Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

There’s something incredibly comforting about the flavors of an egg roll. That savory meat, tender-crisp cabbage, hints of garlic and ginger—it’s a combo that just works. But let’s be real: deep-frying and rolling wrappers on a busy weeknight? Not happening. That’s where this Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl comes in.

It’s everything we love about a classic egg roll, just simplified. No wrappers, no frying, and no fuss. Instead, we’re talking one pan, a handful of ingredients, and about 25 minutes start to finish. This version is also naturally low-carb, high in protein, and loaded with flavor—which makes it not only easy, but totally guilt-free. Whether you’re on a health kick or just need something fast and satisfying, this dish is about to be your new weeknight MVP.

I’ve made this so many times, especially when I have leftover ground turkey  in the fridge and a bag of coleslaw mix that’s on its last leg. And every single time, my family asks for seconds (and the leftovers get claimed for lunch). Let’s dive into how easy it is to throw this together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!

• One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes to wash = a happier you.

• Customizable: Use whatever ground meat or veggies you have on hand.

• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Great for meal prep and clean eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of everything that goes into this bowl of goodness:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds that nutty, toasty flavor.

• 1 pound ground turkey – Choose what you prefer or have on hand.

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix – Or mix your own with shredded cabbage and carrots.

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for a kick)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

STEP 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your ground turkey. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.

Tip: If you’re using a leaner meat like turkey, you may want to add a bit more sesame oil to prevent sticking and boost flavor.

STEP 2: Add Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, stir in your diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions are soft and fragrant. This is where those delicious egg roll flavors start to really build.

STEP 3: Toss in the Veggies

Now, pour in your bag of coleslaw mix (or a homemade mix of shredded cabbage and carrots). Stir everything together so the veggies are coated in all those tasty flavors. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cabbage softens up a bit but still has a little crunch.

Note: If you like your cabbage on the softer side, you can cook it a bit longer—totally up to you.

Now that we’ve got our savory base going—with the meat perfectly browned and the veggies sautéed just right—it’s time to bring this egg roll-inspired dish to life with bold flavor. In this part, we’ll finish seasoning, add a little optional spice, and talk about how you can tweak the recipe to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Honestly, this is where it all comes together—and the best part is, you’re only a few minutes from digging in.

Let’s pick up where we left off.

STEP 4: Add Sauce and Seasonings

Once the cabbage has softened a bit and everything in your skillet is mingling nicely, it’s time to pour in the flavor-makers. Add the following directly to the skillet:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)

Give everything a good stir so the sauce evenly coats the meat and veggies. Let it all cook for another minute or so, just until everything is warmed through and well combined.

Tip: Don’t skip the rice vinegar—it gives that little hit of tanginess that balances the savory soy sauce perfectly. And if you’re watching your sodium, go for low-sodium soy sauce.

STEP 5: Taste and Adjust

This part is super important—take a quick taste. Depending on the soy sauce and the type of meat you used, you may need to adjust the seasoning a bit. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and if you like more heat, now’s the time to sneak in another dash of sriracha.

Note: If your dish is looking a little dry (especially with leaner meat), feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up slightly.

STEP 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with:

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds (if using)

These final touches really elevate the flavors and make it feel a bit more special—even though it took less than 30 minutes to throw together.

Serve it hot, right out of the skillet, or pack it up for meal prep.

Recipe Variations & Add-Ins

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Here are a few ideas:

• Switch up the protein: Ground chicken, lean beef, crumbled tofu, or even shrimp all work well.

• Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or even spiralized zucchini are great additions if you want to pack in more color and nutrients.

• Boost the flavor: Add a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat.

• Serve it differently: While this is perfect on its own, you can spoon it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

If you’re a meal-prep kind of person, this recipe is a dream come true. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a charm.

• Storage: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Just pop it in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up if it looks dry.

• Freezing: Technically, you can freeze it, but the cabbage will lose some of its texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Why This Dish Works So Well

There’s a reason this “Egg Roll in a Bowl” has become a staple for so many home cooks. It checks all the boxes:

• Fast: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.

• Simple: One skillet, easy-to-find ingredients.

• Healthy: Low-carb, high-protein, and packed with fiber.

• Flexible: You can tweak it a dozen ways depending on what you have in your kitchen.

Honestly, I’ve made it for dinner, packed it for lunches, and even doubled the recipe to feed a crowd. It never disappoints, and everyone—from picky eaters to low-carb eaters—comes back for seconds.