.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 67.5 mg
- Sodium: 79.5 mg
- Potassium: 113.25 mg
- Vitamin A: 19.57 mcg
- Vitamin C: 28.75 mg
- Calcium: 27.5 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
Health Benefits of Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers a variety of health benefits. Since it eliminates the deep-fried wrapper found in traditional egg rolls, this recipe is significantly lower in unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. Instead, it focuses on high-protein ingredients, fiber-rich vegetables, and nutrient-dense seasonings, making it a wholesome meal option. For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish is an excellent choice. Cabbage, the main vegetable in the recipe, is low in carbohydrates while being packed with fiber, which helps promote better digestion and gut health. The use of lean protein, such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork, provides essential amino acids that aid in muscle repair and overall body function.
Customization and Variations
One of the best aspects of Egg Roll in a Bowl is its versatility and adaptability to different dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you are vegetarian, pescatarian, or following a specific diet like Whole30, paleo, or gluten-free, this dish can be modified to suit your needs.
- Protein Options: While traditional recipes use ground turkey or pork, you can switch it up by using ground chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
- Vegetable Additions: In addition to cabbage and carrots, you can enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.
- Low-Carb Substitutes: If you’re aiming to reduce carbs even further, you can swap soy sauce with coconut aminos and avoid any additional sweeteners. Some also choose to serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make it a true keto-friendly meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spice, adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili peppers can give the dish an extra heat that enhances its flavor profile.
- Sauce Enhancements: Some variations include mixing in a peanut or almond butter-based sauce to add a nutty depth of flavor, creating a Thai-inspired version of the dish.
Meal Prep and Storage
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a meal-prep-friendly dish that can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals or those who enjoy planning their meals in advance.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: While it is possible to freeze the cooked meat portion of the dish, cabbage tends to lose its texture when frozen. If you want to freeze this meal, consider making the protein mixture separately and cooking the cabbage fresh when you’re ready to eat.
- Batch Cooking: You can double or triple the recipe to prepare larger portions for multiple meals throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a standalone dish, but it pairs well with other side dishes and toppings to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some ways to serve it:
- With Rice: Serving it over white, brown, or jasmine rice makes it a more filling and traditional meal.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice mimics the texture of regular rice while keeping the meal keto-friendly.
- With Noodles: You can toss in zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a different texture while keeping it low in carbs.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, or crushed peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Why Egg Roll in a Bowl is a Popular Dinner Choice
Egg Roll in a Bowl has become increasingly popular because it combines the flavors of traditional egg rolls with the convenience of a one-pan meal. The dish is simple to prepare, requires minimal cooking time, and offers a balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. Additionally, it is a budget-friendly option since the main ingredients—cabbage, carrots, and ground meat—are affordable and widely available. Unlike takeout, which can be costly and high in sodium or unhealthy fats, making this dish at home ensures that you control the ingredients and portion sizes. Families also love this recipe because it’s kid-friendly and can be easily adjusted to suit different taste preferences. By omitting spicy elements or adjusting the sauce, it can be made milder for children while still being flavorful for adults.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe that fits a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or Whole30 diet, this dish can be customized to meet your needs while still delivering bold flavors. It’s a great option for meal prepping, quick weeknight dinners, or even as a healthy takeout alternative. With its combination of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and savory seasonings, it provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it on its own, over rice, or with noodles, Egg Roll in a Bowl is a versatile and delicious dish that deserves a place in your meal rotation.