If you are craving all the deliciousness of a classic egg roll without the tedious rolling or frying, this Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is your new go-to dinner. It brings together lean ground turkey, vibrant coleslaw mix, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that mimics those iconic egg roll flavors—all cooked quickly in one pan. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly healthy, satisfying your cravings with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet full of flavor is what makes this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture, moisture, and that mouthwatering egg roll taste you adore.
- 1 pound ground turkey, extra lean: This is our protein hero, providing a light, savory base without the heaviness of traditional pork.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced: Garlic injects that irresistible aromatic punch we all love in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 2 tablespoons oil, for frying, divided: Essential for sautéing the ingredients to golden perfection and preventing sticking.
- 21 ounces coleslaw mix (about 1.5 bags): A colorful combo of shredded cabbage and carrots that provides crunch and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory and tangy notes with a subtle caramel sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds bright acidity which keeps the dish light and vibrant.
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely chopped: A fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color for garnishing.
How to Make Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Turkey
Begin by heating a large ceramic skillet over medium heat and swirling in 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the pan evenly. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and then add the ground turkey. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces with your spatula. This step is where the turkey browns and the onion softens, setting the stage for that giant flavor boost.
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix
Once your turkey is cooked through and the onion is tender, stir in the colorful coleslaw mix. Let it cook for just 1 to 2 minutes so it stays crisp-tender, adding a wonderful texture contrast to the dish. This quick cooking method preserves the vegetables’ brightness while blending their natural sweetness with the savory turkey.
Step 3: Season and Stir-Fry
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, then drizzle the soy sauce and rice vinegar over the mixture. Stir everything well to combine, and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This stage is where the magic happens—the flavors meld into a rich, tangy, savory sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and toss in the finely chopped green onions. Their fresh crunch and mild bite provide an excellent finishing touch. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions already add a lovely pop of freshness, you can kick it up a notch by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo over the top. A few fresh cilantro leaves are also fantastic if you like that herbaceous zing to brighten every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. A side of edamame or a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar can add extra freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up for company or meal prep, serve the turkey egg roll mixture in crispy lettuce cups for a handheld bite that’s fun to eat. You can also layer it over rice noodles or spiralized veggies to transform this quick recipe into a gorgeous bowl meal with different textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the next day’s meal even tastier.
Freezing
This Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly and will give you a similar light flavor while keeping the protein content high.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari to keep all the flavors intact without gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Substitute the ground turkey with tofu crumbles or your favorite plant-based protein and follow the same steps for a delicious vegetarian version.
What is the best way to chop the vegetables quickly?
Using a food processor with a slicing attachment or buying pre-shredded coleslaw mix can save time and effort without sacrificing freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to the bowl?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking and boost the veggie content.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without demanding a ton of time or cleanup. Its bright, savory, and slightly sweet flavors will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, crisp coleslaw vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect protein-packed dinner that captures the essence of an egg roll without the wrapper.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 21 ounces coleslaw mix (approximately 1.5 bags)
- 1/3 cup green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and cook aromatics and turkey: Preheat a large ceramic skillet on medium heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the surface. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground turkey to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces and stirring frequently, until the turkey is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
- Add the coleslaw mix: Incorporate the 21 ounces of coleslaw mix into the skillet with the cooked turkey mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables while keeping their crunch.
- Season and stir fry: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the mixture, then drizzle 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar on top. Stir everything together and continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce. Stir frequently during this step.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with the finely chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground turkey for a healthier option and less grease.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity for desired saltiness or substitute with a gluten-free tamari if needed.
- Add a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional depth and spice.
- This dish is excellent served over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Low Fat