Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving all the savory, crunchy, and comforting flavors of classic egg rolls but want to skip the deep-frying (and the extra work), this Egg Roll Stir Fry is your new go-to dinner! It’s a lightning-fast, one-pan meal loaded with juicy ground meat, crisp-tender veggies, and a crave-worthy sauce. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the best parts of your favorite takeout egg rolls—minus the wrapper, but with double the flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a cozy, fuss-free meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Roll Stir Fry comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one bringing something special to the dish. Fresh veggies add color and crunch, while the sauce ties everything together in that signature, savory egg roll flavor.
- Ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork): The hearty base of the stir fry, bringing lots of savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Vegetable oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the stir fry as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the whole skillet with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Grated ginger: Brings a bright, zesty kick that makes the whole dish pop.
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced: The star veggie, offering both crunch and classic egg roll taste.
- Carrots, shredded: Add vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and extra texture.
- Soy sauce: The umami-rich backbone of the sauce, tying everything together.
- Sesame oil: Adds that signature nutty aroma and depth you love in stir fry dishes.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle tang that keeps the flavors balanced and bright.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that makes the dish extra lively—add as much or as little as you like.
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish): A fresh finishing touch that adds color and a mild oniony bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): For a little extra crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground meat of choice—chicken, turkey, or pork—and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside. This step gives the Egg Roll Stir Fry its hearty, savory foundation.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it softens and starts to turn golden. Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. These aromatics are key to building layers of flavor in your stir fry.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, letting the veggies soften while keeping a bit of that essential crunch. The cabbage will shrink down and soak up all those amazing flavors, while the carrots add a pop of sweetness and color.
Step 4: Return the Meat & Add Sauce
Bring the cooked ground meat back into the skillet, then pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir everything together until the meat and veggies are evenly coated in the savory sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes—now your Egg Roll Stir Fry is ready to shine!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish by scattering sliced green onions and, if you like, a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. Serve the Egg Roll Stir Fry straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot for the best texture and flavor. Dig in and enjoy every forkful!
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions brings a fresh, bright flavor to your Egg Roll Stir Fry, while a handful of sesame seeds adds a little nuttiness and crunch. For extra color and zing, you might even add a drizzle of sriracha or a few ribbons of fresh cilantro on top—don’t be afraid to play with your favorite toppings!
Side Dishes
This stir fry is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy cauliflower rice, or even a bed of soba noodles. For a more traditional spin, pair it with a simple miso soup or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad—perfect for balancing the richness of the stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, party-ready twist, spoon the Egg Roll Stir Fry into lettuce cups or serve it as a filling for rice paper wraps. You can even top a bowl with a soft-boiled egg for a protein boost or wrap the mixture in tortillas for fusion-style “egg roll burritos.” Get creative and let everyone build their own bowl or wrap at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Egg Roll Stir Fry keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this stir fry for longer storage. Let the mixture cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first. You can also microwave portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steaming and ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I make Egg Roll Stir Fry vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. You’ll still get all the classic flavors and satisfying texture—just add the alternative after the veggies are cooked, and continue with the recipe as written.
What’s the best way to slice the cabbage for this dish?
For that perfect egg roll texture, use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. This helps it cook quickly and evenly, blending beautifully with the other ingredients.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, using a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great shortcut! It typically includes cabbage and carrots, so it saves you time on prep without sacrificing flavor or texture in your Egg Roll Stir Fry.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The crushed red pepper flakes add gentle heat, but the dish is easy to customize. Omit them for a milder version, or add extra if you love a little kick. You can also serve with chili oil or sriracha on the side for those who want more spice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos) and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the easiest, tastiest way to bring all the magic of egg rolls straight to your dinner table, no wrappers required! Give this Egg Roll Stir Fry a try and see just how simple and delicious weeknight cooking can be. I can’t wait for you to taste it!
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Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce inspired by classic egg roll flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that offers a satisfying crunch and rich taste without the hassle of deep-frying.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Cabbage and Carrots: Stir in the shredded carrots and thinly sliced cabbage. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened but retain a bit of crunch.
- Combine Meat and Sauce: Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative to make it vegetarian.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
- For extra texture, add chopped water chestnuts or bean sprouts with the vegetables.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
