Egg Roll Stir Fry

Egg Roll Stir Fry is a delightful and healthier take on the classic egg roll filling, packed with flavor and crunch without the deep frying. This dish combines ground meat, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings to create a satisfying stir fry that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty. With a balance of savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and a touch of rice vinegar for tang, this recipe captures all the flavors of an egg roll but in a lighter, more convenient form. The crispy cabbage and carrots provide a wonderful crunch, while the ground meat adds richness and protein. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a low-carb dinner option, this stir fry is versatile and can be served as-is or over rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: This stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
2. Healthy & Light: Unlike traditional egg rolls, this recipe is low in calories and doesn’t require frying, making it a much healthier option.
3. Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar gives the stir fry a rich, savory taste with just the right amount of tang.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the protein and veggies to your liking. Use chicken, turkey, or pork, and add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
5. One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making for easy cleanup and minimal fuss while still providing a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Ground meat (chicken, turkey, or pork)
• Vegetable oil
• Medium onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Grated ginger
• Green cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, shredded
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Different Protein: Feel free to swap the ground meat for your favorite protein—ground beef, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives.
• Add More Veggies: You can include other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to add more color and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or noodles and serve the stir fry as is for a low-carb meal.
• Make it Sweet: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3:

Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften but still retains some crunch.

Step 4:

Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5:

Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 6:

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re using a smaller pan, cook the meat in batches to ensure it gets nicely browned and doesn’t steam.
• Shred Your Veggies: Shredding the carrots and slicing the cabbage thinly will help them cook more quickly and evenly.
• Make It Ahead: This stir fry can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil to suit your taste, adding more for a stronger flavor.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat helps keep the veggies crisp and prevents them from becoming too soft or soggy.

How to Serve

Egg Roll Stir Fry is delicious served on its own for a low-carb meal, but it also pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete dish. You can also serve it with a side of crispy wonton chips or Asian-inspired pickles for a little extra crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover stir fry to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil if needed to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, heat the stir fry in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to help revive the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen veggies can be used as a substitute, though fresh vegetables will have a better texture and flavor.

2. Is it necessary to use sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with another oil if needed, though it will slightly change the flavor.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.

4. Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute napa cabbage or even bok choy for a different texture and flavor.

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Use tofu or tempeh in place of the meat for a vegetarian version of the stir fry.

6. Can I add more protein?

Absolutely! You can add extra ground meat or even hard-boiled eggs or shrimp for additional protein.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the stir fry can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well.

8. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

9. Can I add other sauces?

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Egg Roll Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional egg rolls, packed with savory goodness and plenty of crunch. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a lighter meal option, this stir fry is both satisfying and versatile. With its combination of savory soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, and fresh vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Print