As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

I love a good egg roll. Unfortunately they’re actually not that easy to find. I don’t like spring rolls, they’re soggy. I want a crispy ultra fried egg roll. Which is clearly not the healthiest option. So instead I offer you all of the flavor with none of the hesitation in this egg roll noodle bowl. This is an egg roll that can actually serve as a full meal.

For the rice noodles you’re going to want to find a thicker noodle, they’ll hold up much better. However, they do take some time to prepare. You will likely need to soak them for a few hours before you’re ready to prepare everything else. Just be mindful of the package directions for whichever kind you buy. And make sure that the only ingredients are rice! Many cheaper brands will sneak corn or potato starch in there and that will not be okay for your elimination diet! If you plan ahead to soak them they cook quite easily. Just a couple of minutes in a pot of boiling water and you’re ready to toss them into your dish.

The other thing I want to mention for this recipe is the fish sauce. I use fish sauce in most of my asian style recipes but many people feel intimidated by it. There is nothing to be afraid of with fish sauce except for using too much. I know it smells weird but don’t let that turn you off. A little fish sauce adds a ton of umami flavor to sauces. I only use 2 tsp in this whole dish but it really does make all the difference. You can find it at any asian market and most grocery stores but the specialty markets will have a larger selection. As always, make sure to look at the ingredients to make sure it’s not going to break your elimination diet.

A good fish sauce will only have a few simple ingredients and will actually contain fish, likely anchovies, sardines, or another abundant salty fish. There are some imitation ones but if you would like an umami sauce that is suitable for those who cannot or do not eat fish look for a mushroom sauce. This will provide a similar flavor profile and provide that umami boost that so many dishes need. Carefully look at the ingredients to find one without soy, this will likely require a trip to a specialty market.

What is fish sauce made of?

Traditional fish sauce is made of salted anchovies or sardines, and may be fermented for more than a year. Many cheaper brands of fish sauce may contain filler ingredients and preservatives such as potato or corn starches and MSG. In order to be as safe as possible for your elimination diet look for brands that only contain fish, salt, water, and sugar. This will also ensure that you have the best flavor for your egg roll noodle bowls.

What are coconut aminos?

Coconut aminos come from the sap of the coconut plant. They are a standard substitute for soy sauce in asian cuisine. My elimination diet recipes rely heavily on coconut to add fat, flavor, and cream to many ingredients. However, some people still do have allergies to coconuts and if you are eliminating coconut as part of eliminating tree nuts please confirm with your doctor before making anything with coconut aminos.

Coconut aminos have a rich flavor that substitutes well for soy sauce. The color is very similar and the texture is just slightly thicker. I actually prefer the consistency of coconut aminos to soy sauce. Use whichever one best fits your dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork
1/2 head cabbage
2 small carrots
8 green onions, chopped, white parts included
8 oz rice noodles prepared according to package (account for soaking time)
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce if able)
2 tsp fish sauce
1 tbsp + 1 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
salt to taste
toasted sesame seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

brown the ground pork and set aside
using a grater or food processor grate the cabbage and carrots
using the pork fat in the skillet, sautee the cabbage, carrots, and green onions over medium heat 7-10 minutes until the onions just start to brown or cabbage begins to stick
in a small bowl or measuring cup stir together the liquid ingredients and sugar for your sauce, taste it and add salt as needed
combine pork, veggies, prepared noodles, and sauce in the skillet
stir together over low heat until warmed through
serve warm topped with sesame seeds (optional)