Description

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delightful and modern twist on the classic egg roll, perfect for those who love the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine but want a healthier and quicker option. By substituting the deep-fried wrapper with a scrumptious, veggie-packed bowl, this dish is not only lighter but also quick to prepare. Featuring crispy wontons, tender cabbage, vibrant carrots, and savory ground pork, each bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings. The essence of egg rolls is captured beautifully, allowing everyone to enjoy the delicious combination of flavors without the guilt of frying. Whether you're in a rush or looking to enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe provides the perfect solution.

Ingredients

• 8 oz ground pork
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
• 1 large carrot, julienned or peeled into strips
• 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced, plus more for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 quarter cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sake or rice wine (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 quarter tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 quarter tsp white pepper or black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ketchup
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 3-4 wonton wrappers, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C.
2. Cut three to four wonton wrappers into 1/4 inch wide strips.
3. Drizzle vegetable oil over the strips and toss to coat.
4. Arrange the strips on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
5. Slice cabbage thinly or use pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
6. Julienne the carrot and red bell pepper, if using, and slice the green onions. Mince the garlic.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake or rice wine, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, cayenne pepper, white pepper, ketchup, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
8. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground pork. Cook for about five minutes until browned.
9. Add the prepared vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for one to two minutes until slightly tender.
10. Pour the sauce over the mixture in the skillet and cook for one more minute until thickened.
11. Serve the pork and vegetable mixture in a bowl, top with crispy wonton strips, and garnish with green onions.

Tips and Conclusion

To save time in your busy schedule, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop vegetables and prepare the sauce up to three days before you plan to serve this dish. Store the chopped components in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and cook the pork just before you're ready to enjoy the meal for maximum freshness and deliciousness.

Another helpful tip is to use a mandoline slicer or food processor to quickly shred your cabbage and carrots. This reduces prep time significantly and ensures you get consistent vegetable pieces. If you want a more budget-friendly option for protein, consider using a blend of ground pork and chicken or turkey. This allows you to enjoy the flavors while making it a bit lighter.

If you are unable to find sake or rice wine, don’t worry. You can substitute these with mirin, dry sherry, or simply leave it out entirely. This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Egg Roll in a Bowl is a fresh, flavorful adaptation of a beloved classic. Not only does it provide a lighter option packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, but it also brings the delightful flavors of traditional egg rolls to your table without the hassle of frying. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. Incorporate it into your meal rotation, and enjoy the compliments that come your way as everyone savor your delicious creation.