My Love for a Lazy Night Feast
The smell of sizzling ginger and garlic fills my kitchen. It reminds me of busy weeknights. I needed something fast and full of flavor. This bowl became my go-to answer. Ever wondered how to get takeout taste without the wait? The answer is right here. One bite takes me to my favorite food stall. It is all the joy of an egg roll without the fuss. Your family will ask for it again and again.
A Happy Little Kitchen Accident
My first try was a bit messy. I used a whole bag of coleslaw mix. The pan was almost overflowing! It cooked down into the perfect crunchy base. That mistake taught me a great lesson. Home cooking is about adapting, not being perfect. Use what you have on hand. The best meals are often the simplest ones. Give yourself permission to play with your food.
Why the Flavors Dance Together
Two things make this dish special. First, the savory pork meets sweet, fresh cabbage. Second, the salty soy sauce balances the tangy rice vinegar. It creates a party in your mouth. Every ingredient has a role. What is your favorite part of the flavor mix? Which flavor combo surprises you most? Tell me in the comments below. I love reading your thoughts.
A Quick Trip to Its Roots
This dish is a modern American creation. It takes inspiration from Chinese egg rolls. Those became popular here in the mid-1900s. This bowl version skips the wrapper for ease. It is a genius weeknight solution. *Did you know the egg roll wrapper itself is not traditional in China?* It is a wonderful example of food evolving. New traditions start in home kitchens like yours. What is your favorite “bowl” meal? Share your own recipes with me!

Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground pork | 1 pound | |
| Coleslaw mix | 1 (14 oz) bag | |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Low sodium recommended |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon | Freshly grated |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Green onions | 3-4 | Sliced |
| Sriracha or chili garlic sauce | To taste | Optional, for serving |
How to Make Egg Roll Filling in a Bowl
Let’s make dinner easy and tasty. This bowl has all the good egg roll flavor. You skip the fuss of wrapping and frying. It comes together in one pan for simple clean-up.
Step 1 Brown your pork in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about five to seven minutes. Drain any extra fat from the pan. Step 2 Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pork. Stir and cook for one minute until fragrant. This wakes up their flavors beautifully. (A hard-learned tip: use the edge of a spoon to peel ginger skin). Step 3 Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well mixed. Then add the entire bag of coleslaw mix. Toss it all in the savory sauce. Step 4 Cook until the cabbage just wilts, about three to five minutes. You want it slightly crunchy. Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Your filling is ready to serve. What’s the best way to get crispy ground pork? Share below!Three Tasty Twists on Your Bowl
Love this recipe? Try a new version next time. Changing one ingredient creates a whole new meal. It is a great way to use what you have.
Turkey Twist Use ground turkey instead of pork. Add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. Veggie Delight Skip the meat. Use a can of drained chickpeas or crumbled tofu. Spicy Kick Cook the pork with a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce. Top with extra sriracha. Which spin will you try first? Vote in the comments!Finishing Touches for Your Meal
Serve your bowl hot for the best experience. A few extras make it feel special. Think about texture and cooling flavors.
Top with crunchy chow mein noodles or sesame seeds. A side of steamed rice soaks up the sauce. For garnish, add extra green onion or cilantro. Drink a cold lager or a ginger beer with it. Iced green tea is a great non-alcoholic choice. *Fun fact: ginger helps settle your stomach after a rich meal.* Which would you choose tonight, a cold beer or iced tea?
Keep Your Egg Roll Bowls Fresh
Store leftovers in a sealed container. They will last three days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. This dish freezes well for up to two months.
Thaw it overnight in your refrigerator. I always make a double batch for future meals. It saves me on busy nights. Why does this matter? Planning ahead cuts down on stress. What is your favorite make-ahead dinner?
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your filling too wet? Cook it a bit longer. Let the steam evaporate from the pan. Too salty? Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It balances the flavor perfectly.
Is the meat not browning? Do not crowd the pan. Cook it in two batches if needed. My first time, I made that mistake. The pork steamed instead of crisping. Why does this matter? Proper browning builds deep, savory flavor.
Your Egg Roll Bowl Questions
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check your other sauces too. How far ahead can I prep it? Cook the pork and veggie mix. Store them separately for two days. Combine and reheat when ready. What can I use instead of pork? Ground chicken, turkey, or beef work great. For vegetarian, try crumbled firm tofu. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Use your largest skillet or a Dutch oven. You may need to cook longer. Is the coleslaw mix essential? No, shred your own cabbage and carrots. A food processor makes this quick.From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this bowl becomes a regular at your table. It is simple, satisfying, and so flexible. *Fun fact: my grandkids request this weekly.* Share your creation with our community.
Tag Savory Discovery on Pinterest with your photos! Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Egg Roll Filling in a Bowl
Description
All the savory, satisfying flavors of an egg roll filling, served as a quick and easy skillet meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pork. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir to combine. Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix and toss everything in the sauce.
- Cook until the cabbage just wilts but is still slightly crunchy, about 3-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve.
Notes
- Serve with Sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
