Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground chicken and turkey are excellent lean alternatives and work wonderfully in this recipe. Since they are leaner, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of sesame oil during cooking to prevent the mixture from drying out. Ground beef is also a viable option, offering a flavor profile closer to a deconstructed burger bowl, but still incredibly delicious. For a dedicated chicken version, check out our recipe here!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this Whole30 egg roll in a bowl is a fantastic choice for meal prep! It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for enjoyable leftovers throughout the week. For best results and to maintain optimal texture, it’s always a good idea to store the creamy chili sauce in a separate airtight container and add it just before serving.

Is rice wine vinegar Whole30-compliant?

Yes, plain, unseasoned rice wine vinegar is indeed Whole30 approved. The key is to avoid any “seasoned” varieties, which often contain hidden sugars or other non-compliant ingredients. Always double-check the ingredient list to ensure it simply states “rice wine vinegar” and nothing else.

My egg roll bowl turned out watery. What went wrong?

A watery egg roll bowl typically occurs when the coleslaw mix releases too much moisture during cooking. To remedy this, next time, increase the heat to medium-high during the final 2 minutes of cooking. This intense heat will help evaporate any excess liquid. Also, make sure not to cover the pan while the coleslaw is cooking; you want that moisture to escape, not steam the vegetables.

Can I make this without coconut aminos?

For strict Whole30 compliance, coconut aminos are your primary and only compliant option. However, if you are not following Whole30, tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or regular soy sauce can be used as perfect substitutes—just use about 2 tablespoons instead of 3, as they tend to be saltier. For a soy-free, non-Whole30 alternative, liquid aminos are another excellent choice.

How long does egg roll in a bowl last?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your egg roll in a bowl will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it ideal for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

How can I make this spicier?

For those who love a bit more heat, there are several ways to amp up the spice! You can add crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic during the initial sauté. Incorporate extra sriracha into both the stir-fry mixture and the creamy chili sauce. For a fresh kick, top your finished bowl with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños. And if you’re a serious heat seeker, stir a teaspoon of sambal oelek into the ground pork while it cooks for an intense spicy punch.

What can I serve with egg roll in a bowl?

While this dish is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, you can certainly pair it with other elements. For added volume and nutrients without extra carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice. If you’re not adhering to Whole30, a side of crispy baked egg roll wrappers offers a delightful textural contrast. A bowl of hot and sour soup makes a lovely accompaniment. For a fun, interactive meal, serve the mixture in crisp lettuce cups as wraps!

My sauce isn’t thick enough. How do I fix it?

The creamy chili sauce should have a rich, thick consistency, akin to an aioli, and definitely not runny. If yours is too thin, you might have used too much sriracha or hot sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste, gradually. Also, ensure you are using a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip or light mayo) as this provides the essential emulsification for the desired thick texture.

Can you freeze egg roll in a bowl?

The cooked egg roll mixture (the pork and vegetable base) freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of sesame oil to revive its freshness. However, we do not recommend freezing the creamy chili sauce. It’s so quick and easy to whip up fresh in just 2 minutes, and it tastes significantly better when made on demand!

Recipe By: Cheryl Malik

Rating: 4.98 from 321 votes

Healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl with Coleslaw Mix

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

This keto egg roll in a bowl recipe is loaded with perfectly seasoned ground pork, vibrant, crunchy coleslaw mix, and topped with an irresistibly creamy chili sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the bowl clean. It’s naturally Whole30, paleo, low carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a truly versatile and healthy dinner option for the whole family!

Author: Cheryl Malik

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large wooden spoon
• Small mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula
• 4 Serving bowls
• Sandwich-size plastic bag (optional, for piping sauce)
• Kitchen scissors (optional, for opening sauce bag)

Ingredients

For the Egg Roll in a Bowl

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Choose a rich, toasted sesame oil for authentic Asian flavor.
• 6 green onions: Sliced, with white and green parts separated for different stages of cooking and garnish.
• ½ cup diced red onion: Adds a sweet and pungent depth (optional, see Notes).
• 5 cloves garlic: Minced, providing essential aromatic notes.
• 1 pound ground pork: The star protein, offering a rich base.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a bright, spicy warmth.
• 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts: Chopped, for a delightful crunch (optional, see Notes).
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Or your preferred hot sauce, for a touch of heat and vibrant flavor (see Notes for Whole30 compliance).
• 1 14-ounce bag coleslaw mix: The convenient and crunchy vegetable base.
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos: A soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, adding umami depth (see Notes).
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Unseasoned, for a tangy balance (ensure Whole30 compliant, see Notes).
• ⅛-¼ teaspoon freshly cracked white pepper: Or black pepper, to taste, for a subtle spicy kick.
• Salt: To taste, balancing all the flavors.

For the Creamy Chili Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Store-bought or homemade (ensure Whole30 compliant, see Notes). Provides a creamy, rich base.
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha: Or hot sauce, adjusted to your preferred level of heat (see Notes).
• 1 large pinch salt: More or less to taste, to enhance the sauce’s flavor.

Suggested Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: The reserved green parts, for a fresh, vibrant topping.
• Black sesame seeds: For visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.

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Instructions

How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is warm, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly. Continue heating until the oil is hot and shimmering, indicating it’s ready for sautéing.
2. Add the white parts of the 6 green onions, ½ cup of diced red onion (if using), and 5 minced garlic cloves to the hot skillet. Stir frequently and sauté the aromatics until the red onions begin to soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. Once the onions are softened, add 1 pound of ground pork, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, the chopped 8-ounce can of water chestnuts (if you’re including them), and 1 tablespoon of sriracha (or hot sauce) to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the pork with your wooden spoon and stirring frequently, until the pork is thoroughly browned and crumbled. This process typically takes 7 to 10 minutes.
4. When the pork is fully cooked, incorporate the 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix, 3 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar, ⅛-¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked white pepper (adjust to your preference), and a pinch of salt into the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
5. Continue cooking the egg roll mixture, stirring regularly, until the cabbage in the coleslaw mix is tender-crisp but not mushy. This usually takes about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

For the Creamy Chili Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha (depending on your desired heat level), and 1 large pinch of salt. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set this delectable sauce aside.

To Serve

1. Divide the hot egg roll mixture evenly among 4 individual serving bowls.
2. For a professional touch, transfer the creamy chili sauce to a small sandwich-sized plastic bag. Snip off one tiny corner of the bag, creating a makeshift piping bag. Drizzle the chili sauce artfully over the top of each portion of egg roll mixture.
3. Generously sprinkle the reserved green parts of the sliced green onions over the chili sauce for freshness and color. If desired, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for an added visual appeal and nutty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, healthy egg roll in a bowl!

Recipe Notes and Variations

Sriracha (or Hot Sauce): For those strictly following a Whole30 program, it’s crucial to use a compliant sriracha or hot sauce. Many store-bought sriracha brands contain added sugar. Consider using a compliant hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot, or for a homemade touch, try my dedicated Whole30 sriracha recipe.

Mayonnaise: If opting for store-bought mayonnaise, ensure it is Whole30 compliant, meaning it’s made with compliant oils (like avocado oil) and no added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.

Water Chestnuts & Rice Wine Vinegar: When purchasing canned water chestnuts and rice wine vinegar, always check the labels carefully. Verify that there are no added sugars, preservatives, or other non-compliant ingredients to keep this recipe truly healthy and Whole30 friendly.

Make it Keto: To fully adapt this recipe for a ketogenic diet, use a keto-friendly hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot). Replace the coconut aminos with lite tamari or a similar keto-approved soy sauce alternative. It’s also advisable to omit the water chestnuts entirely. For an even lower net carb count, you can choose to omit the diced red onion, which shaves off approximately 1g of net carbs per serving.

Make it AIP (Autoimmune Protocol): For an AIP-compliant version, substitute the sriracha with a combination of grated fresh ginger and a generous squeeze of lime juice for flavor and zest. For the creamy sauce, replace the mayonnaise with coconut cream (the thick, solid part from a can of full-fat coconut milk). Additionally, ensure you omit the white pepper and any hot sauces that contain nightshades.

Make it Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by swapping the ground pork for 2 packages (approximately 16 ounces total) of extra-firm tofu, crumbled and pressed dry to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, you can use 2 cans of drained chickpeas, roughly mashed, for a different texture. Since plant-based proteins are leaner, add an extra tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet to prevent dryness and boost flavor.

Make it Vegan/Egg-Free: For a completely vegan or egg-free meal, start by skipping the ground pork. Instead, use 2 packages (16 ounces total) of extra-firm tofu, pressed, crumbled, and stir-fried until golden, or 2 cans of drained and roughly mashed chickpeas. If you typically top your egg roll bowl with a fried egg, substitute it with ½ block (7-8 ounces) of extra-firm tofu, pressed, cubed, and pan-fried until crispy for an additional protein boost. For the creamy chili sauce, ensure you use a vegan mayonnaise or swap the mayo for coconut cream (the solid white part from a can of full-fat coconut milk). Again, add an extra tablespoon of sesame oil to the main mixture for richness, as plant-based proteins tend to be leaner.

Water Chestnuts Substitute: If fresh or canned water chestnuts are hard to find, diced jicama makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar satisfying crunch. Another great option is diced celery, which can be added in the last 2 minutes of cooking to retain its crispness. Both options will help maintain that desired textural contrast in your bowl.

Coleslaw Alternatives: Don’t have a pre-packaged coleslaw mix on hand? No problem! Simply shred ½ head of green cabbage and 2 carrots yourself. This takes only about 5 extra minutes and often tastes even fresher. Broccoli slaw is another fantastic alternative, adding extra nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile that works beautifully.

Ground Meat Browning Tips: Regardless of the ground meat you choose (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef), avoid breaking it up too much while it cooks. You want some larger, irregular chunks in the mixture for varied texture, rather than a finely ground, sandy consistency. Aim for pieces roughly the size of crumbled feta cheese.

Batch Cooking Strategy: To make meal prep even more efficient, consider cooking a triple batch of the meat and vegetable mixture (the base without the sauce). Divide it into single-serving portions and freeze them. On busy nights, simply thaw a portion overnight in the fridge, reheat it in a skillet, and add a fresh batch of coleslaw mix (if desired, or mix with the already cooked veg from the freezer). Dinner will be ready in under 5 minutes!

Multiply the Sauce: This addictive creamy chili sauce recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled. Prepare a larger batch and store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to 10 days. This versatile sauce is incredible on everything from roasted Brussels sprouts to grilled shrimp—you’ll find endless uses for it!

Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving | Calories: 513 cal | Protein: 21 g | Fat: 42 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 0.03 g | Cholesterol: 88 mg | Sodium: 601 mg | Potassium: 602 mg | Total Carbs: 13 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g | Net Carbs: 10 g | Vitamin A: 305 IU | Vitamin C: 48 mg | Calcium: 82 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the exact weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the entire finished recipe (excluding the container’s weight), then divide that total weight by your desired number of servings. The result will be the precise weight of one serving.

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