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Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl: A Beginner’s Guide to a Flavorful, Healthy, and Quick Meal

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Craving egg rolls but skipping the wrapping? This Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is the perfect solution! It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal packed with all the delicious flavors of an egg roll, ready in just 20 minutes. Imagine savory ground meat, crisp cabbage, and a tangy sauce, all combined in one delicious bowl. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1416 oz coleslaw mix (or 6 cups finely sliced cabbage)
  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Pinch ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 ½ tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds for serving (optional)

Instructions

    1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium heat. A heavy-bottomed skillet helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the food from sticking and burning. A wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its sloped sides, but a large skillet will also work well.
    2. Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken) to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Breaking up the meat ensures that it cooks evenly and prevents it from clumping together. Cook the meat until it is browned and cooked through. The meat should no longer be pink and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Draining the grease helps to keep the meal healthy and prevents it from being greasy.
    3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish. Sautéing the garlic releases its aromatic oils and adds a savory depth to the dish. If you notice the garlic starting to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
    4. Add Coleslaw Mix: Add the coleslaw mix (or finely sliced cabbage and carrots) to the skillet and toss it to combine with the ground meat and garlic. Tossing ensures that the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the garlic and meat flavors.
    5. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the low sodium soy sauce (or tamari), hot sauce (adjust to taste), ground ginger, onion powder, and ground cloves (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure that the cabbage and meat are evenly coated with the sauce and seasonings. The sauce will begin to thicken as it simmers.
    6. Cook the Cabbage: Cover the skillet with a lid (if you don’t have one, that’s fine – you just may need to add ¼ -⅓ cup water or chicken broth to prevent the cabbage from sticking and burning) and cook until the coleslaw mix is soft and wilted, about 2-5 minutes. The lid helps to trap the steam and cook the cabbage more quickly and evenly. If you don’t have a lid, adding a little water or broth will create steam and prevent the cabbage from sticking to the pan. You can also cook the cabbage uncovered, but it will take longer and you may need to add a little more liquid. Cook the cabbage to your desired level of doneness. Some people prefer it to be crisp-tender, while others prefer it to be softer.
    7. Finish with Sesame Oil: Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and finish it with 1 ½ tablespoons of toasted sesame oil. Toss well to combine. Adding the sesame oil at the end of cooking helps to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma, as high heat can degrade the flavor of sesame oil.
    8. Season to Taste: Taste the Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, hot sauce, or soy sauce. Taste and adjust until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
    9. Serve: Serve the Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl immediately in bowls topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Notes

  • Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience.
  • Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
  • Don’t overcook the cabbage.
  • Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.