Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe

There are certain recipes that completely transform the way you think about weeknight dinners, and for my family, Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl was an absolute game-changer. I remember the first time I made it. It was one of those chaotic evenings where takeout was calling my name, but my desire for something fresh and reasonably healthy was pulling me in the other direction. I’d seen the recipe pop up online, and the promise of all the savory, delicious flavor of an egg roll without the fuss and mess of deep-frying seemed too good to be true. I decided to give it a shot, and within 20 minutes, my kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame. The result was a vibrant, colorful bowl of food that was packed with flavor and texture. My husband, who is usually skeptical of “healthy” versions of his favorite foods, devoured his portion and immediately asked when we could have it again. It was crunchy, savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Now, it’s a staple in our home—our go-to meal for busy nights, a fantastic option for meal prep, and a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting.

Why the Egg Roll in a Bowl is a Modern Classic

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish, sometimes known as “crack slaw” in its early internet days, has become such a sensation. Its genius lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The concept is simple: take all the delicious fillings of a traditional fried egg roll—the seasoned meat, the shredded cabbage and carrots, the Asian-inspired aromatics—and turn it into a quick, one-pan stir-fry.

This deconstructed approach has several incredible benefits. First, it’s significantly healthier. By skipping the deep-fried wrapper, you eliminate a huge amount of fat and refined carbohydrates. This makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of dietary lifestyles, including low-carb, keto, paleo, and gluten-free. Second, it’s incredibly fast. From start to finish, you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight hero. Finally, it’s endlessly customizable. You can swap the protein, add different vegetables, and adjust the sauce to perfectly suit your family’s tastes. It’s a versatile, healthy, and lightning-fast meal that doesn’t compromise on the flavors you crave.

Complete Ingredients for Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. The magic happens in how they are combined. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

For the Savory Sauce:

This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing all the components together with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes. Whisking it together first allows the flavors to meld.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: ½ cup (Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free and paleo alternative, though you may need slightly more as it’s less salty.)
• Toasted Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons (This is a crucial flavor component. Use toasted sesame oil, which has a deep, nutty flavor, and add it at the end. It is a finishing oil, not a cooking oil.)
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (Provides a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness.)
• Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons (Optional, but highly recommended for a gentle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.)
• Ground Ginger: 1 teaspoon (Or 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a more potent flavor.)

For the Stir-Fry:

• Avocado Oil or Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (For cooking. Regular sesame oil is fine for cooking; toasted sesame oil is for finishing.)
• Ground Chicken: 1 lb (You can also use ground pork, turkey, or beef.)
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
• Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated or minced (Complements the ground ginger in the sauce for a layered flavor.)
• Coleslaw Mix: 1 bag (14-16 oz) (This is the ultimate shortcut! A mix of shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots is perfect. If shredding your own, use about 6-7 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots.)
• Green Onions (Scallions): ½ cup, thinly sliced (You will use most for the dish and reserve some for garnish.)
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect One-Pan Meal

Follow these simple steps for a flawless Egg Roll in a Bowl every time. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go (a “mise en place”), as the cooking process moves very quickly.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients: the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until well combined. Set it aside. This allows the flavors to start mingling while you cook.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil (or regular sesame oil) in a large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground chicken. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the chicken apart into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Getting a good brown on the meat develops a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Stir constantly for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage

Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. It might look like an enormous amount, but it will cook down significantly. Add about three-quarters of the sliced green onions as well, reserving the rest for garnish. Stir everything together to combine the cabbage with the chicken and aromatics.

Step 5: Sauce and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the cabbage and chicken are evenly coated. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 3-5 minutes. The goal is to cook the cabbage until it is tender-crisp. You want it to be wilted but still have a slight bite and crunch to it. Avoid overcooking, which can make the cabbage watery and mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—you might want a little more sriracha for heat or a dash of soy sauce for saltiness. Serve the Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl hot in individual bowls. Garnish generously with the reserved sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Please note that these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, especially the sauce components and the fat content of the ground chicken.

• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 kcal (when serving 4)

This dish is naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and filling meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

This recipe is a true weeknight champion thanks to its speed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (Primarily chopping the onion, garlic, and green onions)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Under 30 minutes

How to Serve Your Egg Roll in a Bowl

While delicious on its own, the right toppings and accompaniments can elevate this dish from a simple meal to a culinary experience. Here are some ideas:

• The Classic Bowl:
  • Serve it as is, hot from the skillet.
  • Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for that authentic look and flavor.
• Add Some Crunch:
  • Crispy Wonton Strips: For the ultimate egg roll experience, sprinkle some crispy wonton strips on top just before serving. (Note: This will add gluten and carbs.)
  • Chow Mein Noodles: The crunchy, fried noodles add a fantastic texture.
  • Chopped Peanuts or Cashews: For a nutty crunch and extra protein.
• Drizzle with a Creamy Sauce:
  • A creamy, spicy sauce is a phenomenal addition. You can buy a bottle of Japanese Yum Yum sauce or easily make your own Sriracha Mayo:
    • In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2-3 teaspoons of sriracha, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Drizzle over the top of your bowl.
• Make it a More Substantial Meal:
  • Serve over Rice: For those not following a low-carb diet, serving this over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice is delicious.
  • Serve with Noodles: Toss with rice noodles or ramen noodles to create a complete noodle bowl.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or iceberg) for a fun, interactive, and low-carb way to eat.

5 Additional Tips for the Best Results

1. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The single most important tip for this recipe is to maintain some texture in your cabbage. You want it tender-crisp, not a soggy, watery mess. Keep an eye on it and pull it from the heat when it’s wilted but still has a definitive bite. This textural contrast is key to the dish’s success.
2. Use a Large Skillet or Wok: To get a good stir-fry, you need space. Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than sear. A large 12-inch skillet, a wok, or a wide Dutch oven gives the chicken room to brown and the cabbage space to wilt evenly without becoming waterlogged.
3. Fresh Aromatics are a Must: While you can use ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch, using freshly minced garlic and freshly grated ginger will provide a significantly brighter, more potent, and more authentic flavor. The vibrant aroma they release when they hit the hot pan is the first sign you’re making something special.
4. Embrace the Coleslaw Mix Shortcut: Don’t feel like you need to shred a head of cabbage and carrots yourself. The pre-bagged coleslaw mix is a massive time-saver and works perfectly here. It makes this a true 30-minute meal and reduces prep work to almost nothing.
5. Add Toasted Sesame Oil at the End: Toasted sesame oil has a low smoke point and its delicate, nutty flavor can be destroyed by high heat. Think of it as a finishing oil, not a cooking oil. Stirring it into the sauce or drizzling it on at the very end, off the heat, preserves its incredible aroma and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Ground pork is the most traditional filling for egg rolls and works beautifully. Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, and ground beef adds a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground “meat.”

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cabbage will soften a bit upon reheating, but it’s still delicious. The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet method helps revive some of the texture. It’s also great for meal prep lunches.

3. I don’t have coleslaw mix. What can I use instead?
You can easily make your own mix. For a 1lb equivalent, you’ll need about 6-7 cups of very thinly sliced or shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots. You can also use other cabbages like Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, which are more tender and will cook a bit faster.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this?
Yes! This is a great “clean out the fridge” meal. Finely chopped mushrooms, sliced water chestnuts (for a great crunch!), bean sprouts (add at the very end), or edamame are all fantastic additions. Just add any harder vegetables along with the onion and softer vegetables along with the cabbage.

5. How can I make this dish paleo or Whole30 compliant?
It’s very easy to adapt. To make it paleo or Whole30, ensure you use ground chicken or pork that is compliant. For the sauce, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce/tamari. Use rice vinegar that has no added sugar, and ensure your sriracha or hot sauce is compliant (many contain sugar). With these simple swaps, you have a fully compliant and delicious meal.

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