Egg Roll In A Bowl. No Wrap.
Egg Roll In A Bowl. No Wrap. is a easy American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Paul Folger on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $7.42 total, $1.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Spicy Pork Sausage (Jimmy Dean style or any hot pork sausage, sliced or crumbled)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced small)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger (Finely minced; substitute 1 tsp ground ginger if unavailable)
- 1 bag Shredded Cabbage Mix (Pre‑shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage + carrots))
- 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar (Asian rice vinegar)
- 1.5 tablespoons Mirin (Sweet cooking rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
- Sriracha (Optional hot sauce for serving)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and if using fresh cabbage shred it (or open the pre‑shredded bag).
Time: PT5M
Brown the Sausage
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Cook Onion
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Garlic & Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Deglaze with Vinegar & Mirin
Add the rice wine vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir for about 30 seconds.
Time: PT1M
Steam the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage (and carrots if using fresh mix). Toss to coat, then cover the pan with a lid and let steam for 5 minutes until the cabbage is tender‑crisp.
Time: PT5M
Season with Soy Sauce
Uncover, drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture, stir well and cook another minute.
Time: PT1M
Finish & Serve
Remove from heat, drizzle a little extra sesame oil if desired, and serve in bowls. Add sriracha to taste.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten‑Free if using tamari, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spicy Pork Sausage: Chicken sausage, Turkey sausage, Ground pork
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger
- Instead of Shredded Cabbage Mix: Fresh cabbage, shredded, Bag of shredded green cabbage
- Instead of Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar (use less)
- Instead of Mirin: Sake with a pinch of sugar, Honey diluted with water
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Sriracha: Chili garlic sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Lid for Skillet
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the sausage properly for flavor.
- Steaming the cabbage with the lid to retain crunch.
- Draining excess grease after browning the sausage.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a pre‑shredded coleslaw mix to save time.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame seeds for texture.
Troubleshooting
Cabbage turns soggy instead of crisp.
Do not over‑steam; keep the lid on for only 5 minutes and ensure the pan is not too wet.
Dish is too salty.
Use low‑sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon; add a splash of water to balance.
Sausage releases too much grease.
After browning, briefly drain the excess fat by tilting the pan and using a spoon to remove it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or skillet.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard after 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the dish completely before portioning into freezer bags.
- Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of wrapless egg roll in American Chinese cuisine?
Wrapless egg roll is a modern, convenience‑focused adaptation of the classic Chinese egg roll, created for home cooks who want the same savory, crunchy filling without the time‑consuming wrapper preparation. It reflects the American Chinese tradition of simplifying dishes for quick meals while preserving bold flavors.
How does the wrapless egg roll differ from a traditional egg roll in Chinese cuisine?
A traditional egg roll includes a wheat‑based wrapper that is deep‑fried, giving a crispy exterior. The wrapless version skips the wrapper, steaming the cabbage with the sausage, so the texture is softer yet still crunchy from the cabbage, and it’s much lower in oil and faster to make.
What regional variations of egg roll fillings exist in Chinese cuisine?
In China, egg roll‑style fillings vary by region: Cantonese versions often use pork and shrimp with bamboo shoots; Shanghai styles add soy‑based sauces and a sweeter profile; Sichuan versions incorporate spicy bean paste and chili oil. The wrapless version uses spicy sausage to echo the bold flavors of many regional styles.
What occasions or celebrations is the egg roll traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
Egg rolls are popular during Lunar New Year celebrations, family gatherings, and as appetizers at banquets because they are easy to share and symbolize wealth and prosperity. The wrapless version works well for casual weeknight meals or as a portable snack for work lunches.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic egg roll filling versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional fillings use pork, shrimp, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and sometimes Chinese five‑spice. Acceptable substitutes include chicken or turkey sausage, ground turkey, tofu for a vegetarian version, and tamari or gluten‑free soy sauce for dietary needs. The core flavor comes from the balance of salty soy, sweet mirin, and aromatic ginger and garlic.
What other American Chinese dishes pair well with the wrapless egg roll?
Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein, or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar. It also complements dishes like sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, or a hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
What makes the wrapless egg roll special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in delivering the beloved egg‑roll flavor profile in a single pan without the labor‑intensive wrapper, making it fast, low‑mess, and freezer‑friendly. It captures the crunch of cabbage and the savory punch of sausage while being adaptable to many protein choices.
How has the wrapless egg roll evolved over time in American Chinese cooking?
The concept emerged from busy home cooks looking for quick Asian-inspired meals. Over the years, it has incorporated pantry staples like mirin and sesame oil, and the use of pre‑shredded cabbage reflects modern convenience trends. Social media chefs like Paul Folger have popularized it as a weeknight staple.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making wrapless egg roll at home?
Common errors include over‑steaming the cabbage, which makes it soggy; not draining excess sausage fat, leading to a greasy dish; and burning the garlic or ginger, which adds bitterness. Follow the timing steps and drain the pan briefly after browning the sausage.
Why does this wrapless egg roll recipe use mirin instead of plain sugar?
Mirin adds a subtle sweetness along with a gentle acidity and depth of flavor that plain sugar cannot provide. It also contributes a faint umami note that enhances the overall Asian profile of the dish.
Can I make the wrapless egg roll ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the dish freezes very well. Cool it completely, portion into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store up to two months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore steam.
What does the YouTube channel Paul Folger specialize in?
The YouTube channel Paul Folger focuses on practical, no‑mess home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pan meals, quick weeknight recipes, and tips for making restaurant‑style dishes with minimal cleanup.
How does the YouTube channel Paul Folger's approach to American Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Paul Folger emphasizes speed, simplicity, and pantry‑friendly ingredients, avoiding deep‑frying and complex techniques. He often adapts classic Asian dishes into streamlined, freezer‑friendly versions, whereas many other channels showcase traditional preparation methods.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
