Egg Roll in a Bowl – Savory, Gingery & One-Skillet Low-Carb Comfort

Some dinners feel like a little celebration, even on a Tuesday. This Egg Roll in a Bowl has that energy—fast, fragrant, and full of cozy takeout vibes without the deep-fried wrapper. Imagine tender, well-browned ground turkey, silky ribbons of cabbage, and crisp carrot shreds all slicked with a glossy ginger-garlic sauce. It’s savory and a little tangy, with just enough toasted sesame richness to make every bite feel indulgent. Best of all, it cooks in a single skillet in under 30 minutes, which means more time to exhale and enjoy a warm, low-carb, keto-friendly bowl of comfort.

Why You’ll Love It

• 30-minute dinner: A true weeknight hero—chop, sauté, and eat.
• One skillet, minimal cleanup: Everything comes together in the same pan for effortless cooking.
• Low-carb & keto friendly: No wrapper required—just protein and veggies with big flavor.
• Pantry-friendly: Soy or tamari, rice vinegar, and sesame oil do the heavy lifting.
• Customizable: Use turkey, chicken, or lean beef; add mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts for crunch.
• Meal-prep ready: Reheats beautifully for fast lunches all week.

Time Needed

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound ground turkey (or ground chicken/lean beef)
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots (or matchsticks)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 small head green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 8 cups) or 2 bags coleslaw mix
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (coconut aminos for Whole30)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• For serving (optional): sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes or sriracha, cauliflower rice or steamed rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Protein Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until nicely browned and nearly cooked through. Browning = deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics Push the turkey to one side. Add remaining oil and the diced onion; cook 3–4 minutes until tender. Stir in carrots, garlic, and ginger; cook 2 minutes until fragrant and glossy.
3. Deglaze & Season Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the tasty browned bits. Add cabbage, soy/tamari (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss well so everything is coated.
4. Steam to Tender Cover and cook over medium-low for 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender but still pleasantly crisp. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame oil for that signature nutty finish.
5. Serve & Garnish Spoon into bowls and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat. Enjoy as-is or over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Chili Crunch: Stir in a spoonful of chili crisp or sambal oelek with the soy sauce.
• Extra Veg: Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini matchsticks, or bell pepper strips during the onion step.
• Crunch Factor: Fold in chopped water chestnuts during the last 2 minutes for fresh snap.
• Saucy Twist: Whisk 1 teaspoon fish sauce into the pan for deeper umami (a little goes a long way).

Tips from Chef Emma

• Slice cabbage thinly: 1/4–1/2 inch ribbons cook quickly and stay tender-crisp.
• Brown first, then steam: Proper browning of the meat builds the savory base; covering later softens the cabbage.
• Finish with sesame oil off heat: Keeps the flavor aromatic instead of smoky.
• Meal prep smartly: Store bowls without garnishes; add green onions/sesame right before eating for fresh crunch.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 290
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 11g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 1360mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use coleslaw mix?
  Yes—two 12–14 oz bags work. Freshly shredded cabbage tastes a bit sweeter and less bitter, but the shortcut is handy.
• Is this Whole30 compliant?
  Use coconut aminos instead of soy/tamari and check labels on broth; skip any added sweeteners.
• How do I keep it low-carb?
  Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice. Skip regular rice and any sugary sauces.
• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Swap the turkey for extra-firm tofu (crumbled) or a favorite meatless crumble; use vegetable broth.
• Does it freeze well?
  I don’t recommend freezing—cabbage releases water and turns soft. Refrigerate 3–4 days and reheat gently.

Final Thoughts

Fast, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, this Egg Roll in a Bowl tastes like a cozy shortcut to your favorite takeout—only lighter, brighter, and loaded with veggies. It’s the kind of one-skillet wonder you’ll make once and then keep on speed dial. Save this recipe to your Easy Weeknight Dinners board so it’s ready the next time you need a quick, low-carb win!

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