I am so excited about this recipe. I can’t get enough of it and have made it MULTIPLE times across the last few weeks because it’s so quick and easy, packed with flavour, packed with vegetables… and the best part? My kids eat this with the same level of enthusiasm they have for a cheeseburger! The classic flavours of spring rolls work so well in these Spring Roll Bowls. Delicious pork or chicken mince, cabbage and bean sprouts are tossed in a pan before being piled high onto rice noodles. It’s what weeknight dinner dreams are made of when we need minimal washing up and as little fuss in the kitchen as possible.
Although I’ve chosen the vegetables that are classically found in spring rolls, this is a perfect “catch-all” dinner that allows you to use up any vegetables you have in your crisper, as they melt into the sauce so beautifully. Swap out the vegetables to suit your family’s tastes and trust me when I say the ingredients are simple but the flavours are BIG.
Recipe variations
Use pork or chicken mince for maximum flavour, although regular beef mince works too. Some great vegetable additions or substitutions are finely sliced zucchini, green beans, snow peas, baby corn, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower, Asian greens (bok choy, pak choy or choy sum) or water chestnuts. My preference is serving with vermicelli rice noodles, but I have also served this meal with plain steamed rice, thick rice noodles or egg noodles.
Storing leftovers
I absolutely love making a big batch of this to enjoy as quick lunches or as another dinner during the week. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How can I make this low-carb?
Amp up the vegetables by an additional two cups and serve the meal on its own, or serve with cauliflower rice.
PrintSpring Roll Bowl
The classic flavours of spring rolls… in a bowl! These quick and easy Spring Roll Bowls are packed with vegetables and come together so quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. Serves 4 with loads of leftovers!
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 250 g vermicelli rice noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tsp ginger, freshly minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 800 g pork mince/ground pork (can be substituted with chicken or regular beef mince)
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 2 spring onions/scallions, finely sliced, some reserved for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce (see note 1)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, see note 2)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the vermicelli rice noodles as per the packet instructions. I place the desired number of noodle bundles in a large bowl, cover with boiling water, stand for 5 minutes, drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes until the water has evaporated and the mushrooms have softened.
- Add the pork mince and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes, breaking it up as you go, until browned.
- Add the cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots and spring onions. Cook, stirring for 2 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the chicken stock, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes (see note 3).
- Divide the noodles between four bowls. Top with the pork mixture, the reserved spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Note 1 – The light soy sauce can be replaced with 1 teaspoon of tamari or regular soy sauce.
Note 2 – The oyster sauce gives the recipe a deeper depth of flavour but can be left out completely if preferred (there is no need to substitute it).
Note 3 – The meal may taste a little salty and the reason for this is that the vermicelli noodles are neutral in flavour and can take a good hit of salt. Once paired with the noodles, you’ll have the perfect balance of salty, savoury deliciousness.
Make ahead:
Prepare the vegetables ahead of time by washing and shredding the vegetables, ready for when you need them. Store your thoroughly dried, sliced veg in an airtight container or reusable sandwich bag to keep them fresher for longer. Store with a paper towel on top and bottom to absorb moisture.
Leftovers:
Refrigerate the pork mixture and noodles for up to 2 days in an airtight container (separately or combined). Reheat in the microwave. The meal can be eaten with the noodles hot or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: mains, budget friendly, quick and easy, one pan, freezer-friendly
- Method: stir-frying / sauteing
- Cuisine: Asian
Elise says:
This is a winner, my whole family LOVED this receipe, i usually base my weekly shop around all your recipes but this one particular has been on for the last 3 weeks 🩷
Geraldine says:
Careful with making 2x version. Way too much liquid 😕
Nicole says:
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Geraldine! The amount of liquid depends on the vegetables that are used and the pan used – A large, deep, heavy-based pan that retains heat is ideal for this one as it ensures all the extra moisture is cooked out. I hope that helps if you do try it again. Nic x
Kassie says:
Love this recipe!
Kacie Hunt says:
So good!! ❤️❤️❤️
Davis says:
delicious
Rayanna MacElveen says:
My whole family loved this. I subbed broccoli slaw for the mushrooms and it was delicious. Might add wonton strips for crunch next time.
Sue archer says:
I made this tonight really good very fresh and delicious 😋 you have really sparked my
love of cooking again thank you x
Sue says:
I will be making this tomorrow night sounds so good we are having the lemon chicken and potatoes again tonight delicious 😋 thanks again for your wonderful recipes need the book now in England xx
Alexa says:
Easy and yummy