Egg Roll in a Bowl With Coleslaw Mix
You know that moment when you bite into a crispy egg roll and the savory cabbage and pork filling is the best part? Egg roll in a bowl gives you exactly that, minus the wrapper and the deep fryer. It’s all the flavor of the filling, cooked in one pan, and ready in about 20 minutes.
The secret shortcut is a bag of coleslaw mix. Instead of shredding cabbage and carrots by hand, you just open the bag and toss it in. That’s why egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix has become a weeknight favorite for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone eating low carb.
Below you’ll find the full recipe, a ground turkey version, sauce ideas, swaps for different diets, and tips for storing leftovers.
What Is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg roll in a bowl is a deconstructed egg roll. You cook ground meat with garlic, ginger, and onion, then stir in shredded cabbage and carrots and season everything with soy sauce and sesame oil. Some people call it an egg roll bowl, crack slaw, or unstuffed egg roll.
It’s popular because it’s:
- Fast: Ready in about 20 minutes
- Simple: Made in one skillet
- Budget friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients
- Flexible: Works with pork, turkey, chicken, beef, or tofu
- Low carb friendly: Naturally fits keto and low carb eating when you skip the rice
Why Use Coleslaw Mix?
Bagged coleslaw mix is the star shortcut when you make egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix. It usually contains shredded green cabbage, a little red cabbage, and shredded carrots, which is almost exactly what goes into egg roll filling.
Using coleslaw mix:
- Saves prep time. No chopping or shredding.
- Cooks quickly. The thin shreds soften in just a few minutes.
- Adds color. Carrots and red cabbage make the dish look bright and fresh.
- Costs little. A 14 to 16 ounce bag is usually inexpensive and feeds a family.
Just make sure you buy plain coleslaw mix, not a kit with dressing.
Ingredients
This egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix recipe serves 4.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground pork (or ground turkey) | 1 pound |
| Coleslaw mix | 1 bag (14 to 16 ounces) |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce or tamari | 3 tablespoons |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sriracha or chili garlic sauce | 1 to 2 teaspoons (optional) |
| Green onions, sliced | 3 |
| Sesame seeds | For garnish |
| Neutral oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step by Step Instructions
- Brown the meat. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics. Stir in the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the coleslaw mix. Pour in the whole bag and stir well.
- Season. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Stir to coat.
- Cook until tender crisp. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens but still has a little bite.
- Finish. Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
That’s it. Your egg roll bowl is ready to eat.
Tip: When you make egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix, don’t overcook the cabbage. It tastes best when it’s soft but still slightly crunchy, just like the inside of a fresh egg roll.
Egg Roll in a Bowl Ground Turkey Version
If you want a leaner option, egg roll in a bowl ground turkey style is just as tasty. Follow the same recipe with these small changes:
- Use 1 pound of ground turkey instead of pork.
- Add a little extra flavor. Turkey is milder, so add an extra teaspoon of soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce.
- Use a bit more oil. Lean turkey can stick, so start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Brown it well. Let the turkey sit in the pan for a minute or two before stirring to build golden, flavorful bits.
Egg roll in a bowl ground turkey is a great choice if you’re watching fat or calories but still want a hearty meal.
Protein Options
| Protein | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ground pork | Classic egg roll flavor, rich and juicy |
| Ground turkey | Leaner, milder, needs extra seasoning |
| Ground chicken | Light and tender |
| Ground beef | Heartier, works well with spicy sauces |
| Shrimp | Cooks fast; add near the end |
| Tofu or tempeh | Crumble and brown for a vegetarian version |
Sauce Ideas
The basic soy and sesame sauce is delicious, but you can switch things up:
- Spicy: Add more sriracha or chili crisp.
- Sweet and savory: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Peanut: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter with extra soy sauce.
- Creamy: Drizzle spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha) on top.
- Tangy: Add more rice vinegar and a squeeze of lime.
- Hoisin: Stir in a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a richer, sweeter flavor.
Make It Fit Your Diet
This egg roll bowl recipe is easy to adapt:
- Low carb and keto: Skip sweeteners and serve on its own or over cauliflower rice.
- Gluten free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Paleo or Whole30: Use coconut aminos and skip the sriracha if it contains sugar.
- Vegetarian: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms.
- Lower sodium: Use low sodium soy sauce and add more vinegar and ginger for flavor.
Add Ins and Toppings
Want to boost the flavor or nutrition of your egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix? Try adding:
- Mushrooms for an earthy flavor
- Bean sprouts for crunch
- Water chestnuts for a classic egg roll texture
- Snow peas or bell peppers for color
- A fried or scrambled egg for extra protein
- Crispy wonton strips for that egg roll crunch
- Chopped peanuts or cashews for texture
- Fresh cilantro for brightness
What to Serve With It
Egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it:
- Over steamed white or brown rice
- Over cauliflower rice for a low carb option
- With quinoa for extra protein and fiber
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves like lettuce wraps
- With a side of miso soup or edamame
Meal Prep and Storage
This egg roll bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep, and egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix reheats better than many stir fries.
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months, though the cabbage will be softer when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Meal prep tip: Store toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and spicy mayo separately to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Snapshot
Nutrition depends on your protein and add ins, but a typical serving made with ground pork and no rice is high in protein and fairly low in carbs. Using ground turkey or chicken lowers the fat and calories. Adding rice increases carbs, so adjust portions to fit your goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common mistakes people make with egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix:
- Overcooking the cabbage. It turns soggy and loses its fresh crunch.
- Using dressed coleslaw. Buy plain mix, not a salad kit.
- Skipping the aromatics. Garlic and ginger give egg roll flavor.
- Adding sesame oil too early. Toasted sesame oil tastes best added at the end.
- Under seasoning turkey. Lean meats need extra soy sauce or spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a whole head of cabbage instead of coleslaw mix? Yes. Thinly slice about half a medium head of cabbage and shred one or two carrots.
Is egg roll in a bowl healthy? It can be. It’s packed with vegetables and protein, and you control the oil and sodium.
Can I make it in an Instant Pot? You can, but the stovetop is faster and keeps the cabbage crisper.
How do I make it spicier? Add more sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili crisp.
More Easy Egg Dishes to Try
If you love quick, comforting meals, you might enjoy dishes from other cuisines that also feature eggs:
- Revuelto Gramajo: An Argentine scramble with eggs, potatoes, ham, and peas.
- Best Tarta Pascualina: A savory spinach pie with whole eggs baked inside.
Final Thoughts
Egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix is one of the easiest dinners you can make. With one pan, one bag of coleslaw, and a few pantry staples, you get all the flavor of an egg roll without the frying. Make it with pork for classic flavor or try egg roll in a bowl ground turkey style for a lighter meal. Either way, it’s quick, flexible, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Takeaways
- Egg roll in a bowl is a deconstructed egg roll made with ground meat, cabbage, carrots, and Asian inspired seasonings.
- Using coleslaw mix saves time, since it already contains shredded cabbage and carrots.
- The dish cooks in one skillet in about 20 minutes and serves 4.
- Ground turkey makes a leaner version, but it needs extra seasoning and a bit more oil.
- Season with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, and add sriracha for heat.
- It’s easy to make low carb, gluten free, vegetarian, or Whole30 friendly with simple swaps.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
