Delicious Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl: Easy, Healthy & Flavorful Plant-Based Meal
Experience the satisfying flavors of your favorite takeout in a healthier, deconstructed format. This Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl is a vibrant, plant-based twist on a classic, featuring crisp cabbage and carrots stir-fried in aromatic sesame oil, complemented by perfectly crispy sesame tempeh. It’s an incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful meal that brings comfort and nutrition together in one delicious bowl.
Growing up, takeout nights were a cherished tradition in my family. There was a particular Chinese restaurant just down the street that held a special place in our hearts. My dad and I were regulars, so much so that the staff knew us by name, greeting us with warm smiles as we arrived to collect our overflowing bag of Chinese takeout boxes, a generous supply of sweet & sour sauce, and, of course, the ever-anticipated fortune cookies.
Among our usual orders, the classic egg rolls were a non-negotiable starter. They were truly incredible—a golden-fried, wonderfully crispy exterior giving way to a piping hot, savory filling teeming with perfectly cooked cabbage and carrots. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite was always pure bliss. Those memories of shared meals and delicious flavors are something I carry with me to this day.
Lately, I’ve been pondering a question: What if we reimagined those beloved egg rolls? What if we made them entirely vegan and transformed them into a convenient, deconstructed bowl? The idea sparked a culinary adventure, leading to this delightful creation that captures all the essence of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper or the deep-frying.
This Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl is truly an egg roll inside out, offering all the familiar flavors and textures in a healthier, plant-forward format. It’s crafted with a harmonious blend of shredded green cabbage and carrots, expertly stir-fried to tender-crisp perfection in rich black sesame oil, and generously topped with savory, crispy sesame tempeh. It’s a meal that celebrates fresh vegetables and plant-based protein, proving that wholesome eating can be incredibly satisfying and reminiscent of your favorite comfort foods.
You are going to absolutely adore this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a delicious spin-off of classic egg rolls, perfectly suited for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or any time you’re craving a taste of Asian-inspired cuisine in a wholesome, bowl-friendly format. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!
Crafting the Perfect Sesame Tempeh: Ingredients & Flavor Profile
The star of this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl, alongside the vibrant vegetables, is undoubtedly the crispy sesame tempeh. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, offers a fantastic plant-based protein source with a firm texture that absorbs marinades beautifully. Here’s a simple yet powerful list of ingredients you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful sesame tempeh:
- Tamari Lite or Coconut Aminos: These provide the savory, umami base, mimicking the depth often found in traditional Asian sauces. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, while coconut aminos are soy-free and offer a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. Choose based on your dietary needs and preference.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tang and acidity, balancing the richness of the other ingredients and brightening the overall flavor.
- Pure Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that introduces a subtle sweetness, helping to caramelize the tempeh and providing a delightful contrast to the savory notes.
- Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil: This is a crucial ingredient for its distinctive nutty, earthy flavor and aroma. It infuses the tempeh with an authentic Asian essence. We’ll delve deeper into this incredible oil shortly.
- Tempeh: A single 8-oz package, crumbled. Crumbling allows for maximum surface area to absorb the marinade and achieve that desirable crispy texture.
With just these few ingredients, you’ll unlock a world of flavor that elevates your tempeh from good to extraordinary. The marinade works wonders, transforming plain tempeh into a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic component that perfectly complements the egg roll bowl.
Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil: A Culinary Game-Changer
This particular recipe was inspired by and developed around the exquisite Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil. This isn’t just any sesame oil; it’s a premium, unrefined oil, traditionally pressed to preserve its natural nutrients and robust flavor. What sets it apart is its deeply nutty, slightly smoky character, which is far more pronounced and complex than lighter sesame oils.
It’s a truly versatile oil, making it a delicious addition to both raw and cooked dishes. In this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl, its unique flavor profile shines through. I’ve found it indispensable for adding a remarkable depth and warmth that ties all the ingredients together. It’s used twice in this recipe – first in the tempeh marinade, where it infuses every crumble with its rich essence, and then again in the stir-fry, where it coats the vegetables, imparting a beautiful sheen and an irresistible aroma. The nutty notes of the black sesame oil create a truly authentic Asian-inspired taste that will transport your senses with every bite.
To prepare the sesame tempeh, simply combine the Tamari Lite or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil in a medium bowl. Add the roughly crumbled tempeh and toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20-60 minutes. This marinating step is key to allowing the tempeh to soak up all those incredible flavors, making it juicy and savory before it even hits the pan.
The Essential Egg Roll Bowl Sauce: Simple Yet Flavorful
While your tempeh is busy absorbing all those delicious marinade flavors in the fridge, you can effortlessly prepare the accompanying sauce and chop your vegetables. This sauce is designed to be incredibly simple but delivers a punch of classic egg roll flavor, tying the entire bowl together with its savory and aromatic profile.
Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy sauce:
- Tamari Lite or Coconut Aminos: Again, providing the foundational umami and saltiness for our Asian-inspired sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Essential for adding that bright, acidic counterpoint that lifts all the flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat.
- Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that offers a consistent, mellow garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic mincing.
- Ground Ginger: Imparts a warm, subtly spicy, and aromatic note that is characteristic of many classic egg roll fillings.
That’s truly it! Just four common ingredients combine to create a deeply flavorful sauce that will coat your stir-fried vegetables and tempeh, bringing the authentic taste of an egg roll directly to your bowl. This pre-mixed sauce also saves you time during the stir-frying process, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Achieving Crispy Sesame Tempeh: Step-by-Step Perfection
Now that your tempeh is beautifully marinated and your sauce is ready, let’s bring it all together. Achieving wonderfully crispy tempeh is key to the success of this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender-crisp vegetables.
First, prepare your pre-mixed sauce: In a medium bowl, simply whisk together the Tamari Lite or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Set this aside, as it will be added to the stir-fry later.
Once your tempeh has finished marinating, heat 1/2 tablespoon of Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The sesame oil adds another layer of nutty flavor and helps achieve that golden crisp. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the marinated tempeh to the skillet. Spread it out as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
Cook the tempeh for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to allow the tempeh to brown and crisp on all sides, developing a rich, caramelized crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but don’t be afraid to let it get nicely golden. Once the tempeh reaches your desired level of crispiness, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. It’s important to remove it from the pan before cooking the vegetables to maintain its crisp texture and prevent it from becoming soggy when mixed with the saucy vegetables.
Crafting the “Egg Roll” Filling: The Vegetable Powerhouse
With the crispy tempeh prepared and set aside, it’s time to focus on the vibrant, veg-forward core of our “egg roll” filling. This is where the magic of deconstruction truly happens, transforming simple vegetables into a hearty and flavorful base that echoes the beloved classic. The beauty of this bowl lies in its fresh ingredients and quick cooking time.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and nutritious Vegan Egg Roll Bowl filling:
- Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil: Used again for stir-frying, it infuses the vegetables with its distinctive nutty aroma and rich flavor, enhancing the overall Asian profile. Dividing the oil ensures optimal flavor at each stage of cooking.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base note when sautéed, becoming fragrant and translucent. It’s a fundamental aromatic in many stir-fries.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of natural sweetness, a vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch to the filling. They are packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Green Cabbage: The quintessential ingredient in any egg roll, shredded green cabbage cooks down to a tender-crisp texture while retaining a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. It’s also incredibly nutritious and filling.
- Green Onion (Scallions): The white and light green parts are diced and cooked with the other vegetables for a mild onion flavor, while the green tops are reserved for garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
That’s all it takes to build a robust and flavorful vegetable base for your deconstructed egg roll. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the authentic taste and satisfying texture of this plant-based delight.
Bringing it All Together: How to Make the Vegan Egg Roll Filling
With your ingredients prepped and your crispy tempeh waiting, it’s time to create the heart of your Vegan Egg Roll Bowl. The process is quick and efficient, allowing you to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time.
Using the same skillet you used for the tempeh (which helps capture any residual flavors), add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil. Reduce the heat to medium. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped yellow onion and shredded carrots. Sauté these vegetables for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become fragrant and translucent, typically about 2-3 minutes. This step softens the harder vegetables and allows their natural sweetness to develop.
Next, introduce the shredded green cabbage and the diced white and light green parts of the green onion to the skillet. Continue to sauté for about 6-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. You want it cooked through but still retaining a pleasant bite – this texture is crucial for mimicking the inside of a perfect egg roll. Avoid overcooking, as soggy cabbage can detract from the overall experience.
Once your vegetables are perfectly tender-crisp, pour in the pre-mixed egg roll bowl sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly for about 2 more minutes, ensuring that all the vegetables are beautifully coated in the flavorful sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the vegetables, creating a cohesive and aromatic mixture.
Finally, return the crispy tempeh to the skillet. Stir it into the vegetable and sauce mixture, heating for just another minute or so until everything is warm and well-combined. This last step ensures that the tempeh regains its warmth and integrates seamlessly with the other flavors, while still retaining its delightful crispness.
Serving Your Delicious Vegan Egg Roll Bowl: Tips and Variations
Your magnificent Vegan Egg Roll Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is a fantastic plant-based dinner option, perfect for those nights when you’re craving the comforting flavors of takeout but desire a healthier, homemade alternative. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for various customizations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
To make the bowl more substantial and a complete meal, I highly recommend serving it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Other excellent grain choices include quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The grains absorb the savory sauce beautifully, making each spoonful utterly satisfying.
For garnishes, I love topping mine with freshly chopped green onion (the vibrant green parts) and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. These additions not only add a pop of color but also enhance the fresh, nutty flavors. Don’t hesitate to get creative with other toppings! Consider adding a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick, a spoonful of kimchi for fermented tang, or even some crushed seaweed crisps or crispy wonton strips for an extra layer of crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add a bright, zesty finish.
This Vegan Egg Roll Bowl is also fantastic for meal prepping. You can easily double the recipe and portion it into airtight containers for quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or a touch more tamari if needed to refresh the flavors.
Enjoy every delightful spoonful of this wholesome and incredibly flavorful Vegan Egg Roll Bowl!
More Asian-Inspired Dishes to Explore
If you loved this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl and are eager for more vibrant, Asian-inspired plant-based meals, you’re in luck! Here are some other delicious recipes from Flora & Vino that you’re sure to enjoy, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:
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Sesame Shiitake & Broccoli Stir-Fry
-
Forbidden Fried Rice
-
Vegetable Quinoa Fried Rice With Edamame
-
SunButter Quinoa Fried Rice
-
Rainbow Rice Noodle Bowls With Miso Tahini Dressing
-
Sweet Potato & Forbidden Rice Power Bowls
I Want to Hear From You!
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and truly inspires me to keep creating delicious plant-based recipes. If you make this Vegan Egg Roll Bowl recipe, please let me know your thoughts! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, any modifications you made, or what you loved most about it.
Be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can use your feedback to refine my recipes and create even more amazing “yums” for you to enjoy. Your insights help guide future creations and ensure I’m serving up the content you truly crave.
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XO Lauren
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Vegan Egg Roll Bowl
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Author: Flora & Vino
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 3-4 servings
Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl is a delicious and healthy plant-based interpretation of the classic egg roll. It features a vibrant stir-fry of shredded cabbage and carrots cooked in aromatic black sesame oil, paired with savory, crispy sesame tempeh. All the incredible flavors you love from an egg roll, deconstructed and served in a convenient bowl for an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Sesame Tempeh
- 2 TBSP Tamari Lite or coconut aminos
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 TBSP pure maple syrup
- ½ TBSP Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil
- 1 8-oz. package tempeh, roughly crumbled
Sauce
- 2 TBSP Tamari Lite or coconut aminos
- ½ tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Vegan Egg Roll Bowl Filling
- 1 TBSP Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil (divided)
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- 1 spring onion, diced (white and light green parts only)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Spring onion (green parts only), chopped
- Sesame seeds (black or white)
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- Crispy wonton strips or seaweed crisps
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Tempeh: In a medium bowl, combine the Tamari Lite or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and ½ TBSP of Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil. Add the roughly crumbled tempeh and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20-60 minutes to allow the tempeh to fully absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the tempeh marinates, prepare your stir-fry sauce. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 TBSP Tamari Lite or coconut aminos, ½ tsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Crispy Tempeh: When the tempeh is done marinating, heat the remaining ½ TBSP of Eden Foods Black Sesame Oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated tempeh. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tempeh is browned and crispy on all sides. Transfer the cooked tempeh to a plate and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are fragrant and translucent, and the carrots begin to soften. Next, add the shredded green cabbage and the diced white/light green parts of the spring onion. Continue to sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Pour the prepared egg roll bowl sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together until the vegetables are well-coated and the sauce has slightly thickened, about 2 more minutes. Finally, return the crispy tempeh to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat for another minute or until everything is thoroughly warm and integrated.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the egg roll bowl mixture into serving bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes such as chopped green spring onion, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha, or crispy wonton strips. Serve immediately, perhaps over rice or your preferred grain, and enjoy!
- Store Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Ambitious Kitchen
For an even richer flavor, you can press the tempeh before marinating to remove excess moisture. This helps it absorb more marinade and become crispier.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize your bowl. Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner, Entree
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Asian-Inspired
This post is proudly brought to you by Eden Foods. All opinions, words, and culinary adventures are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that enable me to continue sharing delicious, plant-based recipes and keep me inspired in the kitchen!