One-Bowl Wonder: Egg Roll Bowl with Quinoa for Busy, Nourished Days

Guest recipe by Katie Salmon, The Pregnancy RD

Another quick and easy dinner meal or really any time of day meal. It comes together in under 30 minutes, uses minimal dishes, and checks every box: protein, fiber/veg, complex carbs, and flavor. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy fatigue, need a protein & veggie forward meal with gestational diabetes, postpartum recovery, or just a busy weeknight, this bowl delivers real nourishment without the fuss.

Nutrition Benefits for Pregnancy & Postpartum

🥚 Protein (ground chicken + quinoa)

• Pregnancy: Supports fetal growth and development while stabilizing blood sugar for sustained energy through each trimester
• Postpartum: Essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and hormone production. Fun fact: quinoa’s complete amino acid profile makes it a valuable plant-based boost alongside the chicken

🥬 Cabbage (cabbage slaw mix)

• Pregnancy: Packed with folate for proper neural tube development (prevention of neural tube defects), vitamin C to enhance iron absorption, and fiber to support digestion and blood sugar stability
• Postpartum: Supports collagen synthesis and tissue repair via vitamin C and keeps digestion moving during recovery

🌾 Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (quinoa)

• Pregnancy: Supporting fetal brain development, nerve function, and a healthy heart. It’s important to have plenty of thiamine throughout pregnancy to support increased fetal demands and replete maternal stores
• Postpartum: Require to build back maternal stores while also supplying baby’s needs via breastmilk for their own neurological health

🫚 Anti-Inflammatory Fats (sesame oil + ginger)

• Pregnancy: Sesame oil supports healthy fat intake for vitamin absorption while ginger has well-established evidence for reducing pregnancy nausea
• Postpartum: Reduces inflammation as your body recovers from delivery

The Recipe

Serves: 4 | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 bags cabbage slaw mix
• 2 cups cooked quinoa (already made)
• 3 tbsp Bragg’s liquid aminos
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 3–4 scallions, sliced
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of sesame oil. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, for 6–8 minutes until cooked through.
2. Add garlic directly to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add both bags of cabbage slaw mix to the skillet and toss to combine with the chicken. It will look like a lot, but it cooks down quickly.
4. Add Bragg’s liquid aminos, remaining sesame oil, and ginger powder. Toss everything together and cook for another 4–5 minutes over medium-high heat until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite. Keep the heat up and the pan uncovered so excess liquid evaporates and the sauce coats everything nicely.
5. Warm your pre-made quinoa (microwave works perfectly here) and add directly to the skillet, or serve as a base in each bowl and spoon the chicken and cabbage mixture on top.
6. Top with sliced scallions, a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce, and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately.

Notes & Swaps

• Spice level: Sriracha adds heat; chili garlic sauce adds heat plus texture and depth. Start small and adjust to taste, or skip entirely if cooking for little ones or managing pregnancy heartburn.
• Swap and/or add more protein: Ground turkey or ground pork work equally well here. You can also scramble and mix in a few eggs for additional protein. (Makes for a great breakfast option)
• Make it ahead: The chicken and cabbage mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep quinoa separate and reheat together for an easy postpartum meal prep win.
• Already made quinoa hack: Use a microwavable or frozen pouch of pre-cooked quinoa on nights when even that feels like too much. Be sure to remove the quinoa from the pouch and pour into a microwave safe bowl. Place a wet paper towel on top the quinoa for easy steaming and reheating.

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Laura Deutsch is a realtor who specializes in helping people relocate from the city to the suburbs of New Jersey.  Laura took the plunge herself from city to suburban living (not easy!) and is passionate about helping others do the same without all of the stress.  Finding the right town to call home is just as important as finding the perfect house, and that’s why Laura’s tailored approach ensures that you not only love your home, but also your new community.

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