Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delightful twist on traditional egg rolls, but without the hassle of wrapping and frying. This dish captures all the savory flavors of your favorite egg roll, but it comes together in a healthy, easy-to-make skillet meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something that tastes great without spending hours in the kitchen. With a blend of lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, this bowl is packed with protein and nutrition, making it a fantastic dinner option for the whole family.
The appeal of Egg Roll in a Bowl lies in its simplicity and taste. You get the crunchy texture of cabbage combined with the hearty flavor of ground beef and a medley of seasonings. Moreover, this recipe allows you to enjoy all the classic flavors of egg rolls without the guilt associated with fried foods. It’s a fun and easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, and you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is versatile and delicious.
Why make this recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl makes for an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it is incredibly simple and quick to prepare; you only need one skillet and about 30 minutes of your time. This makes it ideal for busy families or individuals who still want to enjoy hearty and healthy meals. Secondly, the dish is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious. You can load it with vegetables, which helps add extra vitamins and minerals to your diet. Lastly, because it is customizable, you can easily adjust ingredients according to your preferences. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, you can swap out the beef for turkey or a vegetarian protein.
How to make Egg Roll in a Bowl
To make Egg Roll in a Bowl, follow the simple direction set out below. It requires fresh ingredients and takes minimal time to prepare and cook, making it a suitable meal option for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in onion and carrot; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Toss in cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is softened.
- Remove from heat; sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve warm, optionally with rice or noodles.
Time Breakdown
Making Egg Roll in a Bowl is quick and easy. Here’s a simple breakdown of the time involved in preparing the dish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (for chopping vegetables and gathering ingredients)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for sautéing the ingredients)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This makes it a convenient option for a meal anytime, especially on those busy evenings.
How to serve Egg Roll in a Bowl
Serving Egg Roll in a Bowl is simple and can be done in various ways. The colorful, vibrant appearance makes it eye-catching, so feel free to showcase it in giant bowls. You can serve it on its own for a low-carb option, or you can pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal. Garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a lovely finishing touch that enhances both flavor and presentation. Add some sriracha or chili sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little kick.
How to store Egg Roll in a Bowl
If you have leftovers or decide to meal-prep, storing Egg Roll in a Bowl is easy. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its deliciousness. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To freeze, make sure to pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Egg Roll in a Bowl
To ensure your Egg Roll in a Bowl turns out fantastic every time, consider the following tips. First, make sure to use high-quality ground beef as this will significantly enhance the flavors. If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken. Also, be generous with your vegetables—adding more cabbage, carrots, or even bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor. Lastly, adjust the levels of soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste preferences, as some may prefer a more robust flavor.
Variation
Egg Roll in a Bowl is versatile and can be adapted in many ways to suit various dietary needs or preferences. You could easily swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Another option is to add bell peppers for a colorful crunch or mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Experimenting with different sauces could also give the dish a fresh twist, such as teriyaki or peanut sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes, but here is a general idea of what you can expect from a serving of Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
These values make this dish not only delicious but also a balanced option to add to your meal rotation.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey or any other protein you prefer. The cooking process remains the same.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just be sure to store the dish in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It keeps well for 4 days in the fridge.