Egg Roll in a Bowl: The Perfect Quick Dinner
If you’re craving the delicious flavors of egg rolls without all the frying and fuss, then you’re in for a treat! Egg Roll in a Bowl is the hearty, flavorful dish that takes all the goodness of traditional egg rolls and serves it in a simple bowl. It’s quick to prepare, loaded with savory ingredients, and sure to satisfy your cravings on a busy weeknight. In this article, you’ll discover how to make this delectable dish step-by-step, along with tips and variations to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s filled with benefits that make it a weeknight favorite!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Perfect for Beginners: Simple cooking methods and readily available ingredients make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with veggies and protein, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy without any fuss.
- Budget-Friendly: With inexpensive ingredients, this dish is great for your wallet too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to dive into making this delightful dish? Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork (or turkey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Ground Pork: This adds a rich flavor, but you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
- Coleslaw Mix: Using pre-packaged coleslaw blend saves time, but you can also use fresh cabbage and carrot if you want to shred them yourself.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully as a substitute.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl Step-By-Step
Let’s cook! Follow these steps for a delicious result:
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Heat Sesame Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil and let it warm up.
- Why? This helps infuse the oil with flavor and prevents sticking.
- Pro Tip: Use a nonstick skillet for even easier cleanup!
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Cook the Pork: Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Why? Browning develops the flavor and texture of the meat.
- Pro Tip: Aim for ground pork with a little fat for better flavor!
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Add Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: Stir in the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Why? This step releases the aromatic qualities of garlic and ginger.
- Pro Tip: Make sure not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter!
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Mix in Coleslaw and Soy Sauce: Add the coleslaw mix and soy sauce, stirring until the veggies are slightly wilted.
- Why? This infuses the dish with flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the coleslaw; you want it to retain some texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in sliced green onions, and top with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot!
- Why? The garnish adds color and an extra burst of flavor.
- Pro Tip: Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
Make your meal even better with these serving ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a more filling dish.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
Occasions
- Quick weeknight dinners when you need something fast but delicious.
- Easy enough for lunch prep or family get-togethers.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in vibrant bowls to make the colors of the veggies pop!
- Drizzle some extra soy sauce or hoisin for added flavor before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Want to save leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Egg Roll in a Bowl fresh:
Refrigerator
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
- Duration: Package in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
- The best method is to reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam the mixture and keep it moist.
Tips for Success
- Do Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Aim for a slight crunch to keep the texture lively.
- Do Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook to ensure balanced flavors.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Green onions and sesame seeds make a big difference in taste and presentation.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Egg Roll in a Bowl ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and ensure your coleslaw mix is gluten-free.
Q: Can I add other proteins?
A: Definitely! Shredded chicken, shrimp, or even cooked lentils work well.
Q: How can I make this dish more filling?
A: Serve it over cooked rice or noodles to make it a more substantial meal.
Q: I don’t like pork. What else can I use?
A: Ground turkey or beef are great alternatives, or try tofu for a vegetarian option!
Now that you have the recipe and tips in hand, it’s time to enjoy this quick and tasty Egg Roll in a Bowl for dinner tonight!
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Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork (or turkey) Adds rich flavor; can substitute with ground chicken or turkey.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) Pre-packaged saves time but can use fresh cabbage and carrots.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Fresh ginger will elevate the flavor.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) Tamari works as a gluten-free option.
- 2 green onions, sliced green onions, sliced For garnish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil and let it warm up.
- Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Add the coleslaw mix and soy sauce, stirring until the veggies are slightly wilted.
- Stir in sliced green onions, and top with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot!