Egg Roll in a Bowl
A quick and easy skillet meal that captures the flavors of an egg roll without the fuss of wrappers. Packed with protein and vegetables, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15) You can substitute ground pork or turkey.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt Adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground ginger (or 1 Tbsp freshly grated)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce Swap with tamari for gluten-free.
- 2 tsp sesame oil Omit for a different flavor or substitute with peanut oil.
- ½ tsp granulated sugar Optional; balances the soy sauce flavor.
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion (optional for garnish)
- ¼ tsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 lb lean ground beef and brown for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no pink remains. Season with ½ tsp fine sea salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Stir in the diced ½ medium onion and grated 1 medium carrot. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the carrot loses its raw edge.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1 tsp ground ginger, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, and ½ tsp granulated sugar. Toss to combine.
- Sauté for another 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted but still has some bite. Taste and adjust salt/pepper or soy if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with 1 Tbsp chopped green onion and ¼ tsp sesame seeds if using. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use a wide skillet to avoid sogginess of the cabbage. Use fresh ginger for a brighter flavor. To make vegetarian, substitute crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat.