This Egg Roll in a Bowl, also known as a Deconstructed Egg Roll Skillet, is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that delivers all the deliciousness of an egg roll without the wrapper. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying combination of savory ground meat, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. The absence of the fried wrapper makes it a lighter and lower-carb alternative, while still retaining the familiar flavors of a traditional egg roll. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization with various proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. The result is a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or chili garlic sauce, optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Optional: Water chestnuts, chopped
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat: Heat the sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or your choice of protein) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger (or ground ginger) to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Carrots: Add the coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sriracha (or chili garlic sauce, if using), and brown sugar (or honey).
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Protein Variations: Ground pork is traditional for egg rolls, but you can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef as a leaner alternative.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced red bell pepper, mushrooms, or chopped water chestnuts to the skillet.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your taste. You can also omit it for a milder flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey to your preference. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, but you can use ground ginger and garlic powder as a substitute.
- Coleslaw Mix: Coleslaw mix is a convenient way to add shredded cabbage and carrots to the dish. You can also use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the sauce.
- Storage: Store any leftover Egg Roll in a Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be served on its own or with rice or quinoa.
- Low-Carb Option: This dish is naturally low-carb, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
- Add Crunch: For added crunch, you can top the dish with crispy chow mein noodles or crushed wonton strips.
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for busy individuals and families. Enjoy the delicious flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper!