If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of egg rolls but wanted to skip the deep-frying, carbs, and the hefty takeout bill, you’re not alone! That exact craving inspired me to whip up this Deconstructed Egg Roll Bowl, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen. This recipe is all about combining the irresistible flavors of a classic egg roll with the ease of a quick, healthy, and low-carb meal. Bonus? It’s ready in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right.
Imagine tender, savory ground sausage, crunchy cabbage, aromatic ginger, and a little zing from soy sauce, all coming together in one skillet. The best part? No complicated techniques, no greasy mess—just pure comfort food that happens to be good for you. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With only 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a steaming hot meal on the table faster than you can decide on takeout. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash—a win-win!
Packed with Flavor
Who says healthy eating has to be bland? The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and green onions creates a flavor explosion that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. You can even customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes.
Family-Friendly
This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it over a bowl of rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal, and watch as everyone digs in without a single complaint. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it approachable for even the pickiest eaters.
Healthy and Low-Carb
If you’re watching your carb intake or just looking for a lighter meal, this Deconstructed Egg Roll Bowl has got you covered. Loaded with nutrient-rich cabbage and carrots, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies while enjoying a hearty dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bowl:
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef): Adds protein and a rich, savory base.
- 7 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots): Saves prep time and provides that signature egg roll crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings depth and a subtle aroma.
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a slight zing.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: Balances the dish with a salty, umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for a little heat if you like spice.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
For Serving:
- Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or steamed white rice (optional): Provides a customizable base.
- Additional soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce: Drizzle for extra flavor.
How to Make Deconstructed Egg Roll Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Protein
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground sausage of choice. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into crumbles. This ensures even cooking and creates that perfect texture. Once it’s fully browned and cooked through, drain off any excess fat. If you’re using leaner meats like chicken or turkey, you might not need to drain it at all.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
With the sausage still in the skillet, toss in the coleslaw mix. This shortcut ingredient is a total time-saver, combining shredded cabbage and carrots in one bag. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder and ground ginger. Pour the soy sauce or coconut aminos over the mix and stir everything together.
As the cabbage cooks down, it will release a little moisture and take on the savory flavors of the seasonings. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is evenly coated and the cabbage wilts to your desired tenderness. This step only takes about 5–7 minutes, so you’re almost there!
For those who love a spicy kick, now’s the time to add red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way, so start small and adjust to your taste.
Step 3: Finish with Green Onions
Once the cabbage is tender and everything smells absolutely divine, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. These add a fresh, slightly oniony flavor and a pop of color that takes the dish from good to great.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the mixture into bowls, either on its own or over your choice of base—cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option, while quinoa or steamed white rice works well for those craving a heartier meal. Drizzle with a little more soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce, if you like, and dig in!
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time during the week, prep the ingredients ahead. Chop green onions, measure out seasonings, and keep everything ready to go.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While coleslaw mix is convenient, you can also shred fresh cabbage and carrots for a slightly fresher flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: The goal is to keep a bit of crunch for texture, so don’t let it get too soft.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make extra and store in the fridge for up to three days.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Option
Swap the ground sausage for crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat. Add a touch of sesame oil to enhance the flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure any additional sauces are gluten-free.
Spicy Egg Roll Bowl
Add extra heat with diced fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce.
Peanut-Lover’s Twist
Drizzle a bit of peanut sauce over the top for a nutty, creamy finish.
More Veggies
Throw in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas to boost the veggie content and add extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
- As-Is: This bowl is delicious on its own, but adding a base can make it even more filling.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, pair it with a scoop of cauliflower rice.
- Over Noodles: Try serving it over rice noodles for a fun twist.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp cucumber salad with a sesame dressing complements the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
This recipe is great for leftovers! Store any remaining egg roll bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of soy sauce to freshen it up.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked mixture. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: A spacious skillet ensures everything cooks evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for breaking up the sausage while it cooks.
- Meal Prep Containers: If you’re planning to store leftovers, these are a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even beef works well. Each type will give the dish a slightly different flavor.
What if I don’t have coleslaw mix?
No problem. Shred about 6 cups of cabbage and 1 cup of carrots to make your own mix.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to amp up the heat.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It sure is! Just be mindful of any additional sauces you use, as they may contain added sugar.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, cooked and cooled egg roll bowls freeze beautifully. Just thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
Ready to Satisfy Those Cravings?
This Deconstructed Egg Roll Bowl is everything you love about egg rolls, minus the guilt. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and so delicious that even your pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a family-friendly dish, this recipe checks all the boxes.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on social media with your creations. Let’s get cooking! 🥢
Print
Egg Roll Bowl Recipe – Quick, Healthy, and Low-Carb
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This Egg Roll Bowl is a deconstructed take on your favorite takeout dish! It’s a quick, healthy, and low-carb meal that combines savory sausage, crunchy cabbage, and a burst of ginger and soy sauce flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 7 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the coleslaw mix, garlic powder, ground ginger, and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but remains slightly crunchy.
- For a spicy twist, stir in red pepper flakes (optional).
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired