Vegan Egg Roll Bowl Recipe (2024)

This Vegan Egg Roll Bowl is not only delicious but also quick and easy to whip up. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of an egg roll in a bowl without the fuss of wrapping. Plus, it's packed with plant-based goodness and can be topped with crispy egg wrapper strips to round out the egg roll experience.

Egg rolls are those crispy ambassadors of American Chinese cuisine. But with this bowl, the veggie-packed, flavor-rich goodness that usually hides inside an egg roll is now on fluffy rice. And for a twist, you can crown this bowl with strips of baked vegan egg wrappers, bringing a touch of that signature crispiness to the mix.

Both my husband and I work at home, and this is one of those recipes that we turn to for a fast lunchtime meal. We often have rice prepared, so all we need to do is bake the tofu and assemble the mixture in a pan. But if needed, you can also meal prep the whole recipe to keep handy for planning your week along with Healthy Red Lentil Soup and Vegan Chickpea Salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• You can enjoy all the flavors of traditional egg rolls without the deep frying, making this bowl a healthier, yet still delicious, option. Reduce the amount of sesame oil for an even healthier meal.
• It is easy to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights or afternoons when you want something tasty but don't have a lot of time.
• You can customize the bowl with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand, making it a great recipe for using up leftovers.
• This recipe is loaded with vegetables, making it a tasty and nutrient-dense meal that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• The vegan egg roll bowl is ideal for meal prepping. It's easy to make in large batches, delicious even when reheated and will save you time throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here are the building blocks and any necessary notes for this delicious dish. See the recipe card for quantity details.

• rice - White, brown, or whatever rice you prefer. I like to serve it with medium-grain white or brown rice.
• tofu- If you're not into tofu, try tempeh or seitan.
• sesame oil- It adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive or vegetable oil, but sesame is ideal for authenticity and best flavor.
• garlic cloves - Because garlic makes everything better.
• ginger - Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• red bell pepper - This adds a burst of color to the dish.
• coleslaw mix - I buy an 8-ounce bag for convenience. You can also make 4-5 cups worth of a mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.
• soy sauce - Opt for a low-sodium version if you prefer. Substitute with tamari or liquid aminos for gluten-free.
• hoisin sauce - This is a sweet and salty staple in Asian cuisine. Check the label to ensure it’s vegan, as some brands contain fish sauce or other animal products.
• rice vinegar - This adds a tangy touch so don't skip.
• sriracha (optional) - For a spicy kick.
• green onions - For a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• toasted sesame seeds or/and salted peanuts for garnish
• vegan wonton egg wrappers - (optional for a crunchy bite) I use the Nasoya brand, which is vegan, but there are other great brands to choose from. They are located in the same refrigerated area as tofu in most grocery stores.

Instructions:

Watch the ingredients transform in this section for those who like visuals. See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

Cook your preferred rice as per package instructions.

Remove excess water and tear the tofu into chunks. Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes without preheating. See the tips below for alternatives.

Heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 1 minute.

Add sliced red bell peppers to the pan and sauté 2-3 minutes until slightly soft.

Stir in coleslaw mix, and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crunchy.

Add air-fried tofu, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well.

Stir in green onions, and add sriracha for heat if desired.

Spoon rice into bowls and top with tofu mixture. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, salted peanuts, and extra green onions. Optionally, drizzle with more sesame oil or add crispy wrapper strips (see below for instructions).

(Optional) How to Make Crispy Wrapper Strips

Egg roll wrapper strips are a completely optional topping, but they add a delightful crunch and texture reminiscent of the traditional egg roll experience. They really round out the idea of a deconstructed traditional egg roll. Here are the simple steps to make them:

Preheat Air Fryer or Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut the vegan egg roll wrappers into thin strips or small squares, depending on your preference. Strips can offer a more "noodly" texture, while squares can be more like croutons. Sprinkle some salt or seasoning if using.

Spread the cut wrappers on a baking sheet or in an air fryer in 'mostly' a single layer. They don't need to lay flat, but try to spread them apart as much as possible. I like to leave them curled sometimes for a nice visual effect.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the wrappers turn golden brown and crispy. If using an air fryer, bake for about 3-4 minutes. Watch them carefully as ovens and air fryers vary, and they can crisp up quickly. I've got a few servings of these crispy relics in the trash right now to prove it. In case you were wondering, there is no need to flip them.

Once they're golden brown, let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, top your vegan egg roll bowl with as many crispy pieces as you want.

Top Tips

There's no need to remove all the moisture from the tofu, just remove the excess water. It cooks perfectly in the air fryer without too much fuss about the moisture.

I like to tear the tofu with my hands instead of cutting it. The rough edges give more texture when baked.

When air-frying tofu, ensure the pieces are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.No need to flip it over if you are air-frying it on a pedestal that allows the air to circulate.

Each air fryer is different. Just make sure to cook the tofu until light golden brown.

When sautéing garlic and ginger, keep a close eye as they can burn quickly, especially on high heat. Burnt garlic will bring a bitter taste to your dish. I cook them on medium-low to ensure I don't burn them.

Cook the bell peppers and coleslaw mix just until they're tender but still have a crunch. Overcooking will lead to a mushy texture, which you want to avoid.

Rinsing the rice before cooking can remove excess starch, leading to fluffier rice.

What if I Don't Have An Air Fryer?

The air fryer is preferred for its quicker and less greasy method, and it creates a great texture but is not essential.

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until it is brown and crispy. Once done, set the tofu aside.

Alternatively, bake in an oven at 350° F (175°C) until the tofu gets light golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. You will need to flip it halfway through for even browning.

Serving Suggestions

Serving up your vegan egg roll in a bowl is all about making it as appealing and tasty as possible, and it's super easy to do. Here are some ideas:

Garnish Galore: Sprinkle those toasted sesame seeds and peanuts generously on top. They not only add a delightful crunch but also make the dish look more gourmet. An additional scattering of thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, oniony bite.

Drizzle Some Sauce: If you're a fan of sauces, consider drizzling a light amount of teriyaki or soy sauce just before serving. Be careful not to add too much, as it will increase the saltiness.

Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or even some torn basil leaves can add a fresh, herby dimension to the dish.

Lime Wedges on the Side: Offering lime wedges on the side allows everyone to add a zesty, citrusy punch to their bowl.

Noodles: Toss it with cooked noodles instead of rice.

Spice it Up: Have chili oil, more sriracha, or chili garlic sauce available for those who love a spicy kick.

Variations

• Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Shiitake mushrooms would be particularly good.
• For added texture and freshness, throw in some bean sprouts towards the end of cooking.

FAQs

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