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One-Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe


  • Author: Olivia

Ingredients

  • For the Base:

    • Ground Meat (1 pound): This is the protein foundation of our dish. You have several excellent options here:

      • Ground Pork: Traditionally used in egg rolls, ground pork provides a rich, savory flavor that is wonderfully authentic. Opt for lean ground pork to reduce fat content.
      • Ground Chicken: A leaner and lighter alternative to pork, ground chicken is a popular and healthy choice. It absorbs flavors well and cooks quickly.
      • Ground Turkey: Another lean option, ground turkey is a great way to keep this dish on the healthier side. Choose ground turkey breast for the leanest option.
      • Ground Beef: While less traditional, ground beef can also be used for a heartier, more robust flavor. Lean ground beef is recommended.
      • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ground meat with:

        • Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu (1 block, pressed and crumbled): Tofu provides a protein-rich base and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
        • Plant-Based Ground Meat Substitute (1 pound): Many excellent plant-based ground meat alternatives are available, made from soy, pea protein, or mushrooms.
        • Shiitake Mushrooms (1 pound, sliced): For a savory and umami-rich vegetarian option, sliced shiitake mushrooms are fantastic.

    • Shredded Cabbage (1 medium head, about 6-8 cups shredded): Cabbage is the star vegetable, providing the signature crunch and bulk of an egg roll.

      • Green Cabbage: The classic choice, green cabbage is readily available and affordable.
      • Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage): Napa cabbage is softer and sweeter than green cabbage and offers a more delicate texture. It’s a delicious alternative or addition.
      • Pre-shredded Cabbage Mix (Coleslaw Mix): For ultimate convenience, use pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which often includes carrots as well, saving you even more prep time.

    • Carrots (1 cup, shredded or julienned): Carrots add sweetness, color, and a slight crunch to the dish.

      • Whole Carrots: Shred or julienne whole carrots yourself for the freshest flavor.
      • Baby Carrots: Quickly shred baby carrots using a food processor or box grater.
      • Pre-shredded Carrots: Another time-saving option is to buy pre-shredded carrots.

    • Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onion provides aromatic depth and savory flavor to the base.

      • Yellow Onion: The most common and versatile onion, yellow onion is a great all-purpose choice.
      • White Onion: White onion has a sharper, more pungent flavor than yellow onion.
      • Sweet Onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla): Sweet onions offer a milder, sweeter flavor.

    • Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential for adding pungent, savory notes and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
    • Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated or minced): Fresh ginger adds warmth, spice, and a distinctive Asian flavor. Use fresh ginger for the most vibrant taste. If using ground ginger, use about 1 teaspoon.

  • For the Flavor & Sauce:

    • Soy Sauce or Tamari (1/4 cup): Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) provides the salty, umami-rich base of the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
    • Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity and tanginess, balancing the savory and sweet flavors. Unseasoned rice vinegar is recommended.
    • Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Toasted sesame oil imparts a nutty, aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
    • Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons): Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, umami, and a slightly fermented flavor complexity. It contributes to the authentic egg roll taste. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a touch of peanut butter for a similar flavor profile.
    • Optional Sweetener (1-2 tablespoons): Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your hoisin sauce, you might want to add a touch of sweetener. Options include:

      • Honey: Natural and adds a floral sweetness.
      • Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
      • Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses-rich sweetness.
      • Granulated Sugar: Simple and readily available.
      • Sugar-Free Sweetener (e.g., Erythritol, Stevia): For a low-carb or sugar-free version.

    • Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit if you prefer a mild dish.
    • Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional for thickening): If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the pan towards the end of cooking.

  • For Garnish & Serving (Optional but Recommended):

    • Sesame Seeds (toasted): Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal as a garnish.
    • Chopped Green Onions (scallions): Green onions add freshness and a mild oniony bite.
    • Cilantro (fresh, chopped): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
    • Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: For extra heat and flavor, serve with sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side.
    • Wonton Strips or Crispy Noodles: For added crunch and texture, especially if you miss the egg roll wrapper, serve with wonton strips or crispy chow mein noodles.


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Chop Vegetables: Chop the onion and mince the garlic and ginger. Shred the cabbage and carrots if you haven’t used pre-shredded options. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, optional sweetener (honey, maple syrup, etc.), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. If you plan to thicken the sauce, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a separate small bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat

  • Heat a Large Skillet or Wok: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A wide pan is ideal for even cooking and allowing the ingredients to brown nicely.
  • Add Ground Meat: Add the ground meat (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef) to the hot pan. If using a vegetarian option like tofu or plant-based ground meat, add it at this stage as well.
  • Break Apart and Brown: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the ground meat into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. If using tofu, cook until it is lightly browned and heated through. If using mushrooms, sauté them until they soften and release their moisture, then begin to brown.
  • Drain Excess Fat (if necessary): If using ground meat with higher fat content, drain off any excess grease from the pan after browning. This will keep the dish healthier and prevent it from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

  • Add Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pan with the cooked ground meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent.
  • Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make them bitter.
  • Add Cabbage and Carrots: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the pan. Stir to combine them with the meat and aromatics.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage and Add Sauce

  • Cook Cabbage Until Tender-Crisp: Continue to cook the cabbage and carrot mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender-crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want the cabbage to be cooked but still retain some of its crunch and not become mushy.
  • Pour in Sauce: Once the cabbage has reached the desired tenderness, pour the prepared sauce over the mixture in the pan.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken Sauce (Optional)

  • Simmer and Combine: Stir everything together well to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you want a thicker sauce, gently stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip this step.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Egg Roll in a Bowl and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, sweetener for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat, according to your personal preference.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  • Remove from Heat: Once the dish is cooked to your liking and the sauce is thickened (if desired), remove the pan from the heat.
  • Garnish: Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
  • Serve Hot: Serve the One-Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately while it’s hot and flavorful. Offer optional toppings like sriracha or chili garlic sauce and wonton strips or crispy noodles on the side for those who want to customize their bowls.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 300-450
  • Sugar: 8-15 grams
  • Sodium: 600-900 mg
  • Fat: 15-25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
  • Fiber: 5-8 grams
  • Protein:  25-35 grams