If you love the irresistible flavors of classic takeout egg rolls but want a quicker, lighter dinner option, you are going to adore this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe. It brings all the satisfying crunch and savory goodness straight to your skillet, combining tender ground meat, crisp cabbage, and shredded carrots with a punchy, soy-based sauce. This dish is not only a breeze to make on busy weeknights but also delivers bold flavors and colorful textures in every bite — it truly feels like your favorite egg roll, without the fuss of wrapping or frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe is a joy because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a pivotal role, from the savory ground meat that forms the hearty base, to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and vibrancy.
- Ground meat (1 pound): Choose chicken, turkey, or pork for a tender, flavorful protein foundation.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for high-heat cooking without overpowering other flavors.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds a naturally sweet and aromatic depth.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Provides that essential pungent warmth and aroma.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle spicy freshness to the dish.
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced (1 medium head): Offers crunch and a mild, slightly peppery flavor.
- Carrots, shredded (2 medium): Adds a touch of sweetness and bright color.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Gives umami richness and salty depth.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Imparts a toasty, nutty note that’s signature to stir fries.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Balances the dish with a hint of tang.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a little heat for those who like it spicy.
- Green onions, sliced (2 for garnish): Provides a fresh, oniony crunch as a finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Adds extra texture and visual appeal.
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. Once the oil shimmers, add your ground meat of choice. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, stirring frequently until it’s fully browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep the final stir fry light and delicious.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen is filled with fragrant scents and the onions have softened just right. This step layers in that inviting aroma that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Stir them into the meat and aromatics, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal here is to soften the vegetables just enough so they are tender but still retain a satisfying crunch to contrast with the meat.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this flavorful mixture over the stir fry in your skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly so every morsel is coated in that perfect blend of salty, nutty, and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Final Simmer
Cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and intensify without overcooking the vegetables. This is the moment where everything comes together beautifully into that iconic egg roll taste in a skillet form.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh burst of flavor and visual charm. Serve your Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe immediately, ideally with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes such as sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are simple yet elevate both look and flavor. They add a crisp freshness and nuttiness that rounds out the savory stir fry perfectly. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a personalized twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with plain steamed jasmine rice, allowing the savory stir fry to shine. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad complements the meal with cool contrast and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe in colorful bowls topped with crushed wonton strips for added texture. Alternatively, pile it atop lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld wrap experience that’s playful and fun for gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Egg Roll Stir Fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner solution.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, this stir fry freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispness of the vegetables and evenly warm the meat. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent sogginess; a quick toss in the pan is all it takes.
FAQs
Can I use tofu instead of meat in this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Firm or extra-firm tofu works great when pressed, crumbled, and stir-fried. It soaks up the sauce beautifully while keeping the dish vegetarian and protein-packed.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe is mild by default, but the crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. Feel free to adjust or omit this ingredient to suit your preferred heat level.
What if I don’t have green cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional, but crisp Napa cabbage or even shredded kale can be substituted. Just keep in mind the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This small swap ensures the dish remains accessible without compromising flavor.
Can I meal prep this Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Prepare the stir fry and store it in portioned containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe that hits all the right notes without any of the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a comforting solo meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite — so go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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
Description
A quick and flavorful Egg Roll Stir Fry that combines ground meat with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce, delivering all the deliciousness of egg rolls without the wrapper. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, this stir fry is easy to prepare and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
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)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish
- 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 done, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onion softens, enhancing the overall flavor base.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still maintain a crisp texture, preserving freshness.
- Prepare Sauce and Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce evenly over the stir fry and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely and the sauce to slightly thicken for better coating on the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve hot on its own or with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives to make this dish vegetarian.
- For lower sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Adding a splash of water or broth during vegetable cooking can help soften cabbage if desired.
- This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
