Egg Roll Stir Fry Recipe

Egg roll stir fry, often called “egg roll in a bowl,” is a quick, delicious, and low-carb dish inspired by the flavors of a classic egg roll—without the wrapper. Packed with ground meat, crunchy vegetables, and bold seasonings, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive into this simple, flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb ground pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (e.g., sambal oelek) or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha or chili oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sesame oil, then add the ground meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked and browned.
3. Remove the meat from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor (or drain excess if desired).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Add the coleslaw mix and purple cabbage (if using) to the skillet.
2. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly but still has some crunch.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Meat

1. Return the cooked meat to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and chili paste or red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve warm as-is for a low-carb meal or over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier option.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Serve this dish hot, optionally paired with steamed rice, fried rice, or zucchini noodles.
• For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of soy sauce or water if needed.

Helpful Notes

1. Protein Options: Ground pork is traditional, but chicken, turkey, beef, or even tofu crumbles work well.
2. Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, snap peas, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
3. Sauce Swap: Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten-free or soy-free options.
4. Spice Level: Adjust the chili paste or red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
5. Sweeter Flavor: If you prefer a sweeter stir fry, add 1 teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Jet Tila: “Always cook the meat first to develop flavor and make use of the rendered fat for your vegetables.”
• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overcook your cabbage. It should retain some crunch to mimic the texture of an egg roll.”
• Chef Ming Tsai: “For extra umami, add a splash of fish sauce or a small amount of oyster sauce when stirring in the meat.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat as a substitute for the ground meat, and ensure your sauces are vegan-friendly.

2. What is a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, but you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar.

3. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Thinly slice about 4 cups of fresh green cabbage and 1 cup of carrots to replace the mix.

4. How can I add more crunch?

Top the stir fry with crispy wonton strips or toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts.

5. What if I don’t like spice?

Skip the chili paste and red pepper flakes for a milder version.

6. Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for weekly meal prep. Pair it with rice or noodles and store in portioned containers.

7. How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?

Cook the cabbage on medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

8. What can I pair this dish with?

Egg roll stir fry pairs well with steamed dumplings, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.

10. What makes this dish taste like an egg roll?

The combination of ground meat, cabbage, soy sauce, and ginger mimics the savory filling of a classic egg roll.