Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavors of a classic egg roll, without the wrapper! This quick, one-skillet dish is low-carb, high-flavor, and packed with nutrients. Made with ground turkey, cabbage, and carrots, it’s the perfect meal for anyone craving a healthy and satisfying dinner.

---

PIN FOR LATER!PIN FOR LATER!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep work and cleanup.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and flavor while staying low-carb.
• Customizable: Easily swap proteins or add extra vegetables to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

---

Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet works best to ensure even cooking for all ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions, garlic, ginger, and cabbage.
• Box Grater or Food Processor: To shred the carrots quickly and evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and deglazing the skillet.

---

Preparation Tips

• Prep Ahead: Shred the cabbage and carrots a day before for faster assembly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Garlic and ginger add bold flavors—avoid powdered substitutes.
• Cook Evenly: Dice the onion finely for consistent cooking and evenly shredded cabbage for the perfect texture.
• Deglaze for Flavor: Scrape up any browned bits during the cooking process for a richer dish.

---

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 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 fresh ginger, finely minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 small head cabbage, about 8 cups shredded
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Optional Toppings

• Cooked white rice (or brown rice for a heartier meal)
• Green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha mayo (for a spicy kick)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until mostly cooked through.

2. Cook the Vegetables

1. Push the turkey to one side of the skillet.
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Skillet

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
2. Mix the turkey and vegetables together evenly.

4. Add Cabbage and Seasonings

1. Stir in the shredded cabbage, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and wilted.

5. Finish the Dish

1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. This adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the dish.

6. Serve

1. Serve the egg roll mixture as is, or over cooked white rice for a more filling option.
2. Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for added flavor.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add red chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve it with cauliflower rice.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions for extra variety.

Serving Suggestions

Egg Roll in a Bowl is versatile and pairs well with many sides to complete your meal. Here are some ideas:

8 Side Dish Recommendations

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned with salt and a drizzle of sesame oil, broccoli is a perfect healthy side.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for added crunch.
3. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing.
4. Miso Soup: A warm and comforting bowl of soup that complements the dish’s flavors.
5. Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
6. Fried Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice. Add scrambled eggs and peas for extra protein and flavor.
7. Kimchi: Spicy and fermented, kimchi adds a bold and tangy contrast to the dish.
8. Potstickers or Dumplings: Serve a few veggie or chicken dumplings on the side for an indulgent treat.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcooking the Cabbage

• Problem: Overcooking results in mushy, flavorless cabbage.
• Solution: Cook until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch. Stir occasionally to cook it evenly.

2. Skipping the Deglazing Step

• Problem: Not deglazing the skillet leaves flavorful browned bits behind, making the dish less rich.
• Solution: Always pour in chicken broth (or even water) to scrape up the bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet for extra depth of flavor.

3. Overseasoning with Soy Sauce

• Problem: Soy sauce can make the dish too salty if added in excess.
• Solution: Start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste at the end of cooking. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re salt-conscious.

4. Skipping Toasted Sesame Oil

• Problem: The dish lacks the nutty, aromatic depth of traditional egg rolls.
• Solution: Toasted sesame oil is key for an authentic finish. Add it off-heat to retain its bold flavor.

5. Not Balancing Flavors

• Problem: A one-dimensional dish.
• Solution: Include a balance of salty (soy sauce), tangy (rice vinegar), and nutty (sesame oil) flavors. Adjust as needed before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Tamari for Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise flavor.
• Add Heat: Spice it up with chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of spicy sesame oil.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based protein.
• Boost Nutrition: Add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Meal Prep Idea: Portion into meal prep containers with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for grab-and-go lunches.

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: While freezing is possible, cabbage may become mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze, undercook the cabbage slightly before storing.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to avoid uneven heating.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply replace ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use tamari for a gluten-free option, and check that your toppings (like sriracha mayo) are vegan.

What other vegetables can I use in this dish?

You can include bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. The dish is very forgiving and works with most stir-fry-friendly vegetables.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add chili flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or use a spicy sesame oil for an extra kick.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you avoid white rice and serve it as is or with cauliflower rice.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but keep in mind that the cabbage may lose its texture when thawed. For best results, undercook the cabbage slightly before freezing.

What’s the best way to prep this dish ahead of time?

Shred the cabbage and carrots, mince the garlic and ginger, and dice the onion a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge so everything is ready to cook.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

You can use ground chicken, pork, or even beef. Each protein adds a slightly different flavor profile, but all work beautifully with the recipe.

---

Conclusion

With its bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatility, Egg Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate one-skillet dinner. This healthy, low-carb dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Whether you’re pairing it with steamed veggies or serving it over rice, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Customize it, spice it up, and enjoy this deconstructed version of a classic egg roll, guilt-free!

---

---