Chicken Egg Roll IN A Bowl It's A Low Carb Quick Cabbage Dish
CHICKEN EGG ROLL IN A BOWL It's A Low Carb Quick Cabbage Dish is a easy American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $8.68 total, $2.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (lean; can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or lean ground beef)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin optional; used to sauté chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (divided: 1 tbsp for veggies, 2 tsp for sauce)
- 16 ounces Shredded Cabbage and Carrots (Coleslaw Mix) (about 5 cups; pre‑packaged or freshly shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred; can use coconut aminos)
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic (fresh or jarred)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (optional; use same amount as garlic)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted if desired)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Measure all sauces, mince garlic, grate or slice ginger (if using), slice green onions, and have the coleslaw mix ready.
Time: PT5M
Cook Ground Chicken
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 6‑8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Set Chicken Aside
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside while you cook the vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Wilt Cabbage & Carrots
Add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the same skillet, then add the shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is softened and lightly golden, about 6‑7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp low‑sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Add Aromatics
Stir 1 tbsp minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger (if using) into the wilted veggies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over everything, and toss to coat. Cook for another 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce leaves.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Low Carb, Gluten-Free if using gluten‑free soy sauce and hoisin, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Potential gluten in hoisin sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork, Lean Ground Beef
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Olive Oil
- Instead of Shredded Cabbage and Carrots (Coleslaw Mix): Fresh cabbage and carrots
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Coconut Aminos
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook ground chicken until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Wilt cabbage and carrots until soft and lightly golden.
- Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to the pan.
- Combine chicken with sauce and vegetables, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for extra nuttiness before sprinkling.
- Add a dash of sriracha or chili oil for heat if you like spicy.
- For extra crunch, toss in a handful of sliced almonds or chopped peanuts just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Cabbage releases too much water and becomes soggy.
Increase heat to medium‑high and cook a few minutes longer to evaporate excess moisture. You can also pat the shredded mix dry before adding.
Chicken is dry.
Add a splash of chicken broth or water when browning, and avoid over‑cooking. Using a slightly higher fat ground meat (e.g., 85% lean) helps retain moisture.
Sauce is too salty.
Dilute with a teaspoon of water or add extra rice vinegar to balance. Use low‑sodium soy sauce next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to cabbage texture, but can freeze for 1 month if tightly sealed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coleslaw mix and sauce a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Cook the ground chicken in advance; reheat gently before adding to the pan.
- Minced garlic and ginger keep well in a small jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken egg roll in a bowl in American Chinese cuisine?
The chicken egg roll in a bowl is a modern, de‑wrapped adaptation of the classic Chinese egg roll, created to meet fast‑paced, low‑carb lifestyles in the United States. It captures the sweet‑savory flavor profile of traditional egg rolls while offering a healthier, quick‑cook alternative that fits American weeknight meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of egg rolls in Chinese cuisine and how does this bowl version compare?
Traditional egg rolls vary by region: Cantonese rolls are crisp and fried, while Shanghai-style rolls are softer and pan‑fried. The bowl version skips the wrapper entirely, focusing on the seasoned meat and cabbage filling, which mirrors the Cantonese flavor but with a lighter, stir‑fried texture.
How is chicken egg roll in a bowl traditionally served in Chinese-American restaurants?
In Chinese‑American eateries, a de‑wrapped egg roll bowl is often served over steamed white rice or alongside lettuce cups for a low‑carb option. It may be garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, just like the version demonstrated by Catherine's Plates.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken egg roll in a bowl associated with in modern American households?
Because it’s quick, low‑carb, and flavorful, the dish is popular for busy weeknight dinners, casual family meals, and even potluck gatherings where a healthier take on classic Chinese flavors is appreciated.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Chinese egg roll and which of those are substituted in this bowl recipe?
Traditional egg rolls use a wheat wrapper, pork or shrimp filling, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and sometimes oyster sauce. In this bowl, the wrapper is omitted, and ground chicken (or other lean meat) replaces pork or shrimp, while soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and the cabbage‑carrot mix stay true to the original flavor base.
What other American Chinese dishes pair well with chicken egg roll in a bowl?
Pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower fried rice, hot and sour soup, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a balanced meal.
How has the concept of de‑wrapped egg rolls evolved in recent years within the United States?
The de‑wrapped or “bowl” style has grown with the low‑carb and keto movements, offering the same bold flavors without the high‑calorie wrapper. Restaurants and home cooks alike have embraced this format for its speed, convenience, and adaptability to various proteins.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken egg roll in a bowl?
Common errors include overcooking the ground chicken, which makes it dry, overcrowding the pan so the cabbage steams instead of wilts, and adding too much sauce which can make the dish soggy. Follow the timing cues and keep the heat at medium‑high for a quick stir‑fry.
Why does this recipe use sesame oil in both the cooking step and the sauce instead of using only one type of oil?
Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma; a small amount in the sauce provides flavor depth, while a tablespoon for sautéing gives a subtle toasted note without overwhelming the dish. Using both layers builds a richer, more authentic Chinese flavor profile.
Can I make chicken egg roll in a bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce a day ahead and keep the cooked chicken separate. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine and reheat in a skillet for 2‑3 minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?
Catherine's Plates focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooked meals that blend comfort food with healthier twists, often featuring Asian‑inspired flavors, easy weeknight recipes, and practical cooking tips for busy families.
How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to American Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Catherine's Plates emphasizes simplicity and ingredient flexibility, showing how classic Chinese‑American dishes can be made with pantry staples, low‑carb options, and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels stick to traditional techniques or more elaborate preparations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
