Imagine all the crispy, savory goodness of an egg roll—without the carb-loaded wrapper. Sounds like a cheat code, right? This low carb egg roll in a bowl is the answer to your lazy-day cravings and your health goals colliding.
It’s fast, stupidly easy, and tastes like takeout (but your wallet and waistline will thank you). Why spend time folding wrappers when you can dump everything in a pan and call it a win? Let’s get to it.
Why This Recipe Slaps
First, it’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Second, it’s packed with protein and veggies but skips the empty carbs. Third, it’s infinitely customizable (more on that later). The magic?
The crispy pork (or turkey, or tofu) paired with crunchy cabbage and a punchy sauce hits every note—salty, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave even when you’re not trying to be “good.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (don’t skip this—it’s flavor gold)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp from a jar—we won’t judge)
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated (powder works in a pinch)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (or shallots if you’re fancy)
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
- 1/2 tsp Sriracha (or more if you like it spicy)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional but highly recommended)
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Brown the meat. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the pork (or substitute) and cook until crispy, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if needed—unless you’re into that.
- Sauté the aromatics. Add garlic, ginger, and onions to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pro tip: Don’t burn the garlic unless you enjoy bitterness.
- Toss in the cabbage. Add the coleslaw mix and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until it softens but still has a slight crunch.
Mushy cabbage = sad bowl.
- Season it up. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. Stir everything together and cook for another minute. Taste and adjust—more heat?
More salt? You do you.
- Garnish and serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Optional: Drizzle with extra Sriracha because why not?
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any)
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet for best results—microwaving turns it into a sad, soggy mess. FYI, this doesn’t freeze well because cabbage gets weirdly watery. Eat it fresh, or don’t bother.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
It’s low carb, high protein, and loaded with veggies—without tasting like “diet food.” The combo of savory meat, crunchy cabbage, and umami sauce satisfies takeout cravings without the guilt.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a joke. Win-win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the cabbage. You want texture, not sludge.
- Skimping on seasoning. Taste as you go—soy sauce is your friend.
- Using lean meat only. A little fat = flavor. Don’t drain it all unless you must.
- Forgetting the sesame oil. This isn’t the time for olive oil.
Trust us.
Swaps and Tweaks
No pork? Use ground chicken, turkey, or beef. Vegetarian?
Swap in crumbled tofu or tempeh. Hate cabbage? Try shredded Brussels sprouts (yes, really).
Out of soy sauce? Coconut aminos work. Want more veggies? Throw in bell peppers or mushrooms.
The rules are made up—just keep it low carb.
FAQs
Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but store the components separately if possible. Reheat the meat and cabbage together in a skillet to keep texture intact.
Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With roughly 5g net carbs per serving, it’s keto gold.
Just watch the soy sauce if you’re strict.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
100%. It’s a time-saver. IMO, the pre-shredded stuff works just as well as fresh cabbage.
Why is my dish watery?
You probably overcooked the cabbage or didn’t drain excess fat.
Cabbage releases water as it cooks—keep the heat high and don’t let it stew.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver for busy nights, lazy cooks, and carb-cutters. It’s faster than ordering delivery, cheaper than takeout, and tastier than most “healthy” meals. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
No wrappers, no regrets.