What if you could take all the deliciousness of an egg roll and transform it into a deconstructed, plant-based dish that’s easy to make, wholesome, and perfect for any meal? Enter the “Egg Roll in a Bowl,” a dish that brings the essence of the classic appetizer into a healthier, simpler form.
What is Egg Roll in a Bowl?
Egg Roll in a Bowl is essentially a stir-fry dish inspired by the flavors and textures of a traditional egg roll filling. Instead of wrapping the ingredients in a crispy shell, they’re served in a bowl, making it a lighter and more accessible option.
All of the ingredients are delicious raw so you can cook it very little if you enjoy crunchier veggies or cook everything down if you like a soft consistency. If you are avoiding salt, you can reduce the soy sauce or use lower sodium alternatives for this dish.
The Core Ingredients of a Plant-Based Egg Roll in a Bowl
To create a plant-based version of Egg Roll in a Bowl, we turn to a medley of fresh, flavorful, and satisfying ingredients. Here’s what makes up the foundation of this dish:
- Vegetables:
- Cole Slaw Mix: Look for about 15 ounces. It can be just cabbage or the cabbage and carrot mix. It can have different colors, but the purple cabbage isn’t as pretty after it cooks down.
- Carrots: Chopped to add sweetness and a pop of color.
- Onions: Diced yellow onion for flavor and green onion for garnish.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for authentic, bold flavors.
- Seasonings and Sauces:
- Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds salty, umami goodness.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil elevates the dish with a nutty aroma.
- Sriracha: For those who like a spicy kick.
- Crunchy Toppings:
- Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds color and flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: For added texture and nuttiness.
- Wonton: Optional but delightful for those seeking a hint of crunch.
Choosing Soy Sauce Alternatives
Choosing the right seasoning can elevate your Egg Roll in a Bowl. Here’s a quick comparison of some popular soy sauce alternatives:
- Soy Sauce:
- Flavor: Rich, salty, and umami-packed.
- Best Use: A classic choice for stir-fries and marinades.
- Dietary Notes: Contains wheat (unless labeled gluten-free).
- Tamari:
- Flavor: Similar to soy sauce but less salty and slightly smoother.
- Best Use: Ideal for those avoiding gluten.
- Dietary Notes: Typically gluten-free (check the label).
- Bragg’s Liquid Aminos:
- Flavor: Mildly salty with a slight sweetness.
- Best Use: A versatile option for salads, sautés, and as a table condiment.
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-free and soy-based.
- Coconut Aminos:
- Flavor: Slightly sweet and less salty than soy sauce.
- Best Use: A soy-free option great for stir-fries and dipping sauces.
- Dietary Notes: Soy-free and gluten-free.
Each of these options brings unique qualities to the dish, so choose one based on your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
How to Make Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 package coleslaw mix (I’ve used multiple kinds and size, look for about 15ish ounces, it can be just cabbage or the cabbage and carrot mix. It can have different colors of cabbage but the purple cabbage isn’t as pretty after it cooks down.)
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari or Braggs Liquid Aminos)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger (started out about an inch of fresh ginger) more or less to taste
- Green Onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Optional ingredients (not to include in photos but do include in write up)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- (optional wonton strips)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook Diced Onion
Add diced onion to a large skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onions begin to sizzle.
Step 2 – Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and stir. If onions and garlic begin to stick, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the skillet and stir to loosen them. Cook for a few minutes.
Step 3 – Add Celery and Carrots
Add the celery and carrots together, stir well and cover with the lid.
Step 4 – Mix Sauce
While these ingredients cook, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger together and set aside.
Step 5 – Add Coleslaw Mix
Once the veggies begin to soften, add the whole bag of coleslaw mix, pour the sauce over and give it a good stir. Then cover.
Step 6 – Cook
Cook until the veggies, including the cabbage, are cooked until you desire consistency.
Step 7 – Serve
Serve as a main dish or a side to your favorite Asian dish, garnish it with green onions.
Optional: Cut 10 wonton wrappers into 4 strips, put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper, brush with a little coconut aminos or soy sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
Plant-based Egg Roll in a Bowl is the ultimate combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish delivers every time. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and endless adaptability, it’s a meal that feels indulgent while nourishing your body.
So, next time you’re craving the savory satisfaction of an egg roll but want something lighter, healthier, and entirely plant-based, give this Egg Roll in a Bowl a try.
More Plant Based Meals
If you like this recipe, you’ll love these plant based meals too:
- Easy Ramen Stir Fry
- Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Curry
- Best Taco Soup
- Vegan Pad Thai in Less Than 30 Minutes
- Chana Masala
Egg Roll in a Bowl

Discover the flavors of plant-based Egg Roll in a Bowl: a quick dish packed with veggies and bold seasonings. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 package coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce (or Tamari or Braggs Liquid Aminos)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger (started out about an inch of fresh ginger) more or less to taste
- Green Onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- wonton strips
Instructions
- Add diced onion to a large skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onions begin to sizzle.
- Add minced garlic and stir. If onions and garlic begin to stick, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the skillet and stir to loosen them. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add the celery and carrots together, stir well and cover with the lid.
- While these ingredients cook, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger together and set aside.
- Once the veggies begin to soften, add the whole bag of coleslaw mix, pour the sauce over and give it a good stir. Then cover.
- Cook until the veggies, including the cabbage, are cooked until you desire consistency.
- Serve as a main dish or a side to your favorite Asian dish, garnish it with green onions.
Notes
Optional: Cut 10 wonton wrappers into 4 strips, put them on a baking sheet with parchment paper, brush with a little coconut aminos or soy sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes.