HOW TO MAKE AN EGG ROLL BOWL

HOW TO MAKE AN EGG ROLL BOWL is a medium American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.

Prep: 17 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $22.08 total, $5.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Water (hot for rice)
  • 4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (adds flavor to rice broth)
  • 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken (can substitute ground turkey or pork)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (toasted for authentic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (minced or paste)
  • 1 Yellow Onion (sliced thin)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (diced for garnish)
  • 0.125 teaspoon Salt (just a pinch)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
  • 0.25 cup Low‑Sodium Soy Sauce (adds umami)
  • 1 teaspoon White Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Carrots (peeled and grated)
  • 2 cups Red Cabbage (shredded)
  • 2 cups Green Cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 can Canned Bean Sprouts (drained; fresh optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice Broth

    Combine 4 cups hot water and 4 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon chicken base in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then stir in 2 cups uncooked white rice.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Boiling

  2. Simmer the Rice

    Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low

  3. Prep Vegetables

    While the rice cooks, peel and grate the three carrots, shred the red and green cabbage (about 4‑5 cups total), slice the yellow onion thinly, and dice the green onion stalks for garnish.

    Time: PT12M

  4. Brown the Ground Chicken

    Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, then add 1 lb ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  5. Add Aromatics & Seasonings

    Stir in the grated carrots, sliced onion, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in 1/4 cup low‑sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp minced ginger, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix well.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Incorporate Cabbage & Bean Sprouts

    Add the shredded red and green cabbage (and the drained canned bean sprouts if using) to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cabbage softens and wilts to your desired texture, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Finish & Serve

    Turn off the heat. Fluff the cooked rice and divide into bowls. Top each bowl with the chicken‑vegetable mixture, sprinkle diced green onion and toasted sesame seeds.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
70g
Fat
22g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: High Protein, Can be made Gluten‑Free with tamari, Low Sodium option

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE AN EGG ROLL BOWL

Recipe by Catherine's Plates

A deconstructed egg roll served in a bowl – seasoned ground chicken, crunchy shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts tossed with soy‑sesame sauce and served over fluffy chicken‑broth rice. Ready in about 20‑minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

MediumAmerican ChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
47m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$22.08
Total cost
$5.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the rice with bouillon for flavor
  • Browning the ground chicken fully
  • Adding soy sauce and toasted sesame oil for authentic taste
  • Wilting the cabbage to the right softness

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water and steam with care to avoid burns
  • Use caution when chopping cabbage and carrots – keep fingers tucked

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Egg Roll Bowl in American Chinese cuisine?

A

The Egg Roll Bowl is a modern, deconstructed take on the classic Chinese egg roll, popularized in the United States as a quick, handheld‑style dinner. It reflects the American Chinese tradition of adapting street‑food flavors into convenient bowl meals for busy home cooks.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of egg roll‑style dishes in Chinese cuisine?

A

Traditional egg rolls originate from Cantonese dim sum, while northern Chinese spring rolls use wheat wrappers. In the U.S., the “egg roll bowl” replaces the fried wrapper with rice and fresh veggies, merging Cantonese flavors with American bowl culture.

cultural
Q

How is the Egg Roll Bowl traditionally served in Chinese‑American restaurants?

A

Restaurants often serve it over steamed jasmine rice, topped with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a drizzle of soy‑sesame sauce, finished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Egg Roll Bowl associated with in American Chinese culture?

A

It’s a popular weeknight dinner and is also featured at casual gatherings, potlucks, and family game nights where quick, flavorful meals are appreciated.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define an Egg Roll Bowl and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are ground chicken (or pork/turkey), shredded cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Substitutes include ground turkey for chicken, tamari for soy sauce, and cauliflower rice for a low‑carb version.

cultural
Q

What other American Chinese dishes pair well with the Egg Roll Bowl?

A

Serve it alongside hot and sour soup, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber‑soy salad for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What makes the Egg Roll Bowl special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?

A

It captures the bold, savory flavors of an egg roll without the deep‑fried wrapper, offering a healthier, faster alternative that still delivers the beloved crunch of cabbage and the umami of soy‑sesame sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Egg Roll Bowl?

A

Common errors include overcooking the cabbage (it loses its crunch), under‑seasoning the chicken, and using regular soy sauce that makes the dish too salty. Follow the measured soy‑sesame ratio and watch the cabbage closely.

technical
Q

Why does this Egg Roll Bowl recipe use toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil?

A

Toasted sesame oil provides a deep, nutty aroma that mimics the flavor profile of traditional fried egg rolls, whereas regular sesame oil is milder and less characteristic of the dish.

technical
Q

Can I make the Egg Roll Bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the rice and chicken‑vegetable mixture up to 2 days ahead, store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before assembling the bowls. Add fresh green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the Egg Roll Bowl?

A

The cabbage should be wilted but still retain a slight crunch, the carrots should be finely grated, and the chicken should be browned with no pink. The sauce should coat the ingredients with a glossy sheen.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Egg Roll Bowl is done cooking?

A

The rice will be tender and fluffy, the chicken fully browned, and the cabbage softened to your preference. A quick taste of the sauce should be balanced—salty, slightly sweet, and nutty.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?

A

Catherine's Plates focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with global flavors, often featuring quick weeknight meals and creative twists on classic dishes.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates?

A

Catherine emphasizes fresh ingredients, straightforward techniques, and making flavorful meals in under 30 minutes, while sharing personal anecdotes and tips for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel

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