If you are craving the comforting flavors of an egg roll without the extra carbs and deep-frying, this Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures all the savory goodness and satisfying textures of a classic egg roll filling but serves it up warm in a hearty bowl. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish blends tender ground pork with vibrant cabbage, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger to deliver a fresh, healthy spin on a beloved takeout favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make every bite exciting. From the rich sesame oil to the crisp cabbage, every component adds its unique touch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and rich base to sauté the meat and aromatics.
- 1 pound ground pork or ground turkey: The protein anchor that offers a juicy, flavorful bite and pairs perfectly with the veggies.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds pungent depth and enhances the savory character of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers sweetness and texture as it softens and melds into the dish.
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage: The star vegetable — crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly low in carbs.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos: Injects salty umami that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the pork.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who love a mild kick of heat to brighten the dish.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Fresh herbal notes and a crisp finish when sprinkled on top.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Toasted seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty accent at the very end.
How to Make Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your ground pork or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns evenly. Cooking it until no pink remains and achieving a slight crisp on the edges (about 5 to 7 minutes) builds a meaty foundation bursting with savory flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and diced onion. Sauté this fragrant mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. These aromatics are what give the dish its soul, infusing warmth and zest into every bite.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Sauces
Now toss in the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage, followed by soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if you want that extra kick. Cook everything together, stirring frequently for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage softens but retains some crunch. This step melds all the flavors wonderfully and creates that classic egg roll filling texture without wrapping it in dough.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Give your creation a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — sometimes a little extra soy sauce or sriracha adds the perfect finishing touch. Remove from heat, and sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add freshness and a delightful nutty crunch as you serve.
How to Serve Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are fantastic, but you can also add crushed pork rinds for an extra crispy texture or water chestnuts to enhance the crunch factor. These little touches transform the dish and bring added excitement to each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed bok choy, cauliflower rice, or a simple cucumber salad. These options keep the meal low in carbs while offering contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the egg roll filling inside individual lettuce cups for handheld bites or spoon it over spiralized zucchini noodles to turn it into a complete noodle bowl. These creative presentations can impress guests and add variety to your usual dinner routine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier as leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s a convenient way to always have a healthy, low carb meal ready when time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the vegetable texture and keep the dish tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even ground beef can be used as a substitute. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but the other ingredients and seasonings will still tie everything together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, this Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is perfect for keto as it’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it both satisfying and diet-friendly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasonings to suit your taste and consider adding a bit of extra umami with ingredients like soy sauce or mushroom powder.
What can I do to add more crunch to this dish?
Adding chopped water chestnuts or topping with crushed pork rinds after cooking will infuse an extra delightful crunch that mimics the texture of an actual egg roll wrapper.
How spicy is this dish with the sriracha?
The sriracha adds a gentle heat that you can control by adjusting the amount used. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount or omit it entirely and enjoy the flavor without the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for busy nights when I want something comforting yet wholesome. It’s incredibly straightforward, bursting with flavor, and easy to customize to your taste. Give it a try and I promise you’ll fall in love with this fresh take on a classic favorite.
Print
Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional egg rolls, featuring ground pork and vibrant vegetables stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a blend of sauces. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers the classic taste of an egg roll without the wrapper, making it perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal that satisfies cravings in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground pork or ground turkey
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the meat: Warm 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened, enhancing the base flavors.
- Add cabbage and seasonings: Mix in the coleslaw mix, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and optionally 1 teaspoon sriracha for heat. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Cook until tender-crisp: Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender yet still crisp and all ingredients are well combined.
- Finish and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts or top with crushed pork rinds.
- Substitute ground pork with ground chicken or beef as preferred.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
