This deconstructed egg roll transforms the popular Asian appetizer into a nutritious, low-carb meal that captures all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper. This one-pan dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve discovered that the key to making this dish taste authentic lies in the proper sequencing of ingredients and the balance of seasonings. Cooking the ground turkey first allows it to brown properly, while adding the vegetables in stages ensures each component maintains its ideal texture. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil creates that characteristic egg roll flavor we all love.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (30ml)
- 1 pound ground turkey (450g)
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/150g)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (100g)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth (60ml)
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups/600g)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (45ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (5ml)
Optional Toppings:
- Cooked white rice
- Green onions, green parts only, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Add ground turkey
- Cook 5-6 minutes until almost done, breaking into small pieces
- Push turkey to one side of pan
- Cook the Aromatics
- Add remaining tablespoon oil to empty side of pan
- Add diced onion, cook 3-4 minutes until softened
- Stir in shredded carrots, minced garlic, and ginger
- Cook 2 minutes until fragrant
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping brown bits from pan bottom
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings
- Add shredded cabbage
- Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar
- Season with salt and pepper
- Stir well to combine all ingredients
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low
- Cook 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat
- Stir in toasted sesame oil
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, either on its own or over steamed white rice. Top with:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha mayo for extra kick
- Additional soy sauce if desired
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Stores well in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheat in microwave or skillet until hot
- For meal prep, portion into individual containers
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, without rice, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Recipe Notes
- Use pre-shredded cabbage for faster prep
- Ground chicken or pork can substitute for turkey
- For extra crunch, add water chestnuts
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce
- Increase heat with red pepper flakes or additional sriracha
- For keto version, skip the rice and serve in lettuce cups
This Egg Roll in a Bowl delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional egg roll in a healthier, more convenient format. The combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and authentic Asian seasonings creates a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s an excellent option for meal prep, and the versatility of toppings means everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
