Deconstructed Asian Dinner Bowl

This crave-worthy egg roll in a bowl delivers all the flavors of your favorite takeout appetizer without the fuss of wrapping and frying. I created this one-pan wonder when craving Chinese food but wanting something lighter and quicker than traditional egg rolls.

This dish became an instant favorite in my home after I first made it during a late night cooking session. My family now requests it weekly and I love how I can whip it up with ingredients I usually have on hand.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Provides lean protein while absorbing all the delicious Asian flavors
• Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness that balances the savory elements
• Shredded carrots: Bring vibrant color and subtle sweetness
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provide essential aromatic flavor foundation
• Fresh ginger: Gives that distinctive zingy warmth essential in Asian cooking
• Chicken broth: Helps create steam for cooking cabbage while adding depth
• Cabbage: Forms the bulk of this dish recreating that classic egg roll filling texture
• Soy sauce or tamari: Delivers that rich umami foundation
• Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and authentic Asian flavor balance
• Toasted sesame oil: Provides that distinctive nutty finish that makes this dish authentic
• White rice: Optional but perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce
• Green onions: Add fresh color and mild onion flavor to finish the dish
• Toasted sesame seeds: Provide visual appeal and pleasant crunch
• Sriracha mayo: Optional but adds creamy heat for those who enjoy a kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Turkey:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook until most of the pink is gone but not completely browned about 5 to 6 minutes. The turkey will continue cooking with the vegetables so we want to avoid overcooking it at this stage.

Add Aromatics:

Push the partially cooked turkey to one side of the pan to create space. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until onion begins to soften and become translucent. Add shredded carrots garlic and ginger cooking for 2 additional minutes while stirring frequently. The fragrance will become intensely aromatic indicating the flavors are developing properly. Pour in chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan these contain concentrated flavor.

Cook the Cabbage:

Add shredded cabbage tamari or soy sauce rice vinegar salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients and coat the cabbage with the seasoning. Cover the pan with a lid reduce heat to medium low and allow to cook for 12 to 15 minutes. The cabbage will wilt down considerably and become tender while absorbing all the savory flavors.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil stirring to incorporate it throughout the dish. This final touch adds authentic Asian flavor that really makes the dish taste like an egg roll. Serve in bowls over white rice if desired and garnish with sliced green onions toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for those who enjoy some heat.

Save

The fresh ginger is my secret weapon in this recipe. I keep a root in my freezer and grate it directly into the pan while frozen no need to peel. My daughter who typically avoids vegetables somehow cleans her plate every time I make this dish which makes it a regular victory dinner in our house.

Make Ahead and Storage

This egg roll in a bowl actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes stirring halfway through or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The dish freezes beautifully too simply cool completely portion into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Ground chicken pork or beef work wonderfully in place of turkey. For a vegetarian version substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh. No fresh ginger? Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger instead. Red cabbage can replace green for a colorful twist though it will have a slightly different flavor profile. For those avoiding soy coconut aminos make an excellent substitution for soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own or over rice this egg roll bowl pairs beautifully with other Asian inspired dishes. Serve alongside a simple miso soup for a complete meal. For entertaining turn this into appetizer portions served in lettuce cups. Transform leftovers by wrapping in large tortillas for an Asian fusion burrito or tuck into butter lettuce leaves for a low carb lunch option the next day.

Pro Tips

Prep all ingredients before starting for smooth efficient cooking since this recipe moves quickly. Use a mandoline or food processor to shred cabbage uniformly for even cooking. For extra flavor toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before using as garnish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or beef work wonderfully as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the dish while maintaining the egg roll essence.

→ How can I meal prep this dish?

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook completely, then portion into microwave-safe containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep any toppings (green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha mayo) separate and add just before eating. The flavors often improve after a day as they meld together.

→ Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, without the rice, this dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Cabbage, protein, and healthy fats from olive oil and sesame oil make it a balanced keto meal. Just be sure to check your soy sauce for added sugars or use coconut aminos as a substitute.

→ Can I use pre-shredded cabbage to save time?

Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix works perfectly and is a great time-saver. If using coleslaw mix, note that it often contains carrots already, so you may want to reduce the amount of additional carrots in the recipe. This simple swap can cut your prep time in half.

→ What can I serve with this besides rice?

While white rice is a classic pairing, there are many alternatives. Try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, quinoa for added protein, or serve in lettuce cups for a fun hand-held meal. The dish is also delicious on its own as a complete one-bowl dinner.

→ How do I make sriracha mayo?

Sriracha mayo is simple to prepare. Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference). For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness to this creamy, spicy condiment.