INTRODUCTION
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is a fast and tasty dish that gives you the flavors of an egg roll without the fried wrapper. This healthy version uses lean ground turkey, lots of cabbage, and simple seasonings. It is a great low carb and gluten free option when you use tamari, and it fits well into meal prep plans. If you like quick recipes for busy nights, see more easy ideas in our quick recipes collection for more weeknight help.
This recipe makes a lighter option that keeps the bold flavors while cutting calories and carbs. It is simple to make in one pan and works for people who want a high protein meal or a diabetic-friendly dinner. The food is full of fiber from the cabbage and carrots and gives a clear, lean protein boost from the turkey.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Egg Roll in a Bowl because it cooks fast and cleans up fast. It is a great choice for busy families and anyone who wants a healthy, lower calorie meal. This recipe is a lighter option compared to takeout egg rolls. It is also great for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge and reheats easily.
If you are watching carbs for weight loss, you can skip the rice and enjoy the dish as a low carb, high protein meal. If you want more balance, serve a small scoop of rice and add a side salad for fiber and color. If you enjoy warm comfort food for lunch and dinner, try other simple, savory bowls in our lunch and dinner ideas for more inspiration.
HOW TO MAKE Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This section shows an easy, clear path to make the dish. Follow the steps below and you will have a savory, healthy bowl ready in about 30 minutes.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large deep skillet or wide sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Grater for carrots (optional)
- Serving bowls and measuring jug for broth
Ingredients You’ll Need :
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 (see note)), 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, Cooked white rice, Green onions (green parts only, thinly sliced), Toasted sesame seeds, Sriracha Mayo (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes., Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add onion and remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded carrots, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan., Add the cabbage, tamari or soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cabbage has reached your desired tenderness. Remove from the heat and add toasted sesame oil., Serve egg roll in a bowl over white rice, if using, and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo, if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Serve this dish warm in deep bowls. For a lower calorie, low carb plate, skip the white rice and serve the egg roll bowl by itself or over cauliflower rice. For a more filling meal, add a small portion of cooked white rice (about 1/2 cup per person) and pair with a steamed green vegetable like broccoli or bok choy.
Portion control tips:
- Use about 1 to 1.5 cups of the egg roll mixture per serving if you serve with rice.
- For a low calorie, weight loss friendly meal, serve 1 cup of the mixture over a big bed of greens or shredded lettuce.
- Keep sauces on the side. Sriracha mayo and extra soy sauce add flavor but also add calories and sodium.
If you like a sweet finish after the savory bowl, a small baked treat like ginger spiced rolls can be an occasional treat. For a seasonal treat after this healthy bowl, try our tasty gingerbread cinnamon rolls for a dessert to share.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Leftovers keep well and make this recipe great for meal prep. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but texture may change slightly because cooked cabbage can become soft after thawing. To freeze, cool completely then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags in single-serving portions. Press out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for best texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair this bowl with light, healthy sides for a balanced meal. Try:
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas for fiber and vitamins.
- A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar for fresh crunch.
- A small cup of miso soup to add warmth without many calories.
For a heartier meal that stays balanced, serve one small scoop of rice and a large pile of steamed greens. This keeps the meal balanced, high in protein, and moderate in calories. If you want a vegetarian side, a small serving of edamame or a mixed bean salad adds extra fiber and protein.
For more warming bowl ideas and comfort foods without heavy crusts, you might like this cozy veggie pot pie soup which also makes a great balanced meal on busy nights.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use extra-lean ground turkey or ground chicken and reduce oil to 1 tablespoon total. Use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, and increase fresh ginger and garlic for flavor without added salt. Make it a lighter option by serving over greens instead of rice.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Double the turkey to boost protein, or add a beaten egg near the end and stir to create small cooked ribbons for even more protein. For a low carb version, replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or skip rice entirely. This makes a strong high protein meal that supports weight loss goals.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: While the main recipe is a skillet dish, you can crisp some parts in an air fryer. Spoon small piles of the cooked mixture into the air fryer basket on parchment and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to get a bit of crisp texture on top. For an oven option, spread the cooked mix on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 2–4 minutes to get browned edges. These methods add a different texture and make an easy variation.
FAQs
Q: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. This recipe can be diabetic-friendly if you control portion sizes and limit added sugars or high-carb sides. Use tamari or a low-sodium soy sauce and serve over vegetables or a small portion of brown rice. For more ideas to keep meals lower in carbs, see our comfort soup that is lower in carbs and full of vegetables.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten free?
A: Yes. Use tamari labeled gluten free or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Also check any seasonings or broths for hidden gluten. The dish is naturally gluten free if you avoid non-gluten-free soy sauce.
Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave until hot.
Q: Can I use ground beef or pork instead of turkey?
A: Yes. Ground pork gives a richer, more traditional egg roll flavor. Ground beef also works. For a lean option, choose 90% lean ground beef or lean pork, or mix lean pork with turkey.
Q: Is this recipe good for weight loss?
A: It can be. This is a lower calorie, high protein meal when you use lean turkey and skip large portions of rice. The cabbage and carrots add fiber, which helps you feel full. It is a good choice for people who want meals that support weight loss.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Note that cabbage may become softer after freezing.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This dish is great for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for the week. The turkey and cabbage mixture keeps well and reheats quickly, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner that saves time.
Tips:
- Cook the full recipe and pack into individual meal prep boxes. Add rice in a separate container if you want fresh texture.
- Keep sauces like sriracha mayo in small containers to add after reheating.
- Label your containers with the date and use within 4 days for best quality.
For other make-ahead meal ideas that save time and keep meals healthy, check this easy veggie pot pie soup which stores and reheats well for busy meal plans.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add onion and remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add shredded carrots, garlic, and ginger and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cabbage, tamari or soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cover.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cabbage has reached your desired tenderness.
- Remove from the heat and add toasted sesame oil.
- Serve egg roll in a bowl over white rice, if using, and top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo, if desired.