There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and bold flavor of this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. It delivers all the deliciousness of an egg roll without any of the fuss—no wrappers, no deep frying, just straightforward, tasty ingredients coming together in one skillet.

A white bowl holds a colorful mixed dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked ground meat mixed with thin orange carrot strips and pale cooked cabbage pieces. On top, bright green sliced spring onions and fresh cilantro leaves are scattered evenly. White and black sesame seeds are sprinkled over everything, adding texture. A wooden spoon rests inside the bowl, with some of the mixed food on it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of sesame seeds and a brown bowl filled with extra cilantro nearby. A black and white textured cloth is placed to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, when I first stumbled upon this egg roll in a bowl recipe, I was a little skeptical. Could it really capture the same flavors I love in an egg roll without the wrapper? Spoiler alert: it absolutely does. Plus, it’s fast and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight when life feels hectic.

All the flavor, none of the fuss: You get that classic combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce in a comforting dish that comes together in one pan.
Quick and simple: It’s a perfect recipe for busy days when you want something nutritious but don’t feel like spending a long time cooking.
Flexible ingredients: Whether you prefer turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option, you can easily adapt it to your tastes and dietary needs.
Perfect for leftovers: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or a tasty lunch the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe plays a specific role, creating harmony in both texture and flavor. The combination of ground meat with crisp cabbage and the punch of garlic and ginger make it feel like a well-rounded meal. Plus, small touches like toasted sesame oil and sriracha bring a satisfying depth and a nice kick.

Flat lay of fresh ground turkey in a small mound, a quarter cup of finely chopped yellow onion in a simple white ceramic bowl, three whole garlic cloves with unbroken skins, a small pile of grated fresh ginger root, a generous heap of colorful coleslaw mix with shredded cabbage and carrots, a small white bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl containing golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl with bright red sriracha sauce, two freshly sliced green onions scattered neatly, a few sesame seeds sprinkled on the surface, a small bunch of fresh cilantro sprigs arranged delicately, a small white ceramic bowl of fluffy cooked cauliflower rice all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Turkey or Chicken: I like using turkey for a lighter touch but chicken works just as well - choose fresh, lean meat that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Adds just enough sweetness and texture when sautéed to soften but still retain a bit of bite.
Garlic: You want it minced fine to release its aroma without burning during cooking.
Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger gives that signature zing that sets this dish apart—you’ll notice an immediate lift in flavor.
Coleslaw Mix: This bagged mix of shredded cabbage and carrots saves time chopping and provides a crunchy, fresh texture.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: For that salty, umami depth – I recommend low-sodium so you can control the saltiness yourself.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a little drizzle boosts a nutty aroma that feels authentic and comforting.
Sriracha or Sambal Oelek: Adds the perfect spicy kick — adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Green Onions: Freshness and a mild onion flavor to top it all off.
Sesame Seeds & Cilantro: Optional garnishes that bring a pleasant crunch and herbaceous note.
Cauliflower Rice (Optional): Great to serve alongside if you want a low-carb base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is like a blank canvas that you can easily tweak to suit your own style. I love mixing it up depending on what’s in my fridge or how I’m feeling that day—sometimes swapping meats, other times adding an egg for extra protein.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is adding a scrambled egg right at the end—creates a silky texture and ups the protein, making it super satisfying.
Vegetarian/Vegan option: Swap the meat for diced tofu or tempeh and use tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Spice it up or tone it down: Depending on your heat tolerance, you can add more sriracha or swap it for a milder chili garlic sauce.
Extra crunch: Toss in some chopped water chestnuts or sliced bell peppers for a fun twist on texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

The image shows a bowl with two main layers: on one side, white cauliflower rice with a crumbly texture, and on the other side, stir-fried ground meat mixed with thin carrot strips, light green onion slices, and small pieces of cabbage, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds. The bowl is white with a light brown rim and sits on a white marbled surface. There is a gray textured cloth next to the bowl with two ornate silver forks resting on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Season

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. I usually pick a nice heavy pan to get even cooking. Add the ground turkey or chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season liberally with salt and pepper—this really builds the flavor base. Cook for around 5-6 minutes until there’s no pink left.

Step 2: Sauté with Aromatics and Veggies

Next, toss in your chopped onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir everything around for about a minute until fragrant. Add the coleslaw mix, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. The cabbage will start to soften but still hold a bit of crunch if you don’t overcook—typically about 5 minutes does the trick. Taste and adjust soy sauce or sriracha to suit your preference.

Step 3: Finish and Garnish

Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld nicely, portion the mixture into bowls. Sprinkle on sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for that last burst of freshness and crunch. If you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of yum yum sauce adds a wonderfully creamy note I recently discovered and LOVE.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned a few little tricks that take this Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe from good to great. These tips come from both nail-biting kitchen experiments and easy weeknight successes.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the meat and cooking the veggies, give yourself enough room in the skillet to let ingredients brown rather than steam.
Fresh ginger is key: Using fresh grated ginger instead of powder makes a massive flavor difference—it’s brighter and more vibrant.
Adjust your heat last: Add sriracha gradually during cooking so you can control the spice level exactly how you like it.
Finish with fresh garnishes: The green onions and cilantro really brighten the dish—don’t skip them unless you hate fresh herbs.

How to Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my egg roll bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and plenty of chopped green onions and cilantro. Sometimes I add a dollop of sriracha or even chili crisp for extra heat and texture. On lazy days, a drizzle of yum yum sauce takes it up a notch and adds a rich creaminess that’s honestly addictive.

Side Dishes

This dish is substantial enough to stand alone, but I love serving it alongside cauliflower rice to soak up the flavors without the carbs. If you want to include some greens, a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli pairs beautifully and keeps things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in lettuce cups for a fun hands-on twist. It’s a great way to add crunch and a fresh contrast to the warm, savory filling. You can even pack it in bento boxes for meal prep lunches that feel anything but boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When packing, I keep the garnishes separate to preserve their freshness. This way, when reheating, you get that same bright pop of flavor I love.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good success. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop to keep the textures intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the veggies crisp and the meat juicy. Microwave works too in a pinch but watch the cooking time to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef or pork can be used and will give the dish a slightly richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content and adjust cooking accordingly to drain excess grease if needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Just double check labels on any other sauces or ingredients to be sure.

How spicy is Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much sriracha or chili paste you add. I usually start with a teaspoon and taste, then add more if I want it spicier. You can easily make it mild or fiery depending on your preference.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or even mushrooms. Just add them along with the coleslaw mix and adjust cooking time to keep them crisp-tender.

Final Thoughts

This Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because of how easy it is to make something flavorful and comforting without overcomplicating dinner. It’s a winner when I want fast, fresh, and delicious—all wrapped up in one skillet. Give it a try like I’m handing you a bowl right across the counter; I promise, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.