
This hearty egg roll in a bowl has become my weeknight dinner savior when cravings for Chinese takeout hit but I want to keep things low-carb. All the delicious flavors of an egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper means you can enjoy this comfort food regularly without the guilt.
I first created this recipe when trying to satisfy my Chinese food cravings while sticking to a lower carb eating plan. Now my family requests it weekly as our healthy alternative to takeout that doesn't sacrifice any of the flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground sausage provides rich flavor and satisfying protein to make this dish filling
- Coleslaw mix saves tremendous prep time while delivering the classic egg roll vegetable blend
- Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos adds that umami flavor essential to authentic Asian dishes
- Fresh ginger brings warming aromatic notes that make this dish sing
- Garlic powder adds depth without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic
- Green onions provide fresh flavor and attractive garnish for serving
- Optional red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage
- Begin by cooking your ground sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while cooking until it is completely browned and cooked through with no pink remaining about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Add the coleslaw mix directly to the pan with the cooked sausage. Immediately sprinkle in the garlic powder and ginger. Pour the soy sauce over everything and stir well to combine all ingredients ensuring the cabbage begins to wilt slightly but maintains some crunch.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once everything is heated through and the cabbage has softened slightly about 3 to 5 minutes turn off the heat. Sprinkle the green onions over the top and add an extra drizzle of soy sauce or coconut aminos for extra flavor. If using red pepper flakes add them now according to your spice preference.

The coleslaw mix is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered through much trial and error that the pre shredded mix provides the perfect balance of cabbage and carrots while saving precious time on busy weeknights when my family is hungry and impatient.
Smart Substitutions
The beauty of this egg roll in a bowl lies in its flexibility. Ground chicken turkey or beef work wonderfully in place of sausage though you might want to add a touch more seasoning since sausage brings its own flavor profile. For vegetarians crumbled firm tofu or tempeh makes an excellent protein substitute just be sure to really crisp it up in the pan first.
Serving Suggestions
While perfectly delicious on its own I often serve this egg roll in a bowl over a small portion of cauliflower rice for an even more substantial meal. For family members not following low carb eating regular rice works too. A drizzle of sweet chili sauce or a side of kimchi adds wonderful contrast and brightness to the rich savory flavors of the dish.
Storage Tips
This egg roll in a bowl keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days making it ideal for meal prep. Store in airtight containers and reheat in the microwave for about 90 seconds or in a skillet for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator. I do not recommend freezing as the cabbage texture can become somewhat compromised when thawed.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different ground meat instead of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, beef, or pork can be substituted for the sausage. If using a leaner meat, you might want to add 1-2 teaspoons of oil and additional seasonings to compensate for the reduced fat and flavor.
- → How can I make this dish more spicy?
Add the optional red pepper flakes as noted in the ingredients. You could also incorporate sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.
- → What can I serve with this egg roll bowl?
While this dish works perfectly as a standalone meal, you could serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or regular rice if carbs aren't a concern. A side of steamed broccoli or edamame would also complement it well.
- → How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results, or microwave until heated through.
- → Is coconut aminos significantly different from soy sauce?
Coconut aminos has a slightly sweeter flavor than soy sauce and contains significantly less sodium. It's also soy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or shredded carrots would all work well. Just be aware that adding starchy vegetables will increase the carb count.