If you love the irresistible flavors of classic egg rolls but want a quicker, lighter, and mess-free way to enjoy all that deliciousness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe. This dish captures the savory, aromatic essence of an egg roll without the hassle of wrappers or deep frying, blending ground lamb and beef sausage with crisp cabbage, fresh veggies, and bold seasonings for a satisfying meal that’s perfect any time of day. It’s like all the best parts of an egg roll turned inside out and served right in your bowl. Let me show you why this recipe should be on your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the hearty meats that bring richness, to the crunchy vegetables that add freshness and color, to the savory sauces and aromatics that build layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb ground lamb: Gives the dish a juicy, slightly gamey depth that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- 1/2 lb beef sausage: Adds a hearty, flavorful kick and boosts the protein content.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with that nutty, irresistible aroma essential to Asian-inspired cooking.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a sweet and savory base flavor layer.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers pungent warmth and enhances overall complexity.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Lends a zesty bite and refreshes the palate amidst richness.
- 4 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage: Provides the quintessential crunch and helps balance out the meatiness.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option): Brings umami depth and salty richness.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Offers a delicate crunch and toasty flavor when sprinkled on top.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild oniony note to finish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Gives just the right amount of gentle spice to wake up your taste buds.
How to Make Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the sesame oil. Once hot, add the ground lamb along with the beef sausage. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This is where the foundational flavor develops, so don’t rush this step—browning will bring out delicious caramelized notes that make this dish special.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger
Next, toss in the diced onion, garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Sauté everything together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. These aromatics elevate the whole dish, creating a warm and inviting base that melds seamlessly with the savory meats.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Now it’s time to pile in your coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage along with the julienned carrot. Stir everything so the vegetables begin to soften but still retain their satisfying crunch. Pour in the soy sauce or coconut aminos and sprinkle in those red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little heat. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage wilts just enough to blend all the flavors beautifully without losing its texture.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions evenly on top. These garnishes aren’t just decorative—they add the perfect nutty crunch and fresh brightness to complete this dish.
How to Serve Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To truly enhance your Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe, don’t skip the garnishes. The toasted sesame seeds provide that irresistible crunch, and the crisp green onions offer a beautiful burst of color and mild sharpness. For an extra touch, drizzle a little sriracha or add a handful of chopped cilantro if you like more complexity and heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the savory meats. Think steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil would also add refreshing contrast. If you want to keep everything easy, a crisp side of edamame beans or pickled ginger complements the flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just make dinner fun? Serve your Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe in individual bowls topped with extra slices of fresh avocado or radish for added creaminess and crunch. You can also use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps, turning this into a hands-on experience reminiscent of lettuce-wrapped tacos. This transformation brings an exciting twist and is perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe store wonderfully in airtight containers sealed and refrigerated. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect weekday lunch or a quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the textures and flavors intact much better than the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of lamb and sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Ground pork, chicken, or turkey can be great substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but still complement the other ingredients well. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it can be easily made gluten-free by using coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. This swap keeps the savory umami flavor while making it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even bean sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to maintain crispness. The key is to keep that wonderful balance of texture throughout the dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The traditional version is mild, but the optional red pepper flakes give it a gentle kick. You can easily dial up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, a splash of chili garlic sauce, or even fresh sliced chili peppers.
Is this suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It reheats really well and can be portioned into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe that makes you want to keep coming back for more. It’s a wonderful blend of bold flavors, textures, and colors that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish promises to become a new favorite, offering all the goodness of an egg roll in a healthier, faster, and fuss-free way. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Inside-Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is a flavorful, low-carb spin on the classic egg roll, using ground lamb and beef sausage combined with fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired seasonings. It features a savory blend of meats, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant garlic and ginger, all cooked together in one skillet for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 lb beef sausage
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, shred or julienne the carrot, and set aside the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Thinly slice the green onions and set aside for garnish.
- Cook Meat: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and beef sausage. Cook and stir frequently until fully browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Add diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until onions are softened and fragrant.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and the shredded carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still retain some crunch, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season: Pour soy sauce or coconut aminos over the meat and vegetable mixture. Add red pepper flakes if using, and stir well to combine all flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the sauce meld with the ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy warm as a healthy, deconstructed egg roll bowl.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- You can swap ground lamb and beef sausage for ground pork or ground turkey as preferred.
- Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your desired spice level.
- This dish is great for meal prepping and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix from the store to save prep time.
