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This egg roll in a bowl captures all the savory, umami-rich goodness of traditional egg rolls without the fuss of wrapping and frying. The combination of tender ground meat, crisp-tender vegetables, and that distinctive Asian flavor profile comes together in one skillet, creating a satisfying meal that's both nourishing and crave-worthy. It's the perfect solution when you're craving takeout but want something fresher, healthier, and ready in less time than delivery would take.
I first made this when trying to use up half a bag of coleslaw mix that was threatening to wilt in my refrigerator. What started as a 'clean out the fridge' meal quickly became a family favorite. Even my husband, who typically reaches for seconds of carb-heavy dishes, declared he didn't miss the wrapper at all!
Key Ingredients
- Ground pork: Traditional in egg rolls, it offers the perfect balance of lean meat and fat for flavor.
- Coleslaw mix: Convenient shortcut providing the perfect cabbage texture and saving chopping time.
- Water chestnuts: These add the signature crunch that makes egg rolls so satisfying.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Essential aromatics that build authentic Asian flavor.
- Sesame oil: Adds that distinctive nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Hoisin sauce: Balances the dish with depth and subtle sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
Build your flavor foundation: Heat sesame oil, cook onion until translucent.
Brown your meat properly: Cook ground pork until golden brown and no longer pink.
Release aromatic magic: Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create your sauce base: Deglaze with rice wine vinegar, then stir in soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha.
Incorporate vegetables: Add coleslaw mix and carrots, stir until just tender.
Monitor vegetable doneness: Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Finish with fresh elements: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional sriracha mayo.
Rest before serving: Let the dish rest for a minute to allow flavors to meld.
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Decoding Egg Roll Flavors
Traditional egg rolls balance savory, sweet, and umami flavors, recreated here with hoisin, soy sauce, and ground meat, while vinegar adds brightness.
Texture: The Secret Ingredient
Soft meat, tender-crisp cabbage, and crunchy water chestnuts mimic the texture of traditional egg rolls.
Weeknight Efficiency Boost
Prepping ingredients in advance (mincing garlic, grating ginger, slicing green onions) can make this meal come together in 20 minutes.
Family-Friendly Adaptations
For varying spice preferences, keep the base mild and offer chili oil or sriracha on the side.
Versatile Meal Prep Star
This dish reheats beautifully and develops even deeper flavor after a day in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Benefits
Loaded with fiber and vitamins from cabbage, lean protein, and significantly fewer calories by skipping deep-fried wrappers.
Serving Beyond the Bowl
Transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers, lettuce wraps, or salad toppings.
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This egg roll in a bowl embodies the best of home cooking – practical, delicious, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers on both ease and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. For a vegan version, also use vegan mayo for the sriracha mayo drizzle and check that your hoisin sauce is vegan (most are, but some contain trace animal products).
- → How can I store and reheat leftovers?
- This dish stores exceptionally well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The sriracha mayo is best added fresh after reheating.
- → Is there a substitute for water chestnuts if I don't have them?
- If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with diced jicama, which has a similar crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can add extra crunch with chopped celery, diced bell peppers, or simply omit them while still enjoying a delicious meal.
- → What can I serve with Egg Roll in a Bowl?
- This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal. It also pairs well with a side of steamed edamame, a simple miso soup, or Asian cucumber salad for a more complete dinner.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
- To reduce spiciness, use less sriracha in both the main dish and the mayo, or substitute with a milder sweet chili sauce. To increase heat, add more sriracha, include red pepper flakes, or add a diced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper when cooking the onions.