Introduction & Inspiration
There are days when I crave something savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor, but I simply do not have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.
That is exactly why I love making this Egg Roll in a Bowl.
It is everything you love about classic egg rolls — minus the deep-frying, heavy wrapper, and guilt.
Today, I am so excited to share with you this fast, easy, and incredibly delicious recipe that is now a regular at my dinner table.
Nostalgic Appeal
Whenever I think of egg rolls, I immediately picture cozy family dinners at our favorite Chinese takeout spot.
The crispy wrapper, the tender filling, and the rich, savory sauces were always such a treat.
With this recipe, I can recreate those nostalgic flavors at home, but in a lighter, fresher way.
It feels like a comforting hug on a plate, but without the extra heaviness — perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep.
Homemade Focus
There is something so satisfying about taking a classic takeout favorite and making it from scratch in your own kitchen.
When I make Egg Roll in a Bowl, I know exactly what is going into it: fresh vegetables, lean turkey, and wholesome seasonings.
There are no mystery ingredients, no added oils, and absolutely no greasy aftermath.
Best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes, and the flavor payoff is just incredible.
Flavor Goal
My goal with this recipe was to capture the savory, slightly sweet, gingery goodness of traditional egg rolls — but in a simpler, lighter way.
I wanted every bite to have a balance of tender meat, crisp-tender veggies, and that unmistakable umami-rich sauce.
The garlic and ginger bring a warmth that ties everything together beautifully.
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end adds a luxurious, nutty aroma that makes the whole dish feel complete.
Ingredient Insights
Olive oil forms the base for sautéing, giving the dish a healthier fat profile while still bringing richness.
Ground turkey is lean but still juicy, making it a great protein choice for a lighter meal.
Sweet onions provide a mellow, aromatic base that builds layers of flavor.
Shredded carrots add color, natural sweetness, and a little crunch.
Garlic and fresh ginger are absolutely essential, adding depth, spice, and a real punch of authenticity.
Chicken broth is used to deglaze the pan, lifting up all those tasty browned bits that create flavor.
Cabbage is the real star here, offering a crisp, hearty base that softens beautifully as it cooks.
Soy sauce or tamari brings that classic salty umami richness that ties the dish to its egg roll roots.
Rice vinegar provides just the right amount of brightness to balance the richness.
Salt and black pepper season everything simply and perfectly.
Finally, toasted sesame oil drizzled at the end adds that irreplaceable, toasty, nutty finish that truly makes the dish shine.
Essential Equipment
You will need a large skillet or sauté pan to handle all the ingredients comfortably without overcrowding.
A sharp knife is key for finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic and ginger.
A sturdy spatula makes it easy to move everything around in the pan and ensure even cooking.
A large cutting board is helpful for prepping all your veggies before you start cooking.
Lastly, if you plan to serve it over rice, a rice cooker or small pot makes that step quick and easy.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Egg Roll in a Bowl:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha Mayo (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until it is mostly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet to make room for the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side of the skillet.
Toss in the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Deglaze the pan
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
This step is important because it adds extra flavor to the final dish.
Let the broth simmer for a minute to slightly reduce.
Step 4: Add the cabbage and sauces
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together thoroughly so that the seasonings coat all the ingredients.
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 12-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Finish the dish
Once the cabbage has cooked down to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat.
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil evenly over the top.
Give everything a final gentle stir to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately, spooned over hot white rice if desired.
Top with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Enjoy every bite of this hearty, flavorful, and low-carb meal!
Troubleshooting
If your dish feels watery, make sure not to over-add chicken broth — just enough to deglaze the pan is ideal.
If the cabbage is too crunchy for your taste, simply cook it a few minutes longer under the lid.
If your turkey seems dry, it may have overcooked slightly — next time, reduce the initial cook time by a minute or two.
If the dish seems bland, add a splash more soy sauce or a few extra drops of toasted sesame oil for an instant flavor boost.
Tips and Variations
Swap ground turkey for ground pork, chicken, or even ground beef if you prefer.
Use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding a head of cabbage to save time.
Add a handful of bean sprouts or water chestnuts at the end for extra crunch.
Stir in a little hoisin sauce or a squeeze of lime juice to tweak the flavor profile to your liking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Egg Roll in a Bowl over fluffy white rice for a heartier meal.
For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice instead.
Add a simple side of steamed edamame or cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.
Top your bowl with a fried egg for an even more satisfying meal that feels special.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Egg Roll in a Bowl without rice contains approximately 250-300 calories.
It is high in protein thanks to the turkey and low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto, low-carb, or paleo diets.
The dish is also rich in vitamins and fiber from the cabbage and carrots.
It is a great choice for meal prepping if you want something healthy and filling throughout the week.
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Description
Make an easy and healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl packed with seasoned turkey, cabbage, and savory sauces. Follow this quick 30-minute recipe for a delicious low-carb dinner idea, with step-by-step instructions and serving tips.
Ingredients
For the Egg Roll in a Bowl:
-
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
-
1 pound ground turkey
-
1 small sweet onion, finely diced
-
1 cup shredded carrots
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3 garlic cloves, finely minced
-
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger
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¼ cup chicken broth
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1 small head cabbage (about 8 cups shredded)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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¾ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving (Optional):
-
Cooked white rice
-
Green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
-
Toasted sesame seeds
-
Sriracha Mayo (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until it is mostly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet to make room for the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side of the skillet.
Toss in the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Deglaze the pan
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
This step is important because it adds extra flavor to the final dish.
Let the broth simmer for a minute to slightly reduce.
Step 4: Add the cabbage and sauces
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together thoroughly so that the seasonings coat all the ingredients.
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 12-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Finish the dish
Once the cabbage has cooked down to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat.
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil evenly over the top.
Give everything a final gentle stir to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve your Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately, spooned over hot white rice if desired.
Top with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Enjoy every bite of this hearty, flavorful, and low-carb meal
Recipe Summary and Q&A
In this recipe, I shared how to make a quick, healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl packed with juicy turkey, tender cabbage, and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
We walked through each step of cooking, seasoning, and serving, ensuring you get perfect results every time.
Can you make it ahead? Definitely — it reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Can you freeze it? I recommend eating it fresh, but you can freeze portions if needed — just know the texture of the cabbage may soften a bit more.
If you love easy, flavorful meals that feel indulgent but are secretly good for you, this Egg Roll in a Bowl will absolutely become a new favorite.