- Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 14 oz coleslaw mix, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 sliced green onions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tbsp avocado oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Brown the Protein
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the avocado oil. Once shimmering, add the ground pork, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until well-browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
Push the pork to the sides of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix and toss everything together. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is just starting to wilt but still has crunch.
- Sauce and Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the pork and cabbage mixture. Toss everything to coat evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve
Transfer the savory mixture to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish generously with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
- Calories:320 kcal
- Protein:24 g
- Carbohydrates:10 g
- Sugar:5 g
- Salt:1.2 g
- Energy:1340 kJ
- Fat:21 g
It always hits late. That sudden, specific craving for the crackly bite of an egg roll wrapper followed by the savory, gingery burst of filling. But who has time for deep-frying and meticulous folding on a Tuesday? My friend, I’m here to introduce you to the savior of busy weeknights and sophisticated cravings alike: the glorious egg roll in a bowl. This dish captures every single irresistible flavor, tossing them together in one pan for a meal that’s ready faster than the delivery driver can find your house. It’s everything you love, minus the fuss.
The Ingenious Story of Egg Roll in a Bowl
While the humble egg roll itself has a rich history, its deconstructed cousin is a modern legend born of necessity and clever thinking. Food writers and home chefs, chasing that iconic taste without the deep-fryer mess, started bypassing the wrapper altogether. The result? A lightning-fast, one-pan wonder that’s become a staple in low-carb, gluten-free, and meal-prep circles. It’s a perfect example of how classic flavors can be reinvented for how we actually live.
Mastering the Filling Flavor
What makes this mixture so special is its textural and aromatic harmony. We’re building layers. It starts with savory ground pork (or turkey, or crumbled tofu) getting a good sear for fond. Then, the coleslaw mix hits the pan—not just for convenience, but for that essential crunch. The magic happens with the sauce: soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for brightness, a whisper of sesame oil for fragrance, and fresh ginger and garlic for a pungent, warming kick. It’s a symphony in a skillet.
The Pro-Tip: High Heat, Quick Cook
Here’s the non-negotiable secret for the best egg roll in a bowl: Your pan must be screaming hot. A hot wok or large skillet ensures the meat browns properly and the vegetables cook quickly, retaining their vibrant crunch. If your pan isn’t hot enough, everything will steam and get soggy. We’re going for sizzle, not simmer. This technique is key for any great Serious Eats-inspired stir-fry.
Serving Your Deconstructed Egg Rolls
While this creation is a complete meal on its own, I love it nestled over a small mound of steaming jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a fun, hands-on twist, serve it with crisp lettuce cups for wrapping. A cold, slightly sweet Riesling or a hoppy IPA cuts through the richness beautifully. For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with a simple side of vegetarian vegetable egg rolls from the air fryer.
Endless Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of this concept is its flexibility. Craving a shrimp egg roll recipe vibe? Swap the pork for peeled shrimp. Need a vegetarian egg roll filling recipe? Use crumbled extra-firm tofu or lentils. For a crab eggroll feel, try lump crabmeat added at the very end. You can make a simple shrimp egg roll recipe or a hearty shredded chicken egg roll recipe just by changing the protein. If you miss the wrapper, spoon the filling into egg roll wrappers for homemade egg rolls in air fryer—they turn out incredibly crispy. Exploring different egg roll filling ideas is half the fun.
Make-Ahead & Storage Wisdom
This is a meal-prep champion. The cooked mixture keeps beautifully in the fridge for 4 days. Store the garnish (green onions, sesame seeds) separately to keep them fresh. It reheats like a dream in a skillet over medium heat. I don’t recommend freezing, as the cabbage can become watery upon thawing.
Egg Roll in a Bowl FAQs
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix? Absolutely! Thinly slice green cabbage and shred a carrot or two. It’s a great way to make egg rolls from scratch.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Easily! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I make it spicier? Yes! Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or serve with chili crisp on the side.
So, the next time that craving whispers your name, you know exactly what to do. Grab your biggest skillet, turn the heat to high, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll be diving into a bowl of pure, uncomplicated joy. Trust me, once you try this deconstructed version, it might just become your new standard. Now, get cooking! I’d love to hear your creative twists in the comments, or browse our recipe collection for more inspiration.
