Name: Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1-2 cloves); 14-16 ounces coleslaw mix or 6 cups finely sliced cabbage; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon onion powder; pinch ground cloves (optional); 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil; 3 green onions, sliced; sesame seeds for serving (optional)

Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is a weeknight dinner dream come true: it’s packed with bold takeout-inspired flavors, colorful crunchy veggies, hearty protein, and comes together faster than you can order delivery. If you’re after a lighter twist on the classic egg roll, but want to keep all those irresistible flavors front and center, this one-pan wonder will quickly become your go-to. With a savory, gingery sauce and a rainbow of crisp-tender cabbage, every bite of Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is pure comfort—without any of the fuss (or deep fryer).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a key role in building the ultimate Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl. Bold aromatics, vibrant cabbage, and a few flavor-packed staples create a dish that tastes complex but is almost effortless to pull off.

Lean ground beef or turkey: The hearty, protein-rich base for your bowl; use beef for more classic flavor or turkey for a lighter touch.
Minced garlic (1-2 cloves): Adds a punch of savory, aromatic depth that flavors every bite.
Coleslaw mix or 6 cups finely sliced cabbage: A colorful, crunchy shortcut for the veggies—coleslaw mix is super convenient, but fresh cabbage works perfectly too.
Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: The salty, umami-packed backbone of the sauce—tamari keeps it gluten-free if you need it.
Hot sauce: Brings a subtle heat and tang; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
Ground ginger: Warm, zesty, and essential for that unmistakable egg roll flavor profile.
Onion powder: A quick and easy way to layer in mellow onion flavors without the chopping.
Pinch of ground cloves (optional): Just a hint elevates the filling with extra warmth and complexity.
Sesame oil: Use toasted if you can, for a deep, nutty finish that’s the secret to that “authentic” egg roll taste.
Green onions, sliced: Bring freshness and a pop of color for both flavor and garnish.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a little crunch and visual flair.

How to Make Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating up your heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey straight in and break it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This base will absorb all the irresistible flavors to come. If you’re using a leaner meat like turkey or chicken, drizzle in a splash of oil first so the meat browns nicely without sticking.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess grease, then add the minced garlic. Sauté just until it’s fragrant—about 30 to 60 seconds—so you don’t burn it. This step infuses the meat with that unmistakable egg roll aroma that instantly whets your appetite.

Step 3: Toss in the Veggies

Next, add your coleslaw mix or finely sliced cabbage right into the skillet, tossing everything together. This is where Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl starts to look and feel like the real deal, with those ribbons of cabbage that cook down into a sweet, crunchy tangle.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Spice it Up

Pour in the low sodium soy sauce (or tamari), then stir in the hot sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves if you’re using it. Give it all a good stir to make sure the flavors are coating the meat and veggies thoroughly. The combination will instantly smell like your favorite takeout spot!

Step 5: Steam and Soften

Cover the skillet with a lid to let the coleslaw or cabbage steam and soften—about 2 to 5 minutes. If you don’t have a lid, add a splash of water (a quarter to a third cup does the trick) to help the veggies cook gently without sticking or burning. You want the cabbage tender, but still with a bit of bite.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

When the cabbage is just right, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle in the rich, toasted sesame oil. Toss well so every strand shines. Top with plenty of fresh green onions and, if you like extra crunch, a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add a bit more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if you want it punchier.

How to Serve Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sliced green onions wakes up the flavors and adds a burst of fresh color, while sesame seeds lend just a bit of crunch and visual appeal. If you’re feeling bold, add a drift of finely chopped cilantro or a few thin shreds of chili for extra heat. These simple garnishes let you easily dress up your Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl any night of the week.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but a scoop of steamed jasmine or brown rice turns it into a meal fit for a feast. Try it alongside a simple soup like miso or hot-and-sour to play up those Asian-inspired flavors, or pair with crisp cucumber salad for refreshment and crunch. However you serve it, Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is endlessly versatile with whatever’s on hand.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl in lettuce cups for a party-friendly hand-held option, or fill up sturdy tortillas or nori sheets for a fusion-style wrap. You can even pile it over cooked noodles for a playful twist on stir-fry, or spoon it into a bento box for work lunches that look—and taste—incredible. The possibilities for this dish are limited only by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve those flavors and let the veggies stay crisp-tender. It’s a meal prep favorite since the flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl, keep in mind the cabbage may soften more after thawing. Cool the batch before freezing and store it in single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, just until hot. This keeps the veggies from getting soggy and preserves that savory, nutty aroma from the sesame oil. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover the bowl with a lid or plate to lock in moisture.

FAQs

Can I make Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu or tempeh, or use a plant-based ground substitute. The sauce and veggies are so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat at all. Just add the tofu to the skillet after crisping it up a bit for best texture.

Is Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use tamari in place of soy sauce, and double-check any hot sauce you use for wheat-based additives. All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free once you make those easy swaps.

How spicy is this dish?

Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl has just a gentle kick from the teaspoon of hot sauce, but you can absolutely customize it. Use less or omit for a milder taste, or splash in extra or even toss in sliced fresh chili peppers if you love heat.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

Sesame oil brings depth and nutty flavor, but if you’re out or allergic, try using a mild olive oil or avocado oil instead. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to mimic some of that flavor.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes! This recipe is easy to scale up or down. Just be sure not to crowd the skillet when doubling; cook in batches if necessary so the veggies cook evenly and don’t steam instead of sauté. Halving is straightforward—just adjust ingredient amounts accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a dish that hits all the right notes: fast, flavorful, satisfying, and wildly adaptable. Whether you’re new to the concept or it’s already a staple, Inside Out Egg Roll in a Bowl is guaranteed to win hearts (and appetites) around your table. Why not try it tonight and see how easy homemade comfort food can be?