Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, Keto): A Quick, Flavorful Low-Carb Meal

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free (if tamari used), Paleo (if coconut aminos used)

Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, Keto) is an easy, low-carb dish that captures the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper. It combines ground meat, fresh vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired seasonings in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick, healthy dinner.

This recipe is keto-friendly, low in carbohydrates, and packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors. By skipping the egg roll wrapper, you cut unnecessary carbs while keeping all the delicious taste. It’s also flexible—you can use pork, turkey, or beef as your protein base and adjust the seasonings to match your heat preference.

Whether you are new to keto cooking or looking for a wholesome, flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can be transformed into an exciting, satisfying dish.

Introduction

The classic egg roll is a popular appetizer and side dish in Chinese cuisine, traditionally consisting of a mixture of meat, cabbage, and other vegetables wrapped in a fried dough. While delicious, the wrapper contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates, making it less suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Egg Roll in a Bowl reimagines the dish by removing the wrapper entirely. Instead, all the traditional ingredients—ground meat, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, and green onions—are cooked together in one skillet. A combination of soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, and optional chili flakes ensures the dish is savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy, just like its classic counterpart.

This one-skillet recipe offers several advantages:

• Quick and convenient: You can make it in 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
• Low-carb and keto-friendly: Perfect for anyone avoiding refined carbs or following a ketogenic lifestyle.
• Nutrient-rich: Cabbage, carrots, and green onions provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Versatile: Easily customizable for your preferred protein, spice level, and flavor intensity.

The following sections break down each ingredient and step, offering tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect, restaurant-quality Egg Roll in a Bowl every time.

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here’s the exact list for 4 servings:

Proteins

1 lb ground meat (pork, turkey, or beef)
The ground meat forms the protein-rich base of the dish. Pork provides richness, turkey keeps it lean, and beef adds bold flavor. Using fresh, high-quality meat ensures the best texture and taste.

Vegetables

4 cups shredded green cabbage
Cabbage is the star vegetable in this recipe. It provides bulk, crunch, and nutrients while soaking up the savory flavors of the meat and sauce.

1 cup grated or julienned carrots
Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and color contrast, balancing the savory flavors of the dish.

3 green onions, chopped
Green onions provide a subtle onion flavor and freshness, added toward the end to preserve their bright color.

2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic adds depth, aroma, and umami to the dish.

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Ginger contributes warmth, zest, and an unmistakable Asian-inspired flavor.

Seasonings & Sauces

2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
Soy sauce or tamari adds saltiness, umami, and depth of flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.

1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame oil provides a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Seasonings are adjusted to taste and enhance the dish’s overall balance. Red pepper flakes add heat but are optional depending on your spice preference.

Preparation Method

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before cooking, prepare all vegetables and aromatics:

• Shred the green cabbage.
• Grate or julienne the carrots.
• Mince the garlic and ginger.
• Chop the green onions.

Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking and prevents overcooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat and break it apart with a spatula.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
4. If the meat releases excess fat, drain some for a leaner dish (optional).

Browning the meat first develops rich, savory flavors and forms the base for the sauce and vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add minced garlic and ginger to the cooked meat.
2. Stir frequently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

This step ensures the garlic and ginger flavor the meat evenly without burning, creating a fragrant base for the vegetables.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce

1. Mix in the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, soy sauce (or tamari), and sesame oil.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should retain some bite and its vibrant green color.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Toss in the chopped green onions.
3. Serve immediately while hot.

This final step preserves freshness and flavor. The green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Notes and Tips

• Don’t overcook the cabbage: Overcooked cabbage loses texture and nutrients. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Use a large skillet: A larger pan ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Adjust heat level: Modify red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra spice.
• Fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger provide superior flavor compared to powders.
• Drain excess moisture: If the cabbage releases too much liquid, drain a small amount to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Egg Roll in a Bowl can be served in various ways:

• As a main dish with a side of cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a low-carb meal.
• As a meal prep dish, portioned into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Topped with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and presentation.
• With a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

This dish’s versatility makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg

Egg Roll in a Bowl is nutrient-dense, offering high protein, fiber, and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates.

Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Skillet, Keto) is a simple, satisfying, and nutrient-rich dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, low-carb, keto-friendly meal that still delivers bold flavors. By combining ground meat, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings in a single skillet, you get all the satisfaction of a traditional egg roll without the carbs and with minimal cleanup.

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect this recipe:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms can be added for variety while maintaining low carbs.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute ground meat with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground protein alternative. Cooking times may vary slightly.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

4. Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even browning and proper vegetable texture.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if tamari is used instead of regular soy sauce. Coconut aminos is another gluten-free alternative.

6. Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add more red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to adjust the heat level.

7. Why use fresh garlic and ginger instead of powders?
Fresh aromatics provide more vibrant flavor, fragrance, and authenticity to the dish.

8. Can I prepare it ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes. Cook and cool the dish, then portion into containers. Reheat quickly in a skillet to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a perfect example of how low-carb meals can be flavorful, colorful, and satisfying. Quick to prepare and versatile in presentation, it’s ideal for modern kitchens and anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.