Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a easy Chinese‑American recipe that serves 2. 455 calories per serving. Recipe by Easy Meal Prep Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 4 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $7.75 total, $3.88 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (lean, preferably 93% lean)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 1 bag Coleslaw Mix (about 12 oz, pre‑shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 0.25 cup Water
- 0.25 cup Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 0.5 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 stalks Green Onion (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Prep All Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions for garnish. Beat the two eggs in a small bowl.
Time: PT4M
Brown the Ground Chicken
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground chicken and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Scramble the Eggs
Push the meat mixture to one side of the pan, pour the beaten eggs into the empty space, and scramble until just set, about 1 minute. Then mix the eggs into the meat.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Cook the Coleslaw Mix
Add the coleslaw mix and ¼ cup water to the pan. Stir‑fry until the vegetables are wilted and most of the water has evaporated, roughly 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Season the Bowl
Stir in ¼ cup soy sauce, ½ tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp sriracha. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 455
- Protein
- 46 g
- Carbohydrates
- 17 g
- Fat
- 34 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free (use tamari), Dairy‑free, Keto‑friendly (low net carbs)
Allergens: Egg, Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground Turkey, Lean Ground Beef
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Green Onion (different flavor)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg whites (4), Firm tofu crumbled
- Instead of Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots (homemade)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, Olive oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Sriracha: Chili garlic sauce, Hot sauce
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl
- Serving Plate or Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain the cooked ground chicken to avoid a soggy bowl
- Do not overcook the garlic and ginger; they should be fragrant, not burnt
- Scramble the eggs just until set to keep them tender
- Cook the coleslaw mix until most liquid evaporates so the bowl isn’t watery
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha at the end to preserve their bright flavors
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a non‑stick skillet for easy cleanup and to prevent the eggs from sticking.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
- If you like extra heat, drizzle a second half‑teaspoon of sriracha on top.
Troubleshooting
The bowl is watery after adding the coleslaw mix.
Increase the heat and stir‑fry a little longer to evaporate excess moisture, or add a splash more soy sauce for extra flavor while the water cooks off.
Ground chicken is dry after draining.
Reserve a couple of tablespoons of the rendered fat and stir it back in after draining, or add a tiny drizzle of oil before scrambling the eggs.
Sauce is too salty.
Add an extra ¼ cup water and a pinch of sugar, then simmer for 30 seconds to balance the salt.
Eggs become rubbery.
Cook the eggs over lower heat and remove the pan from the burner as soon as they are just set; residual heat will finish cooking them.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of eggs and cabbage changes when frozen
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice onion, mince garlic, and grate ginger up to 24 hours ahead; store in airtight containers in the fridge
- Cook the ground chicken in bulk, season lightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat before adding eggs and veggies
- Portion the sauce (soy, sesame oil, sriracha) in a small jar for quick addition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Egg Roll in a Bowl in Chinese‑American cuisine?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a modern, deconstructed take on the classic Chinese egg roll, created for fast‑casual and home‑cooking contexts. It captures the sweet‑savory, crunchy‑soft contrast of the original without the deep‑fried wrapper, reflecting the American trend toward healthier, quicker meals while honoring traditional flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of egg roll‑style dishes in Chinese cuisine?
Traditional Chinese egg rolls vary by region: Cantonese rolls are thin and crisp, while Shanghai-style spring rolls are larger and often pan‑fried. Some regions use rice paper or wheat wrappers, and fillings can include pork, shrimp, bamboo shoots, or bean sprouts. The bowl version swaps the wrapper for shredded cabbage to keep the crunch.
How is Egg Roll in a Bowl traditionally served in Chinese‑American restaurants?
In Chinese‑American eateries, the dish is usually presented in a shallow bowl, topped with sliced green onions and sometimes toasted sesame seeds. It is served hot, often alongside steamed rice or as a standalone high‑protein entrée for diners seeking a lighter option.
What occasions or celebrations is Egg Roll in a Bowl associated with in modern American households?
Because it’s quick, high‑protein, and adaptable, Egg Roll in a Bowl is popular for weeknight family meals, meal‑prep for the workweek, and casual gatherings like game nights or potlucks where a flavorful, handheld‑style dish is appreciated.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Egg Roll in a Bowl versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include lean ground chicken (or pork), fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a coleslaw mix of cabbage and carrots. Substitutes such as ground turkey, tamari for soy sauce, or a homemade shredded cabbage‑carrot blend work well without compromising the core flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Egg Roll in a Bowl at home?
Common pitfalls include not draining the cooked ground chicken, overcooking the garlic (which turns bitter), letting the coleslaw sit in excess water, and scrambling the eggs too long, which makes them rubbery. Following the critical steps ensures a dry, flavorful bowl.
Why does this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe use a splash of water when cooking the coleslaw mix?
The water creates steam that helps the shredded cabbage and carrots soften quickly while preserving a slight crunch. It also prevents the vegetables from sticking to the pan before the sauce is added.
Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the aromatics and cook the ground chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store the cooked meat and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh scrambled eggs and sauce just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Egg Roll in a Bowl is done cooking?
The ground chicken should be fully browned with no pink, the coleslaw mix should be wilted but still bright‑colored, and the sauce should coat the ingredients with a glossy sheen. The scrambled eggs should be soft and integrated, not dry or over‑cooked.
What does the YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes focuses on quick, nutritious, and budget‑friendly meals that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, with an emphasis on high‑protein dishes, meal‑prepping strategies, and simple kitchen techniques for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Easy Meal Prep Recipes' approach to Chinese‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Easy Meal Prep Recipes adapts classic Chinese‑American flavors into streamlined, one‑pan or minimal‑equipment recipes that prioritize speed and protein content, whereas many other channels may focus on authentic techniques that require more time, multiple dishes, or specialized equipment.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
