Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe | Delicious Low-Carb Crack Slaw

Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe | Delicious Low-Carb Crack Slaw

Have you ever wished you could enjoy all the amazing flavors of an egg roll without the hassle—and carbs—of frying and wrapping? Many people believe that the only way to savor the classic egg roll taste is by deep-frying those crispy wrappers, but that’s simply not true. With this easy egg roll in a bowl recipe, you get everything that makes an egg roll irresistible—savory pork, fresh cabbage, and vibrant seasonings—packed into a hearty, low-carb skillet meal. This comforting dish, often called “crack slaw” because of its addictive flavor, is perfect for busy weeknights or anyone watching their carb intake.

Ready to discover how simple, flavorful, and nourishing this one-pan wonder is? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List

To make this flavorful egg roll in a bowl, you’ll need these fresh, easy-to-find ingredients:

– 1 lb ground pork (substitute: lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
– 4 cups shredded green cabbage (or use napa cabbage for a milder taste)
– 1 cup shredded carrots (optional for extra sweetness and color)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if pressed for time)
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced (green and white parts)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
– 1 tbsp sesame oil (adds nutty richness)
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
– 1 tsp Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil (such as avocado oil or olive oil)

Dietary alternatives:
– For vegetarian or vegan versions, swap ground meat for crumbled firm tofu or tempeh.
– Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium and soy-free option.
– To boost fiber, add some chopped bok choy or kale.

Timing

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long it takes to make this dish:

– Prep time: 10 minutes (chopping veggies and gathering ingredients)
– Cook time: 15 minutes (sautéing pork and cabbage until tender)
– Total time: 25 minutes

In under half an hour, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, aromatic meal. The sizzling sound of ground pork hitting the hot pan and the smell of garlic and ginger mingling with crisp cabbage signals that dinner is almost ready!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash and shred the cabbage and carrots using a sharp knife or food processor. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions.

Chef’s tip: Pre-shredded veggies work well here, but freshly chopped provides better texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Pork

Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.

Pro tip: Browning your meat well adds deeper flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Veggies

Add minced garlic, ginger, and half of the green onions to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Season the Dish

Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine. Add Sriracha or chili flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining green onions on top. Serve hot straight from the skillet or plate with a side of steamed cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb meal.

Alternative serving suggestion: For a heartier meal, serve over brown rice or quinoa.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):
– Calories: ~280 kcal
– Protein: 22g
– Carbohydrates: 8g (net carbs ~5g)
– Fat: 18g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sodium: 600mg (varies with soy sauce type)
– Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and iron

This recipe is perfect for those on keto, low-carb, or paleo diets who want a quick, satisfying meal packed with protein and vegetables.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re aiming for an even healthier version, consider these ingredient swaps:

– Use extra-lean turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
– Swap sesame oil for avocado oil to boost heart-healthy fats.
– Add more fiber by mixing in kale or spinach with the cabbage.
– Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for fewer allergens and less sodium.
– Omit added sugar or chili sauces to keep it cleaner for sensitive stomachs.

Incorporating these simple swaps can help tailor the dish to your personal dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious egg roll-inspired bowl pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes:

– Fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts sprinkled on top add texture and freshness.
– A wedge of lime can brighten the flavors with a citrus kick.
– Serve alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to complement the savoriness.
– For a festive meal, try wrapping spoonfuls in butter lettuce leaves or collard greens to mimic lettuce wraps.
– Complement the meal with light, herbal teas such as jasmine or green tea.

Seasonally, swap in chayote squash or bok choy during cooler months for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overcooking the cabbage: It should be tender yet still have a bit of crunch. Overcooked cabbage loses texture and turns mushy.
– Skipping the aromatics: Garlic and ginger are vital for authentic flavor. Don’t rush them!
– Not draining excess fat: Especially with pork, draining imbalanced fat can prevent greasiness.
– Using too much soy sauce: This can overwhelm the dish and make it overly salty. Start with less and add gradually.
– Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go to balance flavors.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your dish is packed with flavor and the perfect consistency.

Storing Tips

Leftovers keep very well and get even more flavorful the next day! To store:

– Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
– Refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain texture.
– Avoid freezing if possible, as cabbage might become soggy upon thawing, but pork can still freeze well separately.
– Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sesame seeds after reheating to refresh the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Proper storage preserves freshness and makes for an easy, ready-to-eat meal anytime.

Conclusion

This flavorful egg roll-inspired skillet dish proves you don’t need a deep fryer or wrappers to enjoy classic Asian takeout flavors at home. It’s quick, customizable, and perfectly suited for low-carb lifestyles. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro looking for healthy comfort food, this recipe is a must-try!

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground meat and boost the veggies. Just cook similarly for great texture and flavor.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, with about 5g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet when paired with low-carb sides.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, it tastes great reheated and can be meal-prepped for up to 4 days. Just store properly in the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of soy sauce?
A: Coconut aminos make a great soy-free and lower-sodium alternative without compromising savory flavor.

Q: How spicy is the dish?
A: The base recipe is mild; add Sriracha or chili flakes to your heat preference.

For more low-carb inspiration, check out our Keto Beef Stir-Fry and Asian-Inspired Cauliflower Rice recipes to round out your meal options. Happy cooking!