If you love the crunchy, savory flavors of an egg roll but want a quicker, lighter meal that’s bursting with vibrant vegetables and hearty protein, this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is a total winner. It takes everything you adore about classic egg rolls—the savory ground meat, crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and aromatic seasonings—and transforms it into a colorful stir-fry that’s ready in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re craving something comforting after a long day or looking to impress family and friends with bold, Asian-inspired flavors, this dish brings it all in one skillet. Trust me, once you try this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe, it’ll become a regular go-to in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing crunch, umami, or aromatic warmth that makes every bite sing.
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork): Provides the hearty, protein-packed base with a mild flavor that soaks up all the seasonings beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying and giving everything a nice, even caramelized finish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory depth as it softens during cooking.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings an irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Gives a slight zing and warmth that complements the cabbage and meat.
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced: The star vegetable, offering crispness and freshness that balance the richness of the meat.
- 2 medium carrots, shredded: Adds vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, toasty flavor that’s classic in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the stir fry beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick of heat if you like your stir fry with some edge.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for freshness and a mild onion crunch.
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled over the finished dish.
How to Make Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground meat and let it cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Break it apart gently with a spoon as it cooks to ensure an even texture. When done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger to your skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and everything smells incredibly fragrant. This mix forms the aromatic base that will enliven the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Now it’s time for the star veggies. Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly so the vegetables stay tender with just the right amount of crunch. This balance keeps your Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe refreshing and satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the meat and veggie mixture, then stir thoroughly to coat everything. This step is what brings all the components together with that signature savory and tangy punch.
Step 5: Simmer to Meld Flavors
Let the stir fry cook for another 2 minutes on medium heat so that the flavors marry perfectly. This short simmer lets the sauce thicken slightly and cling to the ingredients, promising every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove your pan from the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds if you like. These garnishes not only look beautiful but add freshness and texture, making your Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe irresistible.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes really lift this dish. Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a burst of bright flavor, while toasted sesame seeds provide a slight nuttiness and aesthetic appeal. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime can also take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that keeps things light while still soaking up the tasty sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside egg drop soup or potstickers for an Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe inside lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held version. Spoon the stir fry into crispy wonton cups for party appetizers. Or pile it over cooked quinoa or noodles to vary up texture and presentation, making the dish feel fresh and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps well due to the hearty ingredients, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This stir fry freezes nicely, although the texture of cabbage may soften slightly after thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm up your stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This method keeps the veggies crispier than microwaving. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Just be mindful of their cooking times to keep the texture balanced.
What ground meat works best for this recipe?
Chicken, turkey, or pork all work wonderfully. Ground chicken or turkey keeps it lighter, while pork offers a bit more richness. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so you control the heat. Skip them for a milder dish or add more if you enjoy extra spice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Keep the cooking process the same, just make sure to cook the substitute properly before adding veggies.
What is the best way to prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?
Cook the cabbage on medium to medium-high heat and stir frequently, but don’t overcook. The goal is tender-crisp vegetables, so aim for about 5 to 7 minutes. High heat helps preserve freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate that you can throw together quickly any night of the week. It’s packed with so much flavor and texture that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy every bite and the smiles around your table!
Print
Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together ground meat, crisp vegetables, and savory Asian-inspired sauces. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, it blends the taste of classic egg roll fillings in a healthy, stir-fried form, offering a low-carb and delicious meal option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens, which adds depth of flavor.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring frequently, allowing the vegetables to become tender yet retain a pleasant crispness.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Pour this mixture over the stir fry and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors blend nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately, optionally with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with your choice of chicken, turkey, or pork based on preference.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes gradually.
- To keep it low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the meat to avoid greasiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
