Inside Out Egg Roll Bowl

Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is my go-to when I want something quick, colorful, and healthy that feels like takeout but needs no deep fryer or wrappers. It is my weeknight savior and makes the kitchen smell amazing within minutes.

I first tried this on a busy weeknight when time was tight and now I am hooked because the leftovers somehow taste even better the next day

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef pork or turkey: brings protein and rich flavor look for bright pink meat and minimal excess fat for best texture
• Minced garlic: gives a savory pop choose fresh firm cloves for the biggest impact
• Coleslaw mix or finely sliced cabbage: makes prep simple and keeps things crunchy try to grab a mix with carrots and purple cabbage if you like color
• Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: adds the salty umami backbone choose low sodium to keep things balanced and less salty
• Hot sauce: brings just the right hint of heat taste yours to get the right amount because every brand varies
• Ground ginger: brightens up the pan with a familiar zing buy ground ginger in small jars to ensure freshness
• Onion powder: delivers extra savoriness opt for onion powder not onion salt for better control
• Ground cloves (optional): but a little pinch brings subtle warmth use sparingly
• Toasted sesame oil: finishes the dish with classic Asian-inspired depth buy pure sesame oil and always check that it has a rich nutty smell
• Green onions: add freshness slice just before serving for the crunch and color
• Sesame seeds (optional): but give a nice finishing texture toast them for even deeper flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Place a heavy-bottomed skillet on medium heat add your ground meat and use a sturdy wooden spoon to break it up keep cooking and stirring for six to eight minutes until every bit is browned and crumbly this is your flavor base

Sauté the Garlic:

Drain away any extra fat to keep things lighter add the minced garlic stir for thirty to sixty seconds just until you smell it getting fragrant do not let it brown as it can get bitter

Wilt the Cabbage:

Add all of the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage right to the pan toss it thoroughly so it mixes evenly with the cooked meat and garlic this gives every bite flavor

Mix in the Sauce:

Drizzle in the soy sauce stir very well so everything is coated evenly this adds savoriness to the cabbage and meat and helps soften the crunch

Season it Up:

Sprinkle over the hot sauce ground ginger onion powder and if using the ground cloves stir until all the seasonings are mixed and the color is uniform

Steam the Vegetables:

If you have a lid cover the skillet to help steam the mixture for about two to five minutes watch closely so the cabbage gets tender but does not turn mushy if you do not have a lid add a splash of water to help steam

Finish and Serve:

Take the pan off the heat and pour in the toasted sesame oil toss everything again so the rich flavor infuses every strand of cabbage taste a bite and adjust salt or seasonings as you like

Garnish and Enjoy:

Spoon the mixture into bowls top with fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch and color

Pin

Cabbage takes on all the bold flavors and reminds me of the egg roll filling from my favorite takeout spot every bite makes me think of those family movie nights when we all dug in for seconds

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days this recipe reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave just stir well before serving you can also freeze portions in a freezer safe bag but cabbage may lose a bit of crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground chicken or turkey if you prefer leaner meat just add a splash of oil so nothing sticks for a vegan version brown crumbled tofu with extra soy sauce and finish with a splash more sesame oil tamari works instead of soy sauce for gluten free needs

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot as the sole star for a quick dinner or spoon it over a bowl of hot steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal I also love it tucked into lettuce wraps for finger foods crowd pleasers

Cultural History

Egg rolls became a Chinese-American staple and this inside out version takes all the good stuff from the filling and makes it a wholesome main dish I first tasted something similar at a food truck festival and could never forget the bold ginger and savory meat flavors

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What kind of meat works best for this dish?

Lean ground beef is most popular, but ground pork, turkey, or chicken all work well. For leaner meats, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking.

→ Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Use about 6 cups of finely sliced cabbage if you prefer fresh over bagged coleslaw mix.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten free diets?

Yes, simply use tamari or certified gluten free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.

→ How spicy is this bowl?

Heat can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less hot sauce. The base recipe provides a subtle warmth.

→ What are some garnish options?

Top your bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra color and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.