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If you love the irresistible flavors of classic egg rolls but want a quicker, lighter twist, this Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe is absolutely a game-changer. It delivers all the savory, spicy, and crunchy goodness of an egg roll, but without the hassle of wrappers or frying. Juicy ground pork mingles with crisp cabbage, water chestnuts, and a punch of garlic and ginger, all coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Then, it’s topped off with a luscious, creamy chili sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and cooling richness. It’s hearty, fresh, and a perfect one-skillet dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully simple. Each element serves a purpose—adding flavor, texture, or that perfect zing. With mostly pantry staples and fresh veggies, this dish comes together with ease but delivers vibrant, satisfying results.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flair to the base of the dish.
- Green onions (white and green parts separated): Provide a mild oniony punch and fresh crunch as garnish.
- Red onion (optional): Brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauté.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a rich, robust foundation.
- Ground pork: The juicy protein that makes this skillet meal filling and flavorful.
- Fresh ginger: Delivers a zesty, warming spice that brightens the pork.
- Water chestnuts (optional): Add a wonderful crisp texture contrast.
- Sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce): Provides a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness.
- Coleslaw mix: Combines shredded cabbage and carrots, lending color and crunch.
- Coconut aminos: A soy-free, slightly sweet seasoning sauce that deepens the umami flavor.
- Rice wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the richness.
- White or black pepper: Offers subtle heat and grounds the seasoning.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the chili sauce, adding smoothness.
- Sriracha for the sauce: Gives the creamy chili sauce its vibrant heat.
- Black sesame seeds: Beautiful garnish that adds a toasty crunch.
How to Make Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the sesame oil, which will deepen the flavors as it warms up. Then, toss in the white parts of the green onions, the red onion if you’re using it, and the minced garlic. Sauté these fragrant aromatics for about five minutes until they soften and start to release their incredible scent—this builds the perfect foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Pork
Next, add the ground pork, freshly grated ginger, chopped water chestnuts if you like that crunch, and a tablespoon of sriracha for heat. Stir and cook everything until the meat is fully browned and deliciously savory, about seven to ten minutes. This step ensures that the pork absorbs all the flavors from the aromatics and spices.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Seasonings
Stir in the coleslaw mix, coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar, pepper, and salt. The coleslaw mix will wilt down nicely while still keeping some texture. Cook the mixture for five more minutes, tossing occasionally until the cabbage is tender and all those seasonings have melded into a harmonious bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Chili Sauce
While the skillet mixture finishes cooking, whip up the creamy chili sauce by combining mayonnaise, sriracha, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mixing it until smooth makes a silky drizzle with just the right amount of heat to complement the savory meat and crisp veggies.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide the warm egg roll mixture into bowls, then generously drizzle with the creamy chili sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onion greens and black sesame seeds on top for a vibrant pop of color and a little extra texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying mix of flavors and textures that feel indulgent without being heavy.
How to Serve Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the green onion slices and black sesame seeds, you can add chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for bright freshness, or even a handful of crushed peanuts for added crunch. These keep the dish fresh and enhance the textural variety you’ll love.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands well on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You could also serve it alongside steamed or stir-fried bok choy or snap peas to add more green goodness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve this in lettuce cups for a hand-held, crunchy wrap experience. You could also spoon it over rice noodles or turn it into a vibrant salad topping. The versatility of the Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe means you’re only limited by your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, let the egg roll mixture cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pork and veggie mixture if you want to make a larger batch. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, wait to add the creamy chili sauce until after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the pork juicy and the veggies crisp. Add the creamy chili sauce fresh after reheating for that perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground pork with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms for a satisfying plant-based version. Use vegan mayo in the creamy chili sauce to keep it fully vegan.
What can I substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos on hand, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari work well as substitutes. They provide similar umami depth but keep an eye on salt content and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is water chestnuts necessary?
Water chestnuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts the softness of the cooked cabbage and pork, but if you can’t find them or don’t care for the texture, it’s perfectly fine to skip them. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is the creamy chili sauce?
The sauce has a moderate heat level that you can easily adjust by varying the amount of sriracha. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less hot sauce and add more gradually to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The creamy chili sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as ingredients might separate slightly over time.
Final Thoughts
This Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe is one of those magical meals that makes weeknight dinners feel a little special without extra fuss. Every bite is bursting with fresh, layered flavors and fun textures, and the creamy sauce adds a perfect finishing touch. You really can’t go wrong with this skillet delight—so why not give it a try today and watch it become your new go-to recipe?
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Asian-Inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Asian-Inspired Skillet Meal features a flavorful Egg Roll in a Bowl made with ground pork, fresh vegetables, and a savory blend of seasonings, all cooked in a single skillet. Paired with a creamy chili sauce, this dish offers a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional egg rolls, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 6 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- ½ cup diced red onion (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or hot sauce)
- 1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- â…›–¼ teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper (or black pepper)
- Salt, to taste
Creamy Chili Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (or hot sauce)
- 1 large pinch salt (more or less to taste)
- Sliced green onions (green parts), for garnish
- Black sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Roll in a Bowl: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add sesame oil. This will create a flavorful base and prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the white parts of the green onions, diced red onion (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Pork: Add ground pork, grated fresh ginger, chopped water chestnuts (if using), and sriracha to the skillet. Cook until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the meat.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the coleslaw mix, coconut aminos, rice wine vinegar, freshly cracked white or black pepper, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the cabbage is tender, about 5 minutes more.
- Make the Creamy Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and a large pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Divide the egg roll mixture into serving bowls. Drizzle with the creamy chili sauce, then sprinkle with sliced green onion greens and black sesame seeds as garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with crumbled firm tofu or extra firm tempeh.
- Water chestnuts add a pleasant crunch, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in both the skillet mixture and sauce to suit your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
