Egg Roll in a Bowl

This Egg Roll in a Bowl packs all the savory flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout appetizer but skips the deep-fried wrapper for a bowlful of protein-packed comfort. It comes together with one skillet in under half an hour and is endlessly satisfying as a weekday dinner. When I first made this for my family on a busy Tuesday, we scraped the pan clean—it instantly became a weeknight repeat.

My kids now ask for this on nights when we need something healthy but delicious. The leftovers are even better the next day for lunch.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown turkey Use extra-virgin if possible for better flavor
• Ground turkey: Lean and flavorful Opt for fresh with no added fillers or try pork for classic taste
• Sweet onion: Brings subtle sweetness Look for heavy onions with shiny skins for freshness
• Shredded carrots: Give color and natural sweetness Buy pre-shredded for convenience if needed
• Garlic cloves: Use fresh for robust flavor Choose firm cloves with no green shoots
• Fresh ginger: Brightens and balances the dish Use unwrinkled knobs for best punch
• Chicken broth: Lifts flavor and deglazes Choose low-sodium to control saltiness
• Cabbage: Shreds up for crunch and bulk Go with a firm head or quality coleslaw mix
• Soy sauce and tamari: Swaps in gluten-free if needed Use low-sodium versions for lighter taste
• Rice vinegar: Rounds out the umami for tang Choose unseasoned rice vinegar for better control of sweetness
• Salt and black pepper: Season and intensify Adjust as you taste test
• Toasted sesame oil: Drizzled at the end for nutty aroma Buy small bottles to keep it fresh
• Optional toppings such as cooked white rice green onions toasted sesame seeds or sriracha mayo: Let everyone finish their bowl just the way they like

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Turkey:

Crumble ground turkey into a large skillet with one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat Let it cook slowly for around six minutes until the pinkness is mostly gone Stir occasionally and break up larger chunks for even browning

Sauté the Onion and Aromatics:

Push the cooked turkey to one side of the pan and add the diced onion along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil Cook gently for about four minutes stirring every so often until the onions are translucent Add shredded carrots minced garlic and fresh ginger and sauté for an additional two minutes releasing all the savory aroma as everything softens

Deglaze and Scrap the Pan:

Pour in the chicken broth scraping up any pieces stuck to the bottom of the skillet This adds tons of flavor and ensures nothing burns Let it bubble for about a minute

Steam the Cabbage:

Pile in the shredded cabbage then sprinkle over soy sauce or tamari rice vinegar salt and pepper Stir thoroughly to coat all the veggies Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low Let the mixture steam for twelve to fifteen minutes stirring once or twice until the cabbage is just tender to your liking

Finish with Sesame Oil and Serve:

Remove from heat and drizzle over the toasted sesame oil Stir so every bite gets that unmistakable nutty flavor Serve in bowls over hot white rice and add green onions sesame seeds or a squeeze of sriracha mayo as desired

Pin

You Must Know

• Loaded with protein from turkey and fiber from cabbage
• Great for meal prep stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days
• Naturally gluten-free if using tamari and fits low-carb lifestyles

My personal favorite part is the finish with a splash of sesame oil That final drizzle truly makes the dish taste just like the inside of a classic egg roll When my family sits down with steaming bowls I always think back to the first time we each customized our toppings and it felt like a DIY takeout night at home

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days For reheating use a skillet over gentle heat to keep the cabbage from getting too soggy Microwave works in a pinch but expect a bit of extra liquid Avoid freezing as cabbage releases water and changes texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey for pork or even ground chicken To make it vegetarian use crumbled extra firm tofu and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth Try coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a soy-free or Whole30 diet Coleslaw mix speeds up prep if you need a shortcut

Serving Suggestions

Spoon over steamed jasmine rice for a more traditional experience For low carb go for cauliflower rice or eat it as is Add sliced green onions for crunch or toasted sesame seeds for extra depth A dollop of sriracha mayo turns it into a flavor-packed bowl that feels like comfort food

Pin

Cultural Context

Egg rolls have deep roots in Chinese American cuisine but this bowl format streamlines those flavors for everyday cooking I love how this recipe channels takeout nostalgia while making it easy and accessible to cook at home My family always debates what toppings are best and every batch turns into a fun assembly line at the dinner table

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground pork instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground pork gives a richer flavor and works perfectly in this skillet dish. Both meats cook quickly and complement the savory sauce.

→ What kind of cabbage works best?

Freshly shredded green cabbage creates the best texture, but pre-shredded coleslaw mix is convenient and still tasty.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be. Choose tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce for a naturally gluten-free option.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing to prevent soggy cabbage.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas are great additions that add more texture and flavor.

→ How do you reheat without making the cabbage soggy?

Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the texture crisp. The microwave also works, but may soften the cabbage more.