Egg roll in a bowl is a delightful twist on the classic egg roll, transforming it into a delectable, one-pan meal that retains all the flavors you adore without the fuss of wrapping and frying. This recipe offers a perfect blend of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce, creating a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also brimming with taste. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine while providing a wholesome meal for you and your family.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To embark on creating this mouthwatering egg roll in a bowl, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient. A large, deep-sided skillet is crucial for accommodating all your ingredients and allowing them to cook evenly. Opt for a skillet that provides ample space to stir and toss the ingredients without overcrowding.
You’ll also need a set of tongs, an indispensable tool for mixing and turning the ingredients, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce and spices. A cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic, while a grater comes in handy for shredding the carrots finely.
Measuring spoons and cups are essential for adding the correct amounts of seasonings and sauces, ensuring the flavors are balanced and the dish turns out perfectly seasoned. Lastly, a small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients before adding them to the skillet, ensuring a uniform distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Ingredients List
- 1½ pounds of ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the dish.
- 1 large onion, diced finely: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency.
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil: Imparts a distinctive, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup of carrots, peeled and finely shredded: Offers a hint of sweetness and a vibrant color.
- 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and a variety of textures.
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder: Complements the minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle heat.
- 1½ teaspoons of ground ginger: Provides a warm, spicy note.
- ½ to ¾ cup of low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the flavors with its salty umami.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking and adds richness.
- Green onions for garnish, optional: Adds a fresh, sharp finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in your skillet over medium heat. Aim to keep the beef chunks larger for a more satisfying texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease, then return the skillet to the heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Vegetables and Sesame Oil: Introduce the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Employ your tongs to mix these ingredients, allowing them to cook together for about five minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. This concoction will be the flavor backbone of your dish.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the skillet contents, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer for an additional five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
This egg roll in a bowl is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritious meal that offers various health benefits. The ground beef is a great source of protein and iron, essential for muscle growth and energy production. The array of vegetables, including carrots and the coleslaw mix, provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are crucial for digestion, immune function, and overall health.
The sesame oil adds a dose of healthy fats, known for their heart-protective properties. By opting for low-sodium soy sauce, you’re reducing the sodium content, making this dish a heart-friendly choice. Additionally, the spices like ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties, adding both flavor and health benefits to your meal.
This dish is not only a convenient and quick option for busy weeknights but also a balanced meal that supports your well-being without compromising on taste.
Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
When crafting this egg roll in a bowl, paying attention to detail can make the difference between a good dish and a great one. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid and tips to perfect your recipe:
- Overcooking the Vegetables: To maintain a delightful crunch and vibrant color, avoid overcooking your veggies. They should be tender-crisp, not soggy.
- Breaking the Beef into Small Pieces: Larger chunks of beef provide a more satisfying texture and ensure that every bite is juicy and flavorful. Resist the urge to over-stir or chop the beef too finely during cooking.
- Skimping on Seasoning: The spices and seasonings are key to this dish’s flavor profile. Ensure you measure them accurately and adjust to taste if necessary, especially the soy sauce and ginger.
- Ignoring the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so it’s crucial to cook it just until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Not Tasting as You Go: Always taste your dish at various stages of cooking to adjust the seasoning and ensure a balanced flavor.
To perfect your egg roll in a bowl:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
- Balance Your Flavors: The interplay of savory, slight sweetness, and heat is crucial. Adjust the seasonings to find your perfect balance.
- Add Freshness: A sprinkle of green onions or a dash of fresh lime juice before serving can brighten the entire dish.
- Experiment with Textures: For an added crunch, consider topping with toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds.
Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating
Tips and Notes:
- Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and double up on the veggies or use tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Storing and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to moisten. Avoid overcooking to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, it reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, or any of your favorite veggies.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce before serving.
- What are some serving suggestions? While delicious on its own, you can serve this with rice, quinoa, or inside lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This egg roll in a bowl recipe encapsulates the essence of a beloved appetizer in a wholesome, easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that can adapt to your dietary preferences and spice tolerance, making it a surefire hit for any meal. Whether you’re seeking a comforting dinner or a nutritious lunch, this recipe delivers satisfaction and flavor in every bite, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or time-consuming. Enjoy the harmony of savory meat, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices that this dish offers, and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Craving the taste of an egg roll without the hassle? Our Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe brings all the savory goodness into a simple, nutritious one-pot meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy lunch, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds of ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the dish.
- 1 large onion, diced finely: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency.
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil: Imparts a distinctive, nutty flavor.
- ½ cup of carrots, peeled and finely shredded: Offers a hint of sweetness and a vibrant color.
- 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix: Adds crunch and a variety of textures.
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder: Complements the minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle heat.
- 1½ teaspoons of ground ginger: Provides a warm, spicy note.
- ½ to ¾ cup of low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the flavors with its salty umami.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking and adds richness.
- Green onions for garnish, optional: Adds a fresh, sharp finish.
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in your skillet over medium heat. Aim to keep the beef chunks larger for a more satisfying texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease, then return the skillet to the heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Vegetables and Sesame Oil: Introduce the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix to the skillet. Employ your tongs to mix these ingredients, allowing them to cook together for about five minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. This concoction will be the flavor backbone of your dish.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the skillet contents, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer for an additional five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and double up on the veggies or use tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
