No one can deny that egg rolls are delicious. However, traditional egg rolls at most Chinese restaurants are off-limits on a keto diet because they contain a fried pastry shell, which contains gluten and more carbs than you need for the day!
You could always eat the insides only out of the egg roll or you could make your own at home and save yourself the trouble.
My keto egg roll in a bowl recipe takes all the good ingredients out of an egg roll and serves them in the convenience of a bowl. You won’t get messy eating it and you can control your ingredients!
Pork is a good source of fats to help fuel your ketogenic diet while providing virtually no carbs. A 100-gram serving of this lean ground meat contains 297 calories, 20 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs, and 25.69 grams of protein (1).
It also contains 21 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, various B vitamins, selenium, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium.
Be sure to go with a brand of ground pork that is organic and free from hormones, antibiotics, nitrates, and harmful preservatives. Your butcher should have a fresh cut. You can also use ground beef too (see my beef crack slaw recipe).
This recipe also calls for cabbage and bell peppers. Cabbage has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties to help boost immunity and fight infections (2).
Research shows that cabbage can also be used to help treat stomach ulcers. It’s a good source of glutamine and sulforaphanes, which are likely responsible for the plant’s healing properties. Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are also known for their ability to help fight cancer (3).
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, which contains antioxidant abilities in the body to help fight the common cold (4). They also supply fiber, which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
In place of sugary sauce, my recipe calls for keto-friendly coconut aminos, vinegar, sesame oil, and various herbs and spices as natural flavoring agents.
Stay in tonight and avoid the take out by making these pork egg rolls in a bowl!
How to Make Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl with Pork
Prep the vegetables by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and cabbage. Some people might buy store-bought coleslaw mix package (usually contains carrot) to save time, but make sure to check if there’s any non-keto ingredients in there.
Add olive oil or sesame oil to a wok or pan. I prefer the toasted sesame oil because it adds a unique flavor to Asian dishes. Brown the pork on medium heat. You can use ground beef, ground chicken or ground turkey instead of pork if you prefer. Then, add the minced garlic, chili flakes (red pepper flakes), and ground ginger (or minced fresh ginger). Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the vinegar and coconut aminos into the pan and stir for three minutes or until the meat is cooked all the way through. Some people might use low sodium soy sauce, but coconut aminos is a better keto option.
Add the chopped veggies to the pan and stir fry together. Stir and cook until the veggies are soft but not too soft. You may need to add some water or bone broth if the mixture is too dry to avoid burning. Don’t cook too long, we want the vegetables crunchy. You can add a teaspoon of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar in for a hint of sour taste too, but it’s optional.
Serve in a bowl with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions and coriander. If you like it spicy, add some chili sauce.
Similar recipes you can try:
- Ginger Pork and Cabbage Dumplings
- Creamy Green Cabbage with Sausage
- Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
- Keto Lasagna Cabbage Rolls
- Keto Thai Basil Pork Stir Fry
Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil for frying
- ½ lb ground pork or turkey, chicken, or beef
Vegetable Mix
- 2 ½ cup cabbage shredded
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 onion small, chopped into slivers
Seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- ½ tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup bone broth if needed
Topping/Garnishing
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- green onion/ coriander chopped optional
Instructions
- Peel and chop the onion. Slice the bell pepper into ribbons and chop the cabbage leaves into fine pieces.
- Heat the sesame oil (or olive oil) in a wok or a large frying pan if a wok is unavailable. Fry the ground pork in the heated oil on medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, chili flakes, and ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger). Adjust the taste with some salt and pepper. Gently pour vinegar and coconut aminos into the pan. Keep stirring for 3 minutes to separate the pork pieces apart and cook the meat faster.
- Throw all of the chopped veggies into the cooked meat. Fold altogether to mix. Stir continuously to season the veggies and to brown the veggies a bit. If it seems too dry, add some bone broth (or water) and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes. Don't overcook the veggies, otherwise they will become too soft and soggy. You want a little bit of crunchiness.
- Top with the toasted sesame seeds. Add more salt and black pepper as necessary. Turn off the heat so as not to overcook the vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onion or coriander. Serve in a bowl.
Video
Notes
Nutrition/Macros
FAQ and Cooking Tips
Do egg rolls have a lot of carbs?
Yes, traditional egg rolls, primarily due to their wrappers, are relatively high in carbs and is not be suitable for low-carb diets. This is why you should consider alternatives like my egg roll recipe that captures the filling’s flavors without the wrapper.
How to store leftover egg roll in a bowl
To store leftover egg roll in a bowl, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 3 days for the best quality and freshness.
How to reheat egg roll in a bowl
To reheat egg roll in a bowl, place the mixture in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry. I wouldn’t recommend using a microwave because it can make the dish soggy.
Can you substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce. Coconut aminos is a gluten-free, low carb and soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter flavor, making it suitable for those with soy allergies or those following a gluten-free, keto or paleo diet.
