Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Introduction & Inspiration

There’s nothing better than a meal that’s fast, healthy, and packed with flavor — and this Egg Roll in a Bowl checks all the boxes.

I created this recipe on a busy night when I was craving the flavors of takeout without the heavy, greasy feeling afterward.

With tender ground turkey, crunchy cabbage, and a savory, slightly tangy sauce, it quickly became a regular in my weeknight rotation.

I love how easy it is to throw everything into one skillet and have a complete, satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

This dish is proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing bold, crave-worthy flavors.

Nostalgic Appeal

Growing up, egg rolls were always my favorite part of Chinese takeout night.

I loved the crispy shell, the juicy filling, and that burst of savory flavor with every bite.

This Egg Roll in a Bowl brings back all those flavors without the deep-frying, and honestly, I think I love it even more.

It captures that same hearty, delicious filling I remember, but in a lighter, fresher way that feels better for everyday meals.

It’s like taking the best part of a childhood favorite and making it simple enough for busy, grown-up life.

Homemade Focus

One of the best things about making Egg Roll in a Bowl from scratch is that I know exactly what’s going into it.

No hidden oils, no mystery ingredients — just fresh veggies, lean ground turkey, and a handful of pantry staples.

Making it at home also lets me adjust everything to my taste, from the amount of soy sauce to the level of spice.

It’s such a comforting feeling to whip up a meal that’s not only fast but also homemade and wholesome.

Taking a little time to chop fresh cabbage and mince garlic makes all the difference in the final dish.

Homemade cooking is where simplicity meets flavor in the most satisfying way.

Flavor Goal

The goal for this Egg Roll in a Bowl was clear: recreate the bold, savory, slightly sweet flavor of a classic egg roll filling.

The ground turkey is seasoned perfectly with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a rich base that’s anything but boring.

The shredded cabbage and carrots add a fresh crunch that keeps the dish light and satisfying.

Rice vinegar brightens everything up with a touch of acidity, balancing out the richness of the meat.

Finally, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.

It’s a perfect symphony of salty, savory, fresh, and slightly tangy — pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Egg Roll in a Bowl plays a key role in creating its amazing flavor and texture.

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing, keeping everything moist and flavorful without weighing it down.

Ground turkey is a lean, hearty protein that absorbs all the delicious seasoning while keeping the dish light.

A sweet onion adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor, balancing out the savory elements.

Shredded carrots bring color, texture, and a hint of natural sweetness that makes the dish even more vibrant.

Fresh garlic and ginger infuse the turkey and vegetables with bold, aromatic flavor — essential for that classic Asian taste.

Chicken broth deglazes the pan and adds a layer of savory richness, making the sauce even more flavorful.

Cabbage is the star vegetable, adding crunch, heartiness, and a healthy dose of fiber to the bowl.

Soy sauce or tamari provides the salty, umami depth that ties everything together beautifully.

Rice vinegar brings a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.

Salt and pepper season the dish perfectly, while toasted sesame oil finishes everything with a nutty, rich aroma.

Optional toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo add extra flavor and a touch of fun to each serving.

Essential Equipment

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need any fancy equipment to make it.

A large skillet or sauté pan is essential to hold all the ingredients as they cook down.

A good chef’s knife and cutting board make prepping the cabbage, carrots, and onion quick and easy.

A wooden spoon or spatula is great for stirring the turkey and vegetables as they cook.

Measuring spoons help you get the right amount of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil for balanced flavor.

Having a lid for your skillet is helpful for steaming the cabbage until perfectly tender.

Simple tools, incredible results — that’s the beauty of this recipe.

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, thinly sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha mayo

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring often, until almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.

Step 2:
Push the turkey to one side of the skillet.
Add the diced onion and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space.
Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and starts to turn translucent.

Step 3:
Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet.
Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.

Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
These bits are full of flavor and make the dish even better.
Mix everything together well.

Step 5:
Add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together to combine well.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6:
Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
If you like a little crunch, cook it closer to 12 minutes; for softer cabbage, go for 15.
Once done, remove from the heat.

Step 7:
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the cooked mixture.
Give everything a final stir to distribute the nutty aroma.
Your Egg Roll in a Bowl is ready to serve!

Step 8:
Serve it over cooked white rice if desired.
Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick.

Troubleshooting

If the turkey seems dry, be sure not to overcook it before adding the broth and veggies.
Moisture from the broth and cabbage will keep it juicy.

If the cabbage releases a lot of water, cook uncovered for a few extra minutes to let it evaporate.
This keeps the dish flavorful, not watery.

If the dish tastes bland, adjust by adding a little more soy sauce or sesame oil.
Seasoning to taste is key for bold flavor.

Be careful with the salt — remember, soy sauce is already salty, so taste before adding more.

Tips and Variations

Use ground chicken, pork, or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
All versions are equally delicious.

Add a handful of bean sprouts or sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
The more veggies, the better.

Make it spicy by stirring a teaspoon of sriracha directly into the skillet before serving.
It adds just the right amount of heat.

Top with crispy wonton strips for an authentic egg roll crunch without the deep fryer.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Egg Roll in a Bowl is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
But it’s even better served over a scoop of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Pair it with a simple Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup for a refreshing side.
I love serving it family-style with all the toppings on the table so everyone can customize their own bowl.

It also makes incredible leftovers — just reheat gently in a skillet for a quick lunch the next day.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Egg Roll in a Bowl is packed with protein and fiber while staying relatively low in carbs.

Using lean ground turkey keeps it light, and the abundance of vegetables makes it super satisfying.

It’s a nutrient-dense meal that’s full of flavor without feeling heavy.

For even fewer carbs, skip the rice and serve it solo or over cauliflower rice.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe is quick, flavorful, healthy, and perfect for busy nights.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes!
It reheats beautifully and stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge.

Can I freeze it?
You can, but the cabbage will soften a bit more after freezing.
It’s still delicious!

What other toppings work well?
Try pickled ginger, chili crisp, or extra sriracha for an extra burst of flavor.

With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this Egg Roll in a Bowl is sure to become a regular favorite!