Flavorful Egg Roll Bowl Recipe: A Healthier Twist on the Classic Dish

I’m currently writing this column from the charming city of Haverhill, where my son and his family reside, and I’m here for the weekend.

While my daughter-in-law is engrossed in back-to-back meetings from her home office, my son and his team are diligently working downstairs, replacing deteriorating support beams in their aging house. The residences in his neighborhood boast a rich history, dating back around 120 years, exuding a timeless elegance that is, unfortunately, starting to show signs of wear and tear—much like myself…

The atmosphere remains tranquil until one of them takes a break to pick up my grandsons, Guy and Gabe, from day care. The anticipation of reuniting with them is palpable! As much as video calls and photos help bridge the distance, nothing beats seeing them in person. Since my last visit, Guy has experienced a growth spurt, while Gabe has mastered the art of walking and is now constantly on the move!

I’ve packed two large bags filled with surprises for them—ranging from toys and clothes to baking essentials for our upcoming cookie-making extravaganza. Among the goodies are a bag of rich dark chocolate chips and another filled with Heath Bar pieces, specially purchased for a batch of my oversized cookies.

On the topic of acquisitions, I recently stumbled upon a package of seasoned ground pork infused with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame during my grocery run. Although I hadn’t planned a specific dish, the blend of flavors instantly evoked Chinese cuisine in my mind.

Mindful of my ongoing battle with the bulge, I resolved to incorporate an abundance of vegetables into whatever culinary creation I conjured up. That’s when inspiration struck: it was time to resurrect a long-lost favorite from years gone by—the Egg Roll in a Bowl.

While I adore traditional Chinese egg rolls and spring rolls, I’ve been steering clear of them due to their deep-fried nature. Admittedly, there was a time, decades ago, when I indulged in six egg rolls at a Chinese buffet.

Regrettably, the original recipe for Egg Roll in a Bowl eluded me, and my reluctance to embark on a Google search led me to improvise—and the results were nothing short of spectacular! After browning the pork, I introduced sesame oil, soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger to enhance the existing flavors. Tossing in a bag of coleslaw mix, diced scallions, and shredded carrots, dinner was swiftly prepared in under 15 minutes.

For those inclined towards leaner options, ground turkey or chicken could serve as viable substitutes for ground pork. Given that the pork I utilized was pre-seasoned, the quantities listed below may need adjustment when using plain ground pork, chicken, or turkey—feel free to tailor the amounts to suit your preferences.

Egg Roll In A Bowl

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of finely minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic
• One 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix (consisting of shredded cabbage and carrots)
• ¹⁄₂ cup of shredded carrots
• 3 medium scallions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons of sesame oil
• 1 pound of ground pork

Directions:

1. In a medium non-stick skillet, brown the meat until fully cooked.
2. Incorporate soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix, along with shredded carrots, ensuring an even coating with the sauce.
4. Introduce the chopped scallions, mix thoroughly, and cook over medium-high heat until the coleslaw reduces by half.