There’s something so wholesome and comforting about a big skillet of sizzling flavors that reminds me of cozy family gatherings. One dish that never fails to bring back those delightful memories is Egg Roll in a Bowl. Think of it as all the goodness of an egg roll without the hassle of rolling and frying—it’s an easy, one-pan meal that brings together vibrant veggies and savory beef, all enveloped in a perfect balance of soy sauce and sesame oil. Trust me, every bite feels like a warm hug!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of those dishes that lead to love at first bite. Picture this: succulent ground beef mingling with crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a medley of aromatic flavors. It’s a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, all cooked in one pan! Why bother with takeout when you can whip this up faster than the delivery guy can arrive?
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile; the fresh veggies are not only good for you but also a feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some extra nutrients into your day. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, looking to feed a hungry family on a budget, or simply craving something satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes! With each spoonful, you’ll find your worries melt away, leaving you with nothing but comfort and contentment.
Gather these ingredients
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:
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Lean Ground Beef (1 lb, 85/15): The backbone of this recipe. Lean yet flavorful, this heartiness ensures you feel full. You can switch it out for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if desired.
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Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): A touch of this liquid gold not only helps us sauté but adds its own lovely depth. Use sesame oil if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Fine Sea Salt (½ tsp): Essential for pulling out the flavors. Adjust to taste as you like.
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Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Just enough for a kick, but don’t hesitate to dial it up if you enjoy a little heat.
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Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Aromatic and sweet when cooked, it forms the perfect foundation.
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Carrot (1 medium, julienned or coarsely grated): Adding brightness and crunch, take your pick on how you want to prep it.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and savory, it’s the fairy dust of many a dish—don’t skip it!
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Green Cabbage (3 cups, thinly sliced): This gets a wonderful wilt, offering both fiber and flavor. You can mix in other greens if cabbage isn’t your jam.
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Ground Ginger (1 tsp): A little spice that brings warmth and makes everything come alive!
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (¼ cup): This salty elixir elevates the dish to umami heaven, while keeping your sodium in check.
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Sesame Oil (2 tsp): Adds a rich, nutty aroma—it’s the final flourish.
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Granulated Sugar (½ tsp): A touch of sweetness balances out the savory elements, bringing everything together.
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Chopped Green Onion (1 Tbsp, optional): For that fresh, vibrant garnish.
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Sesame Seeds (¼ tsp, optional): A final sprinkle for an added crunch and flair.
Preparing Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s make it happen step by step.
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Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, crank the heat to medium-high and pour in the olive oil. It should shimmer slightly when it’s hot enough.
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Brown the Beef: Add your lean ground beef to the skillet. Use your trusty spatula to break it apart. Cook for about 5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper to season.
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Incorporate the Aromatics: Toss in the finely diced onion and the grated carrot. Cook this colorful blend for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
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Get Garlicky: In goes the minced garlic! Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing it to release its glorious aroma.
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Add the Cabbage and Flavor: Time to stir in the thinly sliced cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Keep sautéing for another 5–7 minutes until the cabbage is tender yet still has a bit of crunch.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and give it a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve this beauty warm!
Best way to enjoy it
Egg Roll in a Bowl is like a blank canvas, ready and waiting for your culinary creativity! Serve it warm right from the skillet or let it cool down a bit and make it part of a meal prep adventure for the week ahead.
Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa for a filling experience, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. You can even add some hot sauce if you like a touch of heat!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Let’s get practical about storage. If you’ve got leftovers (which you totally should hope for), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. These beauties can stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Want to freeze them? Absolutely! Just divide the cooled mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can hang out in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Pro chef tips
To take your Egg Roll in a Bowl to the next level, consider these insider secrets:
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Toast Your Spices: For added flavor, toast the ground ginger in the oil for about a minute before adding other ingredients.
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Vegetable Variations: Zucchini, bell peppers, or snap peas can be great additions! Feel free to clean out the fridge and add whatever veggies you have on hand.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a completely soy-free dish.
Recipe variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some culinary twists you can try:
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Spicy Sausage: Replace ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a kick that brings more flavor.
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Vegan Version: Swap beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based take and amp up the veggies!
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Asian-inspired Toppings: Consider topping with crispy wonton strips or chili paste for an extra burst of flavor.
Common questions
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Can I use other proteins? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully.
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Is this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
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What’s the prep time? Minimal! You’ll have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes if you keep your chopping quick.
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Can I make this ahead? Definitely! It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
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What do you serve it with? It’s great on its own but pairs well with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Egg Roll in a Bowl is more than just a dinner. It’s an experience—bonding over a shared meal, exploring flavors, and enjoying a moment of simplicity in our busy lives. So go on, embrace your culinary curiosity, and dive into this delightful recipe! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Experiment, add your personal touch, and share your culinary adventures with the world!
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Description
Enjoy the flavors of an egg roll in a simplified bowl format with plenty of veggies and savory beef, all cooked in one skillet.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. -
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.Season with salt and pepper. -
Incorporate Aromatics
Add the diced onion and carrot, cooking for 5–7 minutes until the onion softens. -
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Add Cabbage and Seasoning
Stir in the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender. -
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 670mg28%
- Potassium 650mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 600 IU
- Vitamin C 80 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 45 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 60 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
