Egg Roll In A Bowl
Egg Roll In A Bowl is a easy Asian-American recipe that serves 4. 375 calories per serving. Recipe by Laura in the Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 39 min
Cost: $10.24 total, $2.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean, extra‑lean preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing)
- 1 medium Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste (Can use fresh grated ginger)
- 2 tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce (Use low‑sodium to control salt)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (Adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil (Adds nutty flavor)
- 1 pound Premade Coleslaw Mix (Shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage)
- 2 stalks Scallions (Thinly sliced for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (For garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, measure ginger paste, and set aside the sauces. If using a whole cabbage, shred it finely; otherwise, measure out 1 lb of premade coleslaw mix. Slice scallions for garnish.
Time: PT10M
Heat Skillet
Place the large nonstick skillet over high heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Let the oil heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Cook Ground Beef
Add the 1 lb lean ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with the spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Aromatics
Stir in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, roughly 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Stir‑Fry the Cabbage
Add the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage) to the skillet. Toss quickly on high heat, allowing excess moisture to evaporate, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Sauce
In a small bowl combine soy sauce, sriracha, water, rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the skillet contents and stir to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Finish Cooking
Continue to stir‑fry for another 1 minute until the cabbage is tender‑crisp and the sauce has slightly thickened and caramelized.
Time: PT1M
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the mixture to serving bowls, sprinkle sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 375
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (use tamari or coconut aminos), Low‑Carb, High‑Protein
Allergens: Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lean Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Ground Pork
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola Oil, Avocado Oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Ginger Paste: Fresh grated ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Coconut Aminos (2 tbsp), Tamari
- Instead of Sriracha: Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Toasted Sesame Oil: Regular sesame oil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Premade Coleslaw Mix: Shredded green cabbage + carrots + purple cabbage (1 lb total)
- Instead of Scallions: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Nonstick Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl
- Serving Plate or Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the ground beef until fully browned before adding any vegetables.
- Maintain high heat when stir‑frying the cabbage to avoid steaming and ensure caramelization.
- Add the sauce at the right moment and allow it to thicken without overcooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, add a handful of sliced bell pepper or snap peas during the cabbage step.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before using to enhance their nutty aroma.
- If you like extra heat, drizzle a little extra sriracha right before serving.
Troubleshooting
The cabbage turns watery instead of caramelized.
Increase the heat and avoid covering the pan; stir‑fry quickly to evaporate excess moisture.
The beef is dry.
Add a splash more oil or use a slightly higher fat ground beef (80/20) if you prefer juicier meat.
The sauce is too salty.
Use low‑sodium soy sauce or dilute with an extra teaspoon of water; you can also balance with a little more rice wine vinegar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store in the fridge; reheat in a dry skillet for 2‑3 minutes.
- Sauce can be mixed ahead of time and kept in a small jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Egg Roll in a Bowl in American Asian‑fusion cuisine?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a modern, de‑constructed take on the classic Chinese egg roll, popularized in the United States as a quick, low‑carb alternative. It reflects the growing trend of adapting traditional street‑food flavors for home cooks seeking healthier, faster meals.
What regional variations of Egg Roll in a Bowl exist within Asian‑American cooking?
Variations include using ground pork or turkey instead of beef, swapping the coleslaw mix for kimchi for a Korean twist, or adding coconut aminos for a gluten‑free Pacific‑rim version. Some cooks also incorporate noodles or rice for a heartier bowl.
How is Egg Roll in a Bowl traditionally served in Asian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, and accompanied by a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice if extra carbs are desired. It’s often enjoyed as a standalone dinner or as part of a larger family spread.
During what occasions or celebrations is Egg Roll in a Bowl commonly prepared in the United States?
Because it’s quick and crowd‑pleasing, families often make it for weeknight dinners, holiday leftovers, or casual gatherings like game nights. Its simplicity also makes it a popular choice for meal‑prep for busy professionals.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Egg Roll in a Bowl versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include lean ground pork or beef, low‑sodium soy sauce, sriracha, rice‑wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and a shredded cabbage mix. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey, coconut aminos for soy, and a homemade cabbage‑carrot blend if a premade coleslaw mix isn’t available.
What other Asian‑American dishes pair well with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
It pairs nicely with a light miso soup, steamed edamame, or a simple cucumber‑sesame salad. For a fuller meal, serve alongside fried rice or a side of pickled vegetables.
What makes Egg Roll in a Bowl special or unique in Asian‑American cuisine?
The dish captures the bold, savory‑sweet‑spicy flavor profile of a fried egg roll while eliminating the deep‑fried wrapper, making it lower in carbs and calories yet still satisfying. Its one‑pan method also highlights the convenience that modern American kitchens value.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Egg Roll in a Bowl at home?
Common errors include cooking the cabbage over low heat (which steams it), adding the sauce too early (causing sogginess), and overcooking the lean beef so it becomes dry. Keep the skillet hot and add the sauce only after the vegetables have released most of their moisture.
Why does this Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe use high heat instead of medium heat?
High heat quickly sears the beef and evaporates excess moisture from the cabbage, preventing the dish from becoming watery and allowing the sauce to caramelize for that characteristic egg‑roll flavor.
Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the bowl reheats beautifully. Cool it to room temperature, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat in a dry skillet for 2‑3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen, hosted by Laura Vitale, specializes in approachable Italian‑inspired and American comfort food recipes, often featuring step‑by‑step demonstrations that make classic dishes easy for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen's approach to Asian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Laura in the Kitchen focuses on simple, ingredient‑friendly adaptations and emphasizes flavor balance without complex techniques, whereas many other channels may use more specialized equipment or exotic ingredients. Laura’s style is home‑kitchen‑centric and budget‑conscious.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
