Introduction to Egg Roll in a Bowl
Hey there! If you’re like me, juggling a busy life can sometimes make dinner feel like a daunting task. That’s where my favorite recipe, Egg Roll in a Bowl, comes to the rescue. This dish captures all the incredible flavors of traditional egg rolls but without the fuss of wrappers. It’s a quick solution for a busy day, ideal for any weeknight. Plus, it’s so delicious that it’ll impress your loved ones, even the picky eaters! Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Roll in a Bowl
This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s not just quick to whip up; it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. In about 30 minutes flat, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table that’s fresh and satisfying. Plus, it’s all one pan—less mess, more time to enjoy with your family. Who wouldn’t love that?
Ingredients for Egg Roll in a Bowl
Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking a breeze! For this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15): A flavorful protein that keeps the dish hearty.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the ingredients to perfection.
- ½ tsp fine sea salt: Enhances the overall taste—adjust according to your preference.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: A touch of spice to elevate the flavors.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the meal.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated: Adds color and crunch.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with delightful aroma and flavor.
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced: The heart of your egg roll, giving freshness.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Provides warmth and zest.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Offers that unmistakable umami taste.
- 2 tsp sesame oil: Delivers a nutty fragrance that ties it all together.
- ½ tsp granulated sugar: Balances flavors beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional): For a pop of color and freshness on top.
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and garnish.
The exact quantities are available at the bottom for easy printing, making your shopping run even simpler!
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ready to dive into this delicious egg roll in a bowl? Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
First things first, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil glimmers like sunshine, it’s time to add in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about five minutes until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Season the beef with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. That aroma? Isn’t it just heavenly?
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Carrots
Next, toss in the finely diced onion and your julienned or grated carrot. These colorful ingredients will add vibrancy to your dish. Cook for about five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion turns soft and slightly translucent. Watching those veggies soften just brings a smile to my face—they’re going to soak up all that beefy goodness!
Step 3: Add Garlic
In goes the minced garlic! You’ll want to stir this in for about 30 seconds. The moment you do, a delightful fragrance will fill your kitchen. It’s like a culinary hug that welcomes you home after a long day. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Trust me, you don’t want that bitter flavor creeping in!
Step 4: Stir in Cabbage and Seasonings
Now, it’s the cabbage’s time to shine! Add those three cups of thinly sliced green cabbage into your skillet along with ground ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and granulated sugar. Sauté this mixture for five to seven minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted. The vibrant colors mingling in the pan can only be described as a food artist’s masterpiece!
Step 5: Remove from Heat and Garnish
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and admire your creation. Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. It’s like putting a cherry on top of a sundae! Serve this warm, and prepare yourself for the rave reviews. With each bite, you’ll know you’ve brought home the taste of a classic egg roll, sans the hassle of wrappers.
Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to customize! Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer more spice, a dash of sriracha sauce can ramp up the flavor.
- For meal prep, make a double batch and store leftovers for tasty lunches throughout the week.
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a lighter protein alternative.
- Embrace the one-pan goodness—less clean-up means more family time!
Equipment Needed
To create this scrumptious Egg Roll in a Bowl, you’ll need just a few essential tools:
- Large skillet: A non-stick option makes for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Spatula: Perfect for breaking apart the ground beef and stirring.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping veggies like cabbage, onions, and carrots.
- Measuring spoons: Ensure precise ingredient proportions for the best flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hoisin sauce.
- Gluten-free: Ensure soy sauce is labeled gluten-free if needed.
- Low-carb: Use shredded zucchini or cauliflower instead of cabbage for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
- Your Favorite Beverage: Pair with green tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch.
- Presentation: Garnish with additional green onions for a beautiful finish.
FAQs about Egg Roll in a Bowl
You’re probably wondering if this Egg Roll in a Bowl is as flexible as it sounds. Let me answer your burning questions!
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for tofu or tempeh, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based meal.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
- Can I freeze this meal? Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- What other veggies can I add? Feel free to experiment! Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms work wonderfully.
- Is it gluten-free? Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making Egg Roll in a Bowl is like inviting a warm embrace into your kitchen. This dish brings together convenience and flavor in the most delightful way. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that echoes the deliciousness of traditional egg rolls while skipping the fuss. It’s a recipe that unites family around the table, sparking joy with every bite. So whether you’re a busy mom or a professional on-the-go, this hearty meal is just what you need to turn a chaotic weeknight into a simple culinary celebration. Enjoy the flavors and the togetherness!
Print
Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy weeknight meal that captures the flavors of traditional egg rolls without the wrapper.
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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Continue to sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with tofu or tempeh.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
