Keto Egg Roll Bowl Turkey

The first time I made egg roll in a bowl, I was standing in my kitchen at 7pm on a Tuesday, craving takeout but not wanting to wait forty minutes for delivery or blow my entire weeks eating plan. I threw ground turkey into a hot skillet with whatever vegetables I had in the crisper drawer, mostly just a bag of shredded cabbage mix and some sad green onions. When that first hit of sesame oil hit the pan, my whole apartment suddenly smelled like my favorite Chinese restaurant, and I knew I was onto something.

Last month I served this to my skeptical friend who claimed she hated cabbage dishes, and she went back for thirds. Watching someone realize that low carb eating could actually taste this good reminded me why I started cooking this way in the first place.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey: Turkey has such a mild flavor that it becomes the perfect canvas for all these bold Asian seasonings without competing with them
• 4 cups coleslaw mix: This shortcut mix of shredded cabbage and carrots saves you tons of prep time while giving you that authentic egg roll crunch in every bite
• 4 green onions: These add a fresh sharp bite that cuts through the rich sesame oil and grounds the whole dish
• 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic is non negotiable here, nothing else gives you that aromatic base that makes your kitchen smell incredible
• 1 inch fresh ginger: The ginger provides this warm zing that makes the dish taste authentic rather than like a quick stir fry substitute
• 2 tbsp sesame oil: Use half for cooking and save half to finish, because that final drizzle is what makes the flavors sing
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: This is your salt and umami all in one, so taste before you add more
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Just enough brightness to balance the rich sesame oil and salty soy sauce

Instructions

Heat the pan:

Warm one tablespoon of sesame oil in your largest skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers

Brown the turkey:

Add the ground turkey and break it up with your spatula, letting it get nicely browned all over which takes about five to six minutes

Add aromatics:

Toss in the garlic, ginger, and half the green onions, stirring constantly for just one minute until the smell becomes incredibly fragrant

Cook the vegetables:

Dump in the coleslaw mix and stir fry for three to four minutes, keeping the vegetables tender crisp rather than soft

Season everything:

Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, drizzle with the remaining sesame oil, and toss until everything is well coated and hot

Finish and serve:

Taste the dish first before adding any extra salt, then garnish with sesame seeds and remaining green onions if you like

Save

This has become my go to meal when friends announce they are dropping by unexpectedly because it looks impressive but comes together so fast that nobody realizes I started cooking ten minutes before they arrived.

Making It Spicy

Sometimes I add sriracha or red pepper flakes right in with the garlic and ginger, which transforms this into a completely different dinner. The heat sneaks up on you beautifully against the cool crisp vegetables.

Protein Variations

Ground chicken works exactly the same way if that is what you have on hand, though I find turkey browns a little more nicely. Ground pork adds extra richness that some people actually prefer over the leaner turkey option.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower rice is the obvious pairing, but I have also served this over zucchini noodles or just eaten it straight from the bowl as a complete meal on busy nights.

• Top with a fried egg for breakfast the next morning
• Crumble cooked bacon over the top for extra savory richness
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days

Save

This recipe converted me from someone who thought low carb meals had to be boring into someone who actually looks forward to dinner time again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use ground pork or chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground pork, chicken, or even crumbled sausage work beautifully in this dish. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the fat content of your chosen protein.

→ What vegetables can I add beyond the coleslaw mix?

Try bell peppers, snap peas, water chestnuts, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Add heartier vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower earlier to ensure they cook through properly.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between heats for even warming.

→ Can I make this soy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce—they provide a similar savory, slightly sweet flavor profile without any soy content.

→ What can I serve alongside this bowl?

Cauliflower rice keeps it low-carb, or pair with steamed jasmine rice for non-keto eaters. It also works well wrapped in butter lettuce cups for a fresh, light meal.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The base version is mild and family-friendly. Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies to customize the heat level to your preference.